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Playing basketball is one of the best ways for families to bond, get exercise, and compete good-naturedly. If you want a permanent structure but in-ground hoops are too intimidating or too much hassle, the mounted basketball hoop is the perfect compromise.
They install easily, can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, and are more affordable than the poled options. Mounted basketball hoops are your ticket to creating a perfectly-sized home court with a high-quality basket specific to your needs, skills, and indoor or outdoor play environment.
There are dozens and dozens of options out there, and the search can be overwhelming.
If you’ve been looking for the right mounted basketball hoop but you’re having trouble figuring out which features you want, what your budget should be, and what type of hoop you need, you’ve come to the right place.
After 20 hours of research analyzing 15 products and considering 675 reviews to find the best mounted basketball hoops in Canada, we’ve become experts. We are excited to help you find your dream mounted basketball hoop, and we’ll arm you with all the information you’ll need to make an informed choice.
Following our last update, we recommend the Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo for its durability, performance, and quality.
Our top pick Mounted Basketball Hoop in 2023
Overall, the Lifetime backboard-rim combo is all you’ll need for indoor and outdoor basketball fun. It is highly versatile as it can be mounted anywhere, has a thoughtful, high-quality design with durable materials, and offers the right mix of quality and value.
Pros:
- Acrylic fusion backboard is durable and lightweight
- Can be mounted on virtually any surface
- Rim has double-compression springs for flexibility
- All-weather net for outdoor use
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with mounting hardware
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo
- Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
- SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door
- Lifetime Slam-It Rim
- Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch
- UyuECCL Kids dream travel
- Silverback junior youth 33”
Mounted Basketball Hoop Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo
|
9,3
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Indoor Pick
|
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Ball, Standard (18 x 12 inches)
|
9,2
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
Lifetime Slam-It Rim
|
8,6
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Mounted Basketball Hoop
Presentation of the Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo
The Best Overall
Lifetime
If a combination of performance, durability, value, and quality sounds like the perfect mix, er have just the hoop for you. The Lifetime 44-inch backboard/rim combo delivers every necessary feature, plus a bit extra to deliver an all-around excellent product.
What We Think of The Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo
The Lifetime 44-inch backboard and rim combo is a great choice for a number of reasons. The inclusion of a backboard helps improve your game and protects your walls regardless of whether you choose to set it up inside or out. The Acrylic Fusion backboard provides enough rebound for a fun game of basketball, but not so much that you’re spending more time running after missed shots.
The size of the backboard is perfect for driveways, backyards, and indoor settings since it is large enough for bank shots but not so large that it won’t fit anywhere you’d like to put it. The all-weather net makes it more durable when withstanding outdoor weather, no matter your climate. The rim is a Slam It style that uses double-compression springs for flexibility when dunking. The low weight of the backboard makes it easily mounted by anyone no matter how high you’d like to set it.
This is exactly what I needed. It was an easy replacement for our old goal, so the fact that a mounting bracket isn’t included wasn’t an issue for me as it lined up with the brackets I already had. It took about an hour to take the old one down and put this one up. It feels sturdy and high-quality. My 16-year-old son is enjoying it so far.
sean p.
This backboard/rim combo can be installed just about anywhere, be it on your wall, roof, eave, or even a pole since it uses a universal mounting bracket for installation. Unfortunately, you will need to buy that bracket separately as it doesn’t come with its mounting kit. The backboard has a special bottom edge protection for added durability in case of player contact as well. A 5-year warranty guarantees your purchase in case of any manufacturer defects.
Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo Specifications
- Backboard Size: 44” x 30”
- Backboard Material: Acrylic
- Rim Type: Slam It
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Mount Surface: Wall, roof, 3.5-inch pole
- Mount Hardware Included: No
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Acrylic fusion backboard is durable and lightweight
- Can be mounted on virtually any surface
- Rim has double-compression springs for flexibility
- All-weather net for outdoor use
Cons
- Doesn’t come with mounting hardware
Our Final Opinion about the Lifetime 44-Inch Backboard/Rim Combo
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Lifetime backboard-rim combo is all you’ll need for indoor and outdoor basketball fun. It is highly versatile as it can be mounted anywhere, has a thoughtful, high-quality design with durable materials, and offers the right mix of quality and value.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Mounted Basketball Hoop
Presentation of the Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
The Advanced Choice
Silverback
If you’re looking for professional, competition quality in a mountable basketball hoop and are willing to splurge to get it, this Silverback NXT 54” wall mounted height-adjustable basketball hoop is the high-end choice you’ve been waiting for.
Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop Video Review
What We Think of The Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
The Silverback NXT basketball hoop is the most advanced on our list. Not only is it larger and made of materials that offer increased performance, it has a few special features that make it well worth spending a few extra bucks. This basketball hoop is height adjustable between 7.5’ and 10’ for players to customize their play experience without having to remove and re-install the board at a better height. An all-steel actuator makes adjustments simple.
This board is designed with Quick Play in mind, so it comes partially assembled to reduce your set-up time to 2 hours or less. Though you do get the mount, the mounting hardware is not included. The 54” backboard on this basketball hoop is Acrylic and large enough for more experienced players to enjoy. It offers a higher level of performance that matches higher skills and more aggressive game play.
I installed this hoop in my heated garage so that we can shoot hoops year-round. The rim doesn’t adjust to much over 8 ft because of my ceiling height, but it’s perfect for our purposes. I installed it completely by myself using two 2×6’s to wall studs 32” apart, then followed the instructions. I recommend at least 2 people for getting the backboard on since it’s pretty heavy and awkward.
james t.
The Breakaway rim on this hoop is designed to bend with players when they dunk aggressively, both protecting the backboard from breaking and keeping the player safe. A lock height adjustment is a helpful feature to ensure that the rim stays put where you’ve set it. The hoop is fairly heavy at 76 lbs, and it can’t be installed on a brick surface or façade. You will definitely need at least two people when mounting it, but the effort is worth it for top-tier performance and durability.
Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Backboard Size: 54” x 33”
- Backboard Material: Acrylic
- Rim Type: Breakaway
- Weight: 76 lbs
- Mount Surface: Wall
- Mount Hardware Included: No
- Warranty: 5 years
Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Height adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet
- Excellent build quality
- Wall mount included
- Larger backboard size for bigger play area
Cons
- Has a mount but the hardware is not included
Our Final Opinion about the Silverback NXT 54” Wall Mounted Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Silverback NXT height-adjustable basketball hoop is a great pick for people wanting a higher level of versatility, quality, and performance from a mounted hoop. if you’re willing and able to spend a little extra, you won’t regret choosing this high-performance option.
Our Indoor Pick for a Mounted Basketball Hoop
Presentation of the SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts
The Indoor Pick
SKLZ
If your kids love playing basketball and you want an option for inside when the weather sucks, the SKLZ Pro mini basketball hoop with slide-on door mounts is the right choice since it is designed for seamless mounting inside your home without leaving drill holes and damage behind.
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts Video Review
What We Think of the SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts
The SKLZ Pro mini basketball hoop is the perfect size for indoor basketball fun. Adults and kids alike will have fun with this hoop, though it is designed with younger players in mind. It is much smaller than your standard hoop with a backboard measuring only 18” by 12”. It also has a smaller 9” diameter rim that won’t accommodate normal-sized basketballs – junior basketballs work just fine, as will the included 5” Pro Mini Hoop basketball.
This is perhaps the simplest, fastest basketball hoop to install ever built. There are no brackets, screws, or other hardware required since it slides right on top of any door you have in your home. The door mounts are spaced for perfect balance and are slightly padded with foam to protect your doors from any damage that accrues when it’s played on. Since it isn’t screwed in, you will notice that it does have some movement which can make a slight “knock-knock” noise when the backboard hits the door.
I ordered this for my 4-year-old son who just got interested in basketball. I don’t use the basketball that came with it since it is hard rubber and I prefer he use a softer ball so my walls don’t get damaged. The net works great and he loves it. It fits his door perfectly and slid on in under two seconds. It is the perfect size for him, but my husband and older child both love playing on it too.
melanie d.
The backboard doesn’t offer much in the way of performance, but it does have a breakaway rim that allows younger players to start learning how to dunk without fear of breaking the rim. A great aspect of this mount is that it is installed and removed in only a couple seconds, and it leaves no mark behind. This makes it a great choice for renters as well.
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts Specifications
- Backboard Size: 18” x 12”
- Backboard Material: Polycarbonate
- Rim Type: Breakaway
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Mount Surface: Door
- Mount Hardware Included: Yes
- Warranty: 90 days
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great price
- Installs on any door in seconds
- Spring-action breakaway rim
- Comes with a 5” basketball
Cons
- Smaller size
- May not be able to close your door when installed
- Makes some noise with each shot when it bumps the door
Our Final Opinion About the SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Slide-on Door Mounts
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The SKLZ door-mounted basketball hoop is the best choice for indoor basketball fun since it is sized perfectly for house-safe games, is designed to mount and be used without damage to walls or doors, and is both small enough for youngsters and large enough for older players to enjoy equally.
Our Budget Pick for a Mounted Basketball Hoop
Presentation of the Lifetime Slam-It Rim
The Budget Pick
Lifetime
If you’re in the market for a basketball hoop that can be easily mounted on any outdoor wall but don’t want to spend too much, this entry-level Lifetime Slam-It rim is the right choice since it is a simple, basic option that gets straight to the point to save you money.
Lifetime Slam-It Rim Video Review
What We Think of the Lifetime Slam-It Rim
This is the first on our list that doesn’t include a backboard. The Lifetime Slam-It rim is intended to be a replacement rim for a portable or in-ground Lifetime basketball hoop system that has become damaged or broken. However, it can also be installed on a flat surface using it’s included hardware, so you’ll be able to quickly and easily throw it up on an indoor or outdoor surface.
Since it doesn’t come with a backboard, you may not want to use regular basketballs for fear of damaging the wall surface. It also won’t be great to play on without an accompanying backboard since a wall won’t provide the same rebound and performance as a dedicated playing surface like a backboard. If you’re looking to shoot hoops and play games like 21, a backboard may not be necessary and this is probably the right fit for you.
The rim on my Lifetime backboard is two decades old so it was time to replace it. It is a perfect fit! It installed in just a couple of minutes. I bought a second one for the neighbor and they drilled it directly into their back fence which is also working great for the kids to play in the pool. The price was right and it is nice and sturdy. I’m expecting to get at least another decade out of this hoop.
ian b.
Since it is a rim only, it is super easy to install by a single person since it weighs so little and is not bulky. We greatly appreciate that this rim comes with all necessary mounting hardware as this is not a common occurrence on mounted basketball hoops in general. The affordability of this rim makes it a good choice for casual players who don’t intend to play “real” basketball games and only want a hoop for shooting practice.
Lifetime Slam-It Rim Specifications
- Backboard Size: N/A
- Backboard Material: N/A
- Rim Type: Slam It
- Weight: 1 lb
- Mount Surface: Wall, backboard
- Mount Hardware Included: Yes
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime Slam-It Rim Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware
- Affordable price
- Can be used to replace an old rim
- Quick to install
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a backboard
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime Slam-It Rim
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 2.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Whether you need to replace a broken rim on a larger basketball system or want an affordable option for indoor or outdoor use, this Lifetime Slam-It rim is the right choice. It is designed for top performance, is easy to install anywhere, and is a more convenient option compared to full backboard/rim combinations.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch and Rim Combo
The Beginner’s Alternative
Lifetime
If you’re new to playing basketball and don’t want to spend 90% of your game time running after rebounded balls after you miss a shot, the Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch backboard and rim combo is the beginner-friendly option you need.
What We Think of the Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch and Rim Combo
The Lifetime impact basketball hoop is the best choice for beginners since the impact board greatly limits the rebound of any missed shots. This means you’ll have a much smaller playing area than an Acrylic, glass, or polycarbonate backboard since the ball won’t travel as far after hitting the backboard. This is a great feature for beginners, but experienced players will probably be frustrated if playing on this hoop.
The 44” size of the backboard makes the perfect play surface for backyard or driveway fun, and it’s durable enough to survive most outdoor weather events. The material is lightweight, making it easier to install than most other types of backboard/rim combos. That being said, you will need to plan ahead in terms of mounting hardware since the mounting kit is not included with the backboard and rim.
This is a good solution for youngsters to practice their technique. It does not come with a mounting bracket, but I was prepared for that and was ready with a fascia board to mount it on my garage. There is really limited bounce back off the backboard, so the ball really doesn’t go far at all when the kiddos miss their shots. Since we’re playing in our driveway on the road, this is ideal for us.
Terry p.
The Classic rim on this basketball hoop is more basic than the breakaway and Slam-It rims seen on other basketball hoops on our list, and it isn’t as flexible for dunking. We recommend staying away from the more aggressive game play to prevent damage to the rim. Overall, this is a high-quality choice for beginners who want slower game play while they improve their skills. It is not the right choice for seasoned players who want speed in their game.
Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch and Rim Combo Specifications
- Backboard Size: 44” x 30”
- Backboard Material: Impact
- Rim Type: Classic
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Mount Surface: Wall
- Mount Hardware Included: No
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch and Rim Combo Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- UV-protected ink for longer lifespan outdoors
- Great for beginners with little to no rebound
- Lengthy warranty
- Sturdy, high-quality rim
Cons
- Not ideal for normal game play
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 3832 Impact Basketball 44-Inch and Rim Combo
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is the ideal mounted basketball hoop for beginners since the backboard offers little rebound and the price is reasonable. Though it isn’t designed for advanced game play for experienced players, it is the right choice if you’re still learning and developing your skills.
Presentation of the UyuECCL Kids Dream Travel Basketball Rim
The Kids’ Alternative
UyuECCL
If you’re looking for a wall-mounted basketball hoop for your kids to enjoy, the expensive full-size options probably aren’t what you want. This UyuECCL Kids dream travel basketball rim is the affordable, teen-friendly basketball rim best suited to your needs.
What We Think of The UyuECCL Kids Dream Travel Basketball Rim
The Kids Dream travel basketball rim is another option that does not include a backboard. This rim is highly affordable, making it a great alternative to our budget pick if you want a rim only for your kids to play. This smaller hoop has a 12.6” diameter, making it the right choice for teens who are in between the junior and adult sizes.
This hoop does come with all necessary hardware, and it can be installed on a flat indoor or outdoor wall as well as on another basketball system that needs a rim replaced. This is a Classic rim, so it doesn’t have the same flexibility as a breakaway rim or a rim with springs that provide bounce and give under pressure. That being said, it is still highly durable as it’s made of alloy steel, so it can be used for aggressive play minus the dunking.
I used this rim for a temporary hoop for my 6-year-old. We have a portable basketball hoop, but it only goes down to 7.5 feet high which is too much for him. So, I installed a makeshift backboard onto the pole with some spare MDF I had laying around and have the rim at 5 feet right now. The smaller rim is fine for his junior-sized basketballs, and it was a great price for a temporary hoop.
david e.
The rim is simple to install with a couple of screws, and it will only take a few minutes. This is a huge plus in favour of this type of mounted basketball hoop over the backboard/rim combos. Again, the lack of a backboard will impact the performance of the hoop unless you’re using it as a rim replacement or are more interested in practicing your aim when shooting hoops than playing fast-paced basketball with friends or family.
UyuECCL Kids Dream Travel Basketball Rim Specifications
- Backboard Size: N/A
- Backboard Material: N/A
- Rim Type: Classic
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Mount Surface: Door, backboard
- Mount Hardware Included: Yes
UyuECCL Kids Dream Travel Basketball Rim Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very easy to install even by yourself
- Great for indoor or outdoor use
- Can be used as a replacement rim on other basketball system
- Affordable
Cons
- No backboard
Our Final Opinion About the UyuECCL Kids Dream Travel Basketball Rim
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 2.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though more limited in performance and versatility than the other options on our list, this kids’ basketball rim is an affordable, easily-installed option for youngsters to play basketball inside or out. So long as you don’t require a backboard, you won’t have any complaints with the quality and functionality of this simple basketball rim.
Presentation of the Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology
The Pole-Mount Alternative
Silverback
If you want a portable basketball hoop that you can bring along and attach to a tree, pole, post, fence, or any other vertical structure, the Silverback junior youth 33” basketball hoop with Lock n’ Rock technology is the right choice.
Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology Video Review
What We Think of the Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology
The Silverback Youth basketball hoop is one of our favourites, and it’s more unique than most on our list. This basketball hoop features a unique installation method called Lock n’ Rock that allows it to be mounted to most any square or round pole measuring between three and six inches across. It can be installed on a fence, deck post, tree, or any other kind of pole you could wish to play on.
Another fantastic feature not seen on other mounted basketball hoops is the fold-a-way rim. This style of rim can be flipped up to take up less room and make it more convenient to move around since the rim doesn’t stick out. This makes it a great choice for the clumsier people since you won’t risk accidental decapitation if you walk into it when you’re not paying attention. The rim is still the breakaway style so dunking is totally okay!
This hoop is exactly what I was looking for my young kids. We have a larger basketball hoop that my teenagers love, but my 5- and 4-year-olds aren’t big enough to reach even the lowest setting. So, we installed this one underneath the bigger hoop so they can play together too. It is so easy to take down when the older kids want to play so it’s never in the way.
kim w.
Since it mounts to a pole without drilling or screws, it’s a great option for renters or anyone else in temporary housing like a dorm that doesn’t allow permanent structures to be installed. The Acrylic backboard measures 33” across and 23.5” down, so it is sized for the younger players. However, adults will also find it suitable for some casual games. The durability and advanced features of this mounted basketball hoop make it a stellar choice no matter what your game style is.
Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology Specifications
- Backboard Size: 33” x 23.5”
- Backboard Material: Acrylic
- Rim Type: Fold-away
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Mount Surface: Pole
- Mount Hardware Included: Yes
- Warranty: 5 years
Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Quick to install and remove when needed
- Comes with all necessary mounting equipment
- Fold-away rim is unobtrusive when not being used
- Excellent quality
Cons
Cons
- More expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop with Lock n’ Rock Technology
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
We’re pleased by the quality, ease of setup and removal, and performance of this Silverback youth basketball hoop. Its more unique mounting method means it can be taken anywhere for basketball fun on the go, plus is renter-friendly since you won’t be drilling holes in anything.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Mounted Basketball Hoop
Why Choose a Mounted Basketball Hoop?
Wall-mounted basketball hoops deliver a few advantages over other systems. First, they are the most affordable option when compared to most portable hoops and all in-ground basketball hoops.
They are also more convenient when you have a smaller play area since they are often smaller than the portable and in-ground alternatives.
They offer superior stability compared to a portable hoop, and they don’t take up any ground area. This makes them more convenient if you’re playing in a driveway, for example, since you won’t have to move the hoop to make room for a vehicle.
Do I Need a Backboard or Can I Put a Rim Right on The Wall?
You can absolutely install a rim directly to the wall. Of course, the wall won’t provide the same level of performance that a backboard will, but the rim can be easily drilled into place on most indoor and outdoor surfaces.
If you’re installing a rim on an interior wall, we do recommend considering a foam ball to avoid wall damage. The benefit of installing a rim only is that it is lighter, easier, faster, and can be accomplished on your own rather than requiring a team of helpers.
What Surfaces Can You Mount a Basketball Hoop To?
Mounted basketball hoops can be installed on pretty much any solid surface.
Most don’t recommend installing on brick, but any other exterior surface should be okay as long as it is solid enough to support the weight of the hoop itself as well as the added pressures of the game.
If you’re placing it on an interior wall in your house or garage, we do recommend steering clear of windows to prevent a stray basketball from smashing through it.
Depending on the material you’re installing your hoop on, you may need additional hardware like an anchor. Installing the hoop to some plywood before putting it up on a wall may help provide more stability and strength as well, depending on your surface.
How to Properly Choose Your Mounted Basketball Hoop
- Price.
The good news is that mounted basketball hoops are the more affordable residential option compared to portable and in-ground systems.
However, they can still be quite the investment depending on the size, material, brand, and features you choose. The rim-only style is the most affordable, and you’re unlikely to spend more than $80 for a great rim.
The backboard/rim combos, which are the standard when buying a mounted basketball hoop, can vary in price greatly. The size and material of your backboard is the most defining characteristic when it comes to price, so choose wisely.
- Backboard/Rim Combo.
The backboard/rim combo is usually the right choice since it provides a proper rebound surface for basketballs and protects your home from damage if a player misses the net. However, they are also heavier and harder to install than a simple rim, not to mention more expensive.
Most casual and serious players will choose the backboard/rim combo 10/10 times, but the rim only style is a budget-friendly option if you want to shoot hoops and can’t afford to include a backboard.
- Backboard Material.
Backboards are available in a variety of materials including Impact Board, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, and Tempered Glass. It is unlikely to find a glass backboard on a mounted hoop, but the others are all quite common. Impact boards offer the littlest amount of rebound, so they’re usually only enjoyed by kids and novices.
Acrylic and polycarbonate offer similar performance, durability, and game play, so most people will be happy with either material.
- Backboard Size.
The size of the backboard determines your play area. The standard for basketball hoops is usually 54”, but mounted hoops are often smaller, ranging anywhere from 18” to 54”.
For normal game play when mounted outdoors, we recommend at least 44” to ensure you can perform bank shots and have a large enough play area for a small group of players. If you’re looking at indoor placement, 18” to 34” is more ideal since your play area is very limited.
- Rim Type.
There are multiple rim types available on a mounted basketball hoop. The simplest is the Classic rim, which is your basic steel structure with hooks for the net. It doesn’t have any added performance features.
The Breakaway and Slam It rims have advanced flexibility, often with additional vertical or horizontal springs, that add movement and give when pressure is applied.
This is the preferred rim for most serious players since they allow for dunking and can handle more aggressive play.
- Compatible Mount Surfaces.
When choosing a mounted basketball hoop, where you’ll be installing it is one of the most important considerations. Will it be on your garage? Above your driveway? Inside your home? In your backyard? A tree?
All of these are possible with the right mounting equipment, but not all basketball hoops can be mounted on all surfaces.
Some are designed for poles while others can only be mounted on a wall. Make sure you know where your hoop is going before choosing one to be sure that it can be mounted in its intended location.
- Warranty.
Mounted basketball hoops almost always come with a 5-year warranty since they are designed to be incredibly durable. The tough materials are meant to withstand all types of weather as well as aggressive game play, so they are pretty much guaranteed to last for a decade or more when treated properly. Indoor options may have a much smaller coverage period, but most outdoor hoops will be covered for 5 years.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of mounted basketball hoops allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
