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Basketball is one of the most popular sports to play, but playing in school or in a league can cost time and money that not everyone has to spare. Plus, it’s more fun to play on your own schedule with siblings, neighbors, and other family members.
If you’re looking at getting a basketball hoop for your home, a portable basketball hoop is the best way to go. It can be assembled in under two hours, is mobile enough to be used in the driveway, backyard, or on the street, and is more affordable and convenient than a permanent hoop.
When purchasing a portable basketball hoop, there are a few things you need to know about them in order to make the right decision and not be disappointed by quality, durability, features, or ease-of-use.
To help you make a quick and informed decision, we’ve prepared a guide full of all the information you’ll need. Plus, we analyzed 20 products and considered 625 reviews over 32 hours to create a list of the best portable basketball hoops in Canada that suit every budget, requirement, and skill level.
Following our last update, we recommend the Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket for its adjustability, quality, and durability.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Decathlon!
Portable Basketball Hoop Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket
|
|
9.5/10 | See price on Decathlon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System
|
|
9.6/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket
|
|
9.0/10 | See price on Decathlon |
Our Pick for The Best Portable Basketball Hoop
Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket Review
The Best Overall
Tarmak
If basketball is your favourite sport and you want a hoop at home that will satisfy your performance and your budget expectations, our top pick is the right choice. The Tarmak B700 Pro basketball basket offers the right combination of quality and value.
Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket Video Review
What We Think of The Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket
The Tarmak B700 Pro basketball basket is a high-quality but affordable basketball hoop for more serious players who want higher-quality performance from their net. It has a 3mm thick Polycarbonate backboard that provides great rebound and durability. Despite its glass-like appearance, it is one of the most durable backboard materials and can withstand all types of weather.
This basketball hoop has a height range of about 8 ft to 10 ft, which is regulation height. Within this range, there are 7 height settings to choose from based on your height, skills, and desired challenge. The rim is durable and is designed with extra flexibility so that it can withstand the force of dunking without damage or breaking.
My son is delighted with his birthday gift. He’s only 12 but is a great basketball player and wants to play professionally one day. We’ve had this for about 4 months now and it is great. It was straightforward to build with instructions that were easy to follow. It is top heavy, so beware of that before you’ve filled it with sand. Very durable, well made basketball hoop.
valerie r.
The base of the basketball hoop holds 143 litres of sand or water, making it one of the most stable options out there since it holds more than most others. The dial height adjustment mechanism isn’t as user-friendly as some of the higher-end options like pneumatic or crank systems, but it is still simple to adjust single-handedly. Overall, there are no complaints regarding performance, quality, or value, though users will notice that the hoop is top-heavy and unstable until the base is adequately filled.
Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket Specifications
- Minimum Height: 8 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: 7
- Backboard: 3mm polycarbonate
- Base Capacity: 143 litres
- Weight: 116 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Polycarbonate backboard is shatterproof
- 7 height adjustment levels for more choice
- Large base capacity ensures optimal stability
- Flexing hoop for dunking
Cons
- Heavy even when not filled – more difficult to move around
Our Final Opinion about the Tarmak B700 Pro Basketball Basket
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Tarmak B700 Pro basketball hoop is a great choice for regular users who want a balance of performance and value. With special features for a better game experience, high durability, and excellent overall quality, every player will love using this hoop.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Portable Basketball Hoop
Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System Review
The Advanced Pick
Lifetime
If you’re a serious basketball player that wants to enjoy a high-quality game at home similar to that provided by a high-end hoop at a recreational facility, the Lifetime 1558 52-Inch portable basketball hoop system is the right choice for top performance.
Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System Video Review
What We Think of The Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System
The Lifetime portable basketball hoop system is a high-end option that provides the higher-level performance features that all serious basketball players will value. The backboard is a Makrolon polycarbonate that is shatterproof and incredibly durable against all weather conditions. The Slam It rim is a specially designed solid-steel rim that withstands the force of dunking and aggressive play. It even has double-compression springs for better flexibility and spring-back action.
The base of the hoop can be filled with up to 132 litres of either sand or water. Since this is a heavier hoop before filling, we recommend using sand since it is heavier than the same amount of water and will help prevent tip-overs of this top-heavy hoop. The base is equipped with two centered wheels for balanced mobility when needed, though you will still need help to move it safely.
This is great for adults and young basketball stars in the making. For the most part I was able to put this together myself, with my wife supporting a piece here and there when needed. I recommend taking a 2-L pop bottle, cut it in half, put the spout into the fill hole, and use that to pour your sand into the base to make it a lot easier. The rebound, height settings, and height adjustment is all really great.
ryan c.
The height adjustment mechanism is known as an action grip system. All you have to do is squeeze the trigger on the handle and lift the hoop up or down in 3-inch increments. This is one of the most user-friendly mechanisms available. An extended 5-year warranty covers manufacturer defects and speaks to the high-quality build of this Lifetime 52-inch portable basketball hoop system.
Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7.5 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: Adjustable
- Backboard: Makrolon polycarbonate
- Base Capacity: 132 litres
- Weight: 106 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Extra-large 52-inch shatterproof Polycarbonate backboard
- Extended 5-year warranty speaks to excellent quality
- Solid-steel Slam It rim with double compression springs for flexibility
- Action grip height adjustment mechanism
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 1558 52-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System
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
If you’re willing to splurge for top performance and quality, look no further than the Lifetime basketball hoop. This hoop is designed with high-quality, user-friendly features and characteristics for a professional basketball experience in your own driveway.
Our Budget Pick for a Portable Basketball Hoop
Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket Review
The Budget Pick
Tarmak
If you’d like to have the freedom to shoot hoops whenever you want at home but don’t have the budget for a high-end basketball hoop, this Tarmak B100 Easy basketball basket is a great budget-friendly option that will provide the basics with no frills.
What We Think of the Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket
The Tarmak B100 basketball basket is a low-budget option with simple features designed for casual players, beginners, or for kids who may not be sure about their love of the game just yet. The 32mm HD Polyethylene backboard offers medium bounce and is durable enough to withstand weather, sun, and a variety of temperatures.
The 46-litre base is on the small side, so it isn’t as stable or safe as the larger 100+ litre options on most other portable basketball hoops. That being said, there is a benefit to the smaller capacity. It won’t weigh as much when filled, so users will be able to move it when necessary without emptying it first. When you’re using a sand fill, this feature can be invaluable if you can’t store it where you can play on it.
This wasn’t quick to assemble but it was fairly straightforward, took about 1.5 hours with 2 people. We’ve enjoyed it for several months so far and are already seeing signs of rust, but it’s holding up well overall. The base is too wide for out back fence gate, so it’s stuck in the driveway permanently. I do wish it was a little more stable since my 6’3” husband has almost tipped it several times.
kate j.
The height range on this basketball hoop is a littler larger than average at roughly 7 ft to 10ft, or regulation height. There are 5 height options to choose from within this range, so every type of player will be able to find a comfortable rim height for their skill and size. Two wheels on the base offer more mobility while the tool-free adjustments make it more convenient to change the height for different players or improving skills.
Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: 5
- Backboard: 32mm HD polyethylene
- Base Capacity: 46 litres
- Weight: 81 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Affordable
- Great height range
- 2-year warranty
- Tool free adjustments
Cons
- Smaller base capacity is less stable
- Lower durability
Our Final Opinion About the Tarmak B100 Easy Basketball Basket
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though the quality and durability aren’t on par with higher-end options that have more robust materials and higher-grade mechanisms and construction, this Tarmak B100 basketball hoop is still a good choice for casual players that want an adjustable, portable basketball net for the home.
Alternative Products to Consider
Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop Review
The Indoor Pick
Tarmak
If you’re interested in a portable basketball hoop that can be used inside as well as outside, the Tarmak B100 Easy polycarbonate basketball hoop is the right choice thanks to its specialized design, adjustability, and mobility.
Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop Video Review
What We Think of the Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop
The Tarmak B100 easy polycarbonate basketball hoop is an affordable, mobile option that is suited to both indoor and outdoor use, depending on your conditions. Its lightweight body and small base make it indoor-friendly, but strong winds or dunk shots can tip it over, unlike most others with 100+ litres of capacity. However, the base is situated at the back of the frame rather than underneath it, so it is a bit sturdier than a smaller centered base would be since it counteracts weight applied to the front.
There are 5 height settings to choose from between the minimum 7.5-foot and maximum 10-foot heights. The Polycarbonate backboard is ideal for both performance and durability since it is virtually shatterproof, withstands all types of weather and wear-and-tear, and provides adequate rebound for more serious players.
This is a great basketball hoop for me and my kids. We stick with a 9-foot height to make it easier on all of us since we aren’t exactly pros, and it’s been a lot of fun so far. It was easy to put together, just a bit time consuming. It isn’t stable enough for dunking or anything like that, but I can move it pretty easily even when it’s full which was the main priority. I’m happy with the quality.
malcolm d.
The key feature of this Tarmak B100 basketball hoop is its mobility. With a lighter-weight structure, small base, and two front wheels for mobility, this basketball hoop is one of the easiest to move. If you’re the type who wants to protect your belongings as much as possible and plan on storing the basketball hoop whenever you’re not using it, this is the most user-friendly option for that purpose.
Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7.5 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: 5
- Backboard: 2mm polycarbonate
- Base Capacity: 46 litres
- Weight: 81.5 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 5 height options
- 2 front wheels offer good mobility
- Easy to assemble with two people
- Polycarbonate backboard offers good rebound and outstanding durability
Cons
- Small base capacity is not as stable
Our Final Opinion About the Tarmak B100 Easy Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall this a great well-rounded basketball hoop that is average in every way. Assembly isn’t too complicated, quality is ideal, durability is reasonable, performance is great, and the price is good. The only drawback to note is that the base holds significantly less than 95% of the competition.
Lifetime 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop Review
The Beginner-Friendly Pick
Lifetime
Beginners learning to play basketball hit the backboard more often than they get a basket, and chasing after your runaway basketballs quickly gets tiring and frustrating. If you want much less bounce, this Lifetime 44-inch portable basketball hoop with impact board is the right choice.
What We Think of The Lifetime 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop
This Lifetime portable basketball hoop has a 44” impact board that drastically reduces rebound, making it the right choice for beginners who miss their shots more often than not. The entry-level price is another perk in favour of beginners or younger players. The backboard also blocks the sun since it isn’t transparent like polycarbonate or tempered glass, so you’ll be able to shoot without being blinded.
The hoop can adjust from 7.5 feet to regulation 10 feet. It uses a telescoping height adjustment mechanism that uses 6-inch increments. the 18-inch rim is solid steel and highly durable. The entire structure of the hoop is all-weather resistant and can withstand things like heat, cold, sun, precipitation, high winds, and more.
It was a little hard to get sand into the base, but I think this would be the case on any basketball hoop. Very well made. The instructions were clear to follow, though it did take quite a while to get together. I bought this for my 9-year-old and am happy with how little bounce back there is when he hits the backboard. Great entry-level hoop.
jeannette y.
The base holds 122 litres of sand or water, making it incredibly stable no matter which fill you choose. A lengthy 5-year warranty speaks to the durability of all materials used as well as the safe, stable construction of the pole, base, backboard, and hoop. So long as you aren’t looking for a high-performance hoop for more aggressive play, you’ll find nothing wrong with this Lifetime basketball hoop.
Lifetime 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7.5 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: Adjustable in 6-inch increments
- Backboard: Impact board
- Base Capacity: 122 litres
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Telescoping height adjustment mechanism is user-friendly
- Impact board limits rebound for beginners
- Backboard blocks the sun more than glass and clear plastic backboards
- Lengthy warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for higher-skilled players who want rebound
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop
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, this is a wonderful choice for beginner players or those who will be using this hoop in residential areas with cars all around. There is little to no rebound, so more experienced players will be frustrated playing on this hoop, but the quality, durability, and price are all ideal.
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System Review
The Kid-Friendly Pick
SKLZ
If you have young kids in the family and you want to start them playing basketball early, a portable basketball hoop with a low height range is a must. For a kid-friendly basketball hoop, choose the SKLZ Pro mini hoop basketball system.
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System Video Review
What We Think of the SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System
The SKLZ Pro Mini hoop basketball system is the best choice for older children who have graduated from plastic hoops but aren’t ready for regulation heights. With a large height range of 3.5 to 7 feet, kids of all ages can play basketball successfully, and adults can even use it for some poolside action since it is the perfect height at its lowest height setting.
Built-in wheels and a lighter-weight frame make it easy to move back and forth whenever needed. The rim on the hoop is a spring-action breakaway hoop that allows kids to dunk without feat of breaking the rim, so long as they don’t hang off of it. The 33” x 23” polycarbonate backboard is shatterproof for safety and offers less rebound for a better playing experience for kids.
My kids are 6 and 9, so I needed a hoop that could be adjusted for both of them to play separately and together. Instructions were very clear; it took my only 90 minutes to set up on my own at a relaxed pace. Good build quality, easy to set up. It is very sturdy and should be adequate until my kids are ready for a regulation-sized net. My kids approve as well. I am happy and the price was right.
salam f.
This hoop comes with a 7” mini basketball perfect for smaller hands. At such an affordable price, it isn’t too surprising that the durability isn’t on par with higher-end, regulation portable basketball hoops, but its durability is geared toward the strength of children rather than adults. Overall, it offers great value and is the perfect stepping stone for older children and young teens.
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 3.5 ft
- Maximum Height: 7 ft
- Adjustment Levels: Adjustable
- Backboard: Polycarbonate
- Base Capacity: Not specified
- Weight: 35.5 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great heights for kids to play on
- Lower weight makes portability easier
- 5’ height ideal for pool-side play as well as junior players
- Built-in wheels
Cons
Cons
- Lower height doesn’t challenge adult players
- Lower durability
Our Final Opinion About the SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System
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
We’re pleased with the performance, versatility, and quality for the price. Though it isn’t suitable for adults, this is one of the best high-quality options for younger children not ready for regulation heights. Given the low price, the lower durability and effectiveness aren’t unexpected.
Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System Review
The Weather-Proof Pick
Lifetime
If you live in a climate with weather that changes every day, you need a basketball hoop designed to remain in great shape no matter what mother nature throws at it. For outstanding durability in the outdoors, choose the Lifetime 44-inch Pro Court adjustable portable basketball system.
Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System Video Review
What We Think of The Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System
The Lifetime Pro Court basketball hoop is a balanced product in every way. It is priced reasonably, has a balanced performance and durability ratio, and is fairly average in most aspects. It has a 44” Acrylic backboard that is virtually shatterproof. The high-density polyethylene material and 3-Piece steel pole are durable and weather resistant.
This hoop has a height range of 7.5-10 feet, so players of all ages and skill levels will find a suitable height. The telescoping height adjustment mechanism is easy for everyone to figure out and use regularly, so making adjustment for various players is not a chore. The adjustments increase in 6” increments between the minimum and maximum. The Classic rim is accented by an all-weather nylon net.
This is a quality product for the price. I’ve only had it for a couple of months, but so far so good. I suggest using sand instead of water for the base. It requires a bit of strength to get everything set up and into place properly during assembly, and you’ll definitely two or three people, but it didn’t take an unreasonable amount of time. The height adjustment is simple to use too which is great.
ashley g.
The base of the hoop holds 131 litres of water or sand, and this is enough to prevent tipping in every scenario. This is a good choice if you’ll be moving the hoop back and forth a lot since its starting weight is only 56 lbs, whereas many others weigh more than 100 lbs before filling. This hoop is backed by a generous 5-year warranty, though its focus on weather-proofing and durability ensure it will last much longer than that.
Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7.5 ft
- Maximum Height: 10 ft
- Adjustment Levels: 6” increments
- Backboard: Acrylic
- Base Capacity: 131 litres
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Lightweight before filling makes portability better
- Acrylic backboard is great for all types of players
- All-weather nylon net holds up against sun, precipitation, and more
- Telescoping height adjustment mechanism is easy to use
Cons
Cons
- Larger height adjustment increments offer less choice
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 44-Inch Pro Court Adjustable Portable Basketball System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is an all-around balanced product ideal for families. It is extremely durable against all types of weather and various play styles, so players of all skills will enjoy this hoop. This is one of the highest-quality hoops available at this price point, and we have no major complaints.
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 Portable Basketball Hoop
What’s the Difference Between Acrylic, Polyethylene, and Polycarbonate Backboards?
Polyethylene is also known as an impact (HDPE) board, and they’re ideal for beginners since they limit the rebound distance after missed shots so players don’t spend more time chasing runaway balls than playing. This material is fade resistant and highly-durable.
Polycarbonate backboards are the most popular since they are the most durably and are 99.9% shatterproof. Polycarbonate is another good choice for beginners since it also limits the rebound, but they’re popular among more experienced players since they are often reinforced withs teel for a higher level of performance and rebound, along with allowing a more competitive experience thanks to the better durability.
Acrylic backboards offer a balance between Polycarbonate and tempered glass. They are the balanced option between performance and durability. There is more rebound than impact or Polycarbonate boards, but they are more durable than tempered glass. Acrylic is a good choice for high-level players and has a near-glass look.
Tempered glass backboards are the most fragile, so they are the most affected by weather and need more protection from the elements than the other backboard types. They also require extra care during assembly since the glass can easily crack. Tempered glass backboards offer the best rebound, so they’re the ideal choice for high-level players, and they’re great for outdoor players who want to transfer to indoor recreational courts since they perform most similarly to those indoor hoops.
Should I Fill My Portable Basketball Hoop with Sand or Water?
There are pros and cons to both options, so let’s find out which one is best for your situation.
Sand is nearly 50% denser than water, so it is the better option for stability and safety against tipping. It won’t evaporate or freeze like water will, so you won’t have to refill in the summer and the base isn’t at risk of cracking in the winter. However, sand is more expensive and is much more difficult to fill and remove.
Water is the much cheaper and more convenient option since you can use your hose to fill it up in just a few minutes. It is simple to empty and refill whenever needed, so it is the right choice if you’ll need to move your hoop regularly. However, water will freeze and expand in the winter, or evaporate and require refilling in the summer months.
Can My Basketball Hoop Stay Outside in Winter?
Absolutely, but there are some precautions you can take to ensure it remains in tip-top shape. If the hoop will stay outside during the cold months, you should cover the hoop and net with a trash bag secured with duct tape to protect it. If you won’t be playing at all through the winter, you could also remove the hoop and net for indoor storage and leave the rest of the hoop outside.
If you have a tempered glass hoop, however, you should not leave it outside as the material is fragile and may crack. We also recommend filling your base with sand if it will be outside in freezing temperatures since water will freeze and could crack your base.
How to Properly Choose Your Portable Basketball Hoop
- Price.
Portable basketball hoops are both affordable and expensive depending on the brand, material, size, and overall quality you choose. The price range differs by the hundreds, sometimes by more than a thousand, so your requirements and wants will greatly affect how much you should expect to pay for the hoop. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or want the best hoop to play on, there are excellent options in every price range.
- Minimum and Maximum Height.
Each basketball hoop will have a different minimum and maximum height range. Regulation height is 10 feet, so we recommend choosing this as your maximum height if you want the most authentic game play, or are a higher-level player. If you’re not as skilled, the lower heights will be more important for you. Most hoops start at either 7.5 or 8 feet, though there are some hoops that are child-friendly that start at around 3-4 feet with a maximum of 7.5 or 8 feet. The incredibly short minimum height is also ideal for shooting hoops in a pool if this is something you’d like to do.
- Height Adjustment Settings.
The height of your basketball hoop greatly impacts your play, so it’s important that you have several options to choose from. Most basketball hoops have between 3 and 7 height settings, though some may have fully adjustable height mechanisms that offer a lot more variety. Usually, the adjustment settings will adjust in 3- or 6-inch increments that offer a certain number of options between your minimum and maximum heights. The more options the better, especially if kids and families will be playing on the same hoop and may require different heights depending on age and size.
- Height Adjustment System.
Depending on the brand and style of basketball hoop you choose, you’ll be using a different method to adjust the height. Some use a telescoping style, a trigger handle, a crank handle, the broomstick mechanism, or a pneumatic system. Some are more difficult to use than others, and each offers a different level of adjustability. Most are adjusted in increments, usually between 3 and 6 inches, but the pneumatic and crank systems offer infinite options.
- Backboard Material.
The best backboard material has long been debated, and there is still no one answer that everyone can agree on, but each option offers its own pros and cons. You’ll most likely be choosing between Polycarbonate, impact boards/Polyethylene, and acrylic backboards, but there’s also tempered glass, wood, other plastics, and more.
- Base Capacity.
When you buy a portable basketball hoop, you’ll have a base that can be filled with either water or sand to provide stability against play and weather. This prevents it from tipping over and causing injury, or from blowing away in the wind and causing property damage. Each portable hoop has a different capacity depending on the size, shape, and quality of the hoop, but most that reach the regulation 10 ft height will hold more than 100 litres of sand or water. The bigger the base is, the safer and more stable the hoop.
- Extension.
The extension of a basketball hoop, also known as the offset, is the distance from the pole to be backboard. If you’re playing according to regulation rules, the extension should be 4’. If you’re casually playing at home, this isn’t as important – it’s just meant to keep the pole away from the backboard so players can move freely underneath it without hitting the pole.
- Durability.
One of the key factors when considering durability of a basketball hoop is the pole. This is the main structure of the hoop and will most likely be a 2-3-piece set for a portable hoop. The diameter matters as well since the larger size is more durable for more aggressive play. The material of the backboard, the quality of the net, and the overall quality of construction all impact durability as well.
- Warranty.
Since your portable basketball hoop will most likely live outside year-round, its durability is important. A good product will have a longer warranty that speaks to quality and longevity. Most basketball hoops will be covered from manufacturer defects for 1-2 years, but many also have warranty periods of up to 5 years depending on the brand and price of the hoop.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of portable 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.
