I posted this in the 3on3 practices, but then realized it probably wont get the mass viewership i'm wanting to hopefully get some serious feedback, as I know there are MANY more seeing the topic page vs reading that thread. Anyhow.... I'm shopping for a portable right now. Shy of spending upwards of a grand, I'm not finding anything that I feel sound in. Either they are a nightmare to assemble, company regularly has missing parts, backboards warp and shatter after a year. Or the base isn't heavy enough to withstand winds(which is crucial where I live). I don't want to put a permanent in ground one because the patio isn't big enough to justify that for one and two, I may want to move it around on the patio depending on how often it is used. Ive checked reviews and done comparisons on Spalding, Lifetime at Amazon, Walmart and Big 5 and none of the hoops in the 100-500 range seem like they will meet my requirements. One I was looking at. Lots of poor reviews regarding quality and assembly. Even a $600 one has some grave reviews https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spalding-68564-54-Acrylic-Portable-Basketball-System/10994517 Has any one ever purchased and assembled a hoop for yourself or a friend? Curious of your experience/recommendations? I cant even afford the one above or this, however nice it would be, my wife would go ape shit. LOL I'm almost inclined to just wait for a couple more bonus checks and buy a high end expensive one like that last one, but even IT has a few poor reviews much the same issues as the others. Are the high end ones really worth the money? $8K for a portable hoop? ....... Is the difference really worth the money going from a $300 hoop to a $600 hoop? I'm sure there is a difference in this last hoop, but most of the others I posted look the same for the most part and I fear having the same wind/assembly issues.
I bought a 52 " Lifetime portable from Dicks a few years back. Adjustable from 8 to 10 ft. It had good reviews - cost about 500 but got it on sale. It was a bitch to put together but its held up really good. My boys are constantly playing dunk hoop on it and we have games weekly in the culdesac. Would recommend it if you're going portable on a budget. Hank
So for what its worth Ive played on hoops that were like 200 bucks from walmart and theyve been “fine”, Ive played on real hoops (like rose garden type hoops), they were great but for just screwing around, practicing, just give me a hoop and Im good. For what its worth I plan to buy a cheaper hoop this summer and upgrade in a few years.
I got one for my kids and me a few years back. I think it was $175 at Big 5. Been great so far! Adjustable height and heavy enough that it feels safe. Not sure how it’ll hold up if grown men are dunking on it, though.
I seriously thought when you mentioned this to @Hobbesarable yesterday that you meant you were buying one of those Fisher Price hoops, not an actual hoop.
Hell yeah. I used to have a portable. Lowered it to 7 feet and dunked the shit out if it. It was great.
Down here in Salem, most people just hit up the Midnight Basketball Hoop Supply. I see you have one up there....
Mine is really old but has lasted for my neighbors kids growing up then my son inherited it 20 years ago...the brand is worn off long ago but it's got a water tank on the bottom with a lid and wheels...well designed...can move it easily. Need to get it a new net and borrow my son's pressure washer and clean it up a bit. I recommend craigslist for those things. Don't spend big money on one....ping pong tables are the same...expensive out of the store and cheap on craigslist
Picking this up today! https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/spo/d/lake-oswego-lifetime-52-steel-framed/6926721382.html Ill wait until i have more long term plans for a hoop location to upgrade to a better one. For now this will do the trick and im excited to dink on everyone now!!!
