Basketball Hoop Components

There is more to a basketball hoop than the net. basketball hoop systems are composed of many different parts. The more expensive basketball hoops will be made with premium components, while the less expensive basketball hoops will be made with low-quality parts. You honestly get what you pay for when it comes to purchasing basketball hoops.

THE COMPONENTS

Pole—The pole is more important to the game of basketball than one might think. If you purchase a basketball hoop with a low-quality pole, the whole unit can fall in on itself. Look for a Dura-coated steel pole. The pole should not have any bulky base plates or dangerous U-Bolts to trip over. It should be smooth and at least 6 inches square.

Internal Gear Drive—The internal gear drive is located on the pole. This what controls the pole’s height. It should be effortless to use with no actuators for your fingers to catch on. The internal gear drive should be made from stainless steel and last you a lifetime. A well-built gear system will not need any maintenance.

The Backboard—As you can imagine a premium backboard can coast you the game. There are four main types of backboards to choose from:

Acrylic—These backboards are commonly used in residential environments. Clear and sturdy, they are very popular forms of backboards. Some backboards are made from extruded acrylic, which is a cheaper form of acrylic. You can tell if a backboard is made from extruded acrylic due to its wavy appearance. Quality backboards made from cast acrylic will be thicker and have consistent rebound potential.
Glass—Used in indoor gymnasiums and competition basketball, glass has excellent ball response. During very aggressive play, glass has the potential to shatter.
Polycarbonate—Parks, playgrounds, and schools usually use backboards made from this material. Remember, the backboard is an integral part of the game. Do not pinch pennies when it comes to this component. You will be sorry when you play.

Upper and Lower Arms—The upper and lower arms are connected to the backboard. They should be made from Dura-Coated steel.

The Net—Again, do not overlook how important it is to the game to have a high-quality net. If you do not, the net could rip, shred, or simply become withered by excessive play or weather conditions. When you are looking for a premium net, look for one that is professional-grade.

The Rim—A heavy-duty rim is always a good buy. There are five different rims you can choose from, depending on your game play and location of play. Try to find a rim that is mounted to a steel plate, not the backboard. Here are some rim options—

Single Ring Static—This is the basic rim that will not give.
Double Rim Static—This is the strongest rim available. It will not give. Many schools and parks use these types of rims.
Heavy Duty Reflex—Used by residential consumers, this rim has a break-away style.
Bully Break-Away—This is a good rim for children because it will bend at 30 pounds. This means that when a child dunks the ball, the rim will bend.
Prep Break-Away—This is the rim used for competition. It will bend at 150 to 180 pounds on a spring.

Pads—Some people think pads are unnecessary, but we disagree. They are optional, so it is up to you to decide if you would like to have pads surrounding the pole.

Your basketball hoop is, in a way, a reflection of the way you and your friends play ball. Try to get a good product, and your basketball hoop will last you a forever.

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