Replacing A Backboard Of Portable Basketball Hoop

Although basketball backboards are generally resilient, unfortunately, they are still prone to damage or breakage caused either from falling caused by accidents or bad weather or any other eventualities.

When this happens, do not make any hasty decisions to change or your entire portable basketball system or try to repair without proper enquiries about the specification of your portable backboard so that you will not waste money, or have to go through the stress of returning a product, waiting for a refund and any other activity that is bound to frustrate you.

Contrary to popular belief, a Spalding backboard may not fit for a Lifetime hoop, because—I mean, come on—they aren’t compatible. Manufactures of basketball equipment do not produce the parts of their products to be used by another manufacturer. They are different products made with different designs and fittings. However, when trying to replace a backboard, one major thing to consider is the mounting brackets.

When replacing a backboard, you will most certainly have to consider the mounting brackets on your system first as the mounting brackets on the backboard of a 52-inch Spalding system will differ from that of another 52-inch Spalding system, so you cannot safely purchase a backboard based on the size of the backboard alone.

A safer bet is to find out the mounting bracket model number and buy the backboard that fits that model number. Do not purchase a backboard on decisions based solely on how it looks online. If you are unsure of the model number of your mounting bracket, it is advisable that you hold off on buying that new backboard until you are sure.

In any case, you can always call your basketball system manufacturer to confirm the compatibility of the backboard you want to purchase with your current portable basketball goal.

Types of Portable Basketball Systems Backboards

• Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the most common backboard that you see on less expensive basketball hoops. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is rigid and is quite capable of resisting bad weather.

When using a polycarbonate backboard, however, the basketball does not come off the board with as much force for a possible rebound. However, for someone who used his basketball system for not more than a source of recreation, a polycarbonate backboard will be just fine.

• Acrylic

So many hoops come with an acrylic backboard. Acrylic backboards are made from thermoplastic acrylic, and they last longer and will generally perform better than their polycarbonate counterparts. Its quality and durability are unquestionable and unlike the polycarbonate backboards, and as a plus, it is very effective for achieving a rebound as it bounces the ball back gracefully, with just about the same force as it receives it.

• Tempered Glass

Currently, tempered glass proves to be the best material of backboards and is used in most gyms across the country. Needless to say, it is also one of the most expensive backboards there is. It is commonly used amongst advanced players who are very serious about their game and intend to spend time practicing to perfect their skills and gameplay.

However, because of their material of production, tempered glass backboards are far less durable than their polycarbonate and acrylic counterparts. This means that if your portable basketball system should mistakenly tip over during strong wind or any other form of bad weather, then the glass could shatter.