Considering the fact that there are tons of brands and companies that claim to provide best freestanding basketball hoops, we at times feel trapped. Yes, trapped because we aren’t sure which is the best and which are just hoax, nothing else! To save you all from such feeling and to relax you while making the decision for our purchase, we have sorted the list of the best 05 freestanding goals.
These are best in every sense – quality, material, portability, durability, and above all “performance”.
In this article we have invested major time in using and checking the items out. So that we don’t happen to recommend a goal or hoop that is not worthy enough.
What we know about these hoops is that they all have some basic grounds – they all are portable, anyone can use them (noob, rookie, or a pro), and they all come from best and most famous manufacturing companies.
Let’s check their features, pros, cons, and some fun facts separately.
Quick Overview
- Best Overall: Spalding The Beast
- Best Budget: Spalding NBA System
- Editor’s Choice: Silverback NXT
- Easy to Assemble: Lifetime System
- Best Value: Spalding Hercules
Top Rated Freestanding Basketball Goals
1. Spalding The Beast –
Spalding The Beast is one of those goals which tend to give everything – performance, quality, and excellence in learning the sport. With the kind of mobility, it delivers and how it hits back the force is something that makes it “The Beast”. Furthermore, it has tempered glass which reveals the fact that it is meant for professionals and those who are in the practicing mode to keep up with the drills. More than fifty gallons of water is easily filled in the base which stables the portability of the goal. Stability is also because there are four struts that that mounted on the base. When it comes to the right fit, we know it is the one for most of those who are wanting to practice at the garage or driveway of the home.
Features
Most of the reasons for picking this system are based on the features. Some of them are mentioned here to validate the stance.
Sturdy Rim
The rim of Spalding The Beast is made up of robust steel which has the potential to handle different kinds of moves and dunks. Player feels free and can move around with perfect aim to hit the goal. This feature makes the player carefree. Professionals think this is one of those features that can beat other hoops which doesn’t have an awesome rim.
Adjustability of Height
The Beast is all about performance which means this hoop gives multiple options for height. Yes, height can be adjusted according to the needs and requirements of the player. However, when it comes to poles, there are 2 pieces of a steel pole with 5 inches in width each.
Dimensions and Sizes
Sizes and dimensions tell if it is worth the purchase or not. Well, here are the dimensions for this product. the size of the backboard is 60 inches. Precisely 55 gallons of the base is there to maintain stability. And most importantly, height varies between 7.5 feet and 10 feet.
Backboard – Tempered Glass
High-end quality tempered glass is used for the backboard. This means it gives rebound efficiency that is required by the player. In case you are looking for a hoop that gives the best throwbacks then believe the athletes and go for this product.
Quiet yet Excellent in Performance
Other than the features like it has the best performance impact, it also is best for another reason – it doesn’t shake or rattle like cheap products. It means you can play around with it and the hoop will not make noise. It stays quietly where it is without any fazing.
Pros
• Portability is easy and less frustrating
• Stability is assured by the base with 50+ gallon holding
• Excellent for residential use
• Contains breakaway rim
• The backboard is of tempered glass
Cons
• Not so easy to assemble
• Backboard can’t be mounted by one person
2. Spalding NBA System –
Unlike Spalding The Beast, Spalding 54 Inch NBA System is made up of acrylic. This is one of those best portable or freestanding hoops which tend to become the best replacement of the old-fashioned square goals, that are mostly mounted on the walls. This system is recommended by professionals and seasoned players because all that it offers is just amazing. For example, it is a heavy-duty hoop with a breakaway rim. Also, it is suitable for all those who want to practice at home; obviously outside the house in the garage or driveway. It is important to check out features, pros, and cons to check if this is meant for you! Let’s check those out…
Features
Following are some of the main features of this goal. Let’s check them out.
Clear Backboard
Since the backboard is made up of clear acrylic tempered glass, the vision of the player is pretty neat. What does it mean? Well, in simple words, a clear acrylic backboard allows the player to see what is coming from the back and other directions. Also, the backboard is amplified as in padded with a 1” steel frame.
Stability and Durability
Players who tend to move around quickly and faster are recommended to opt for this product. The question is what actually makes it stable? The answer is simple: 19 gallons of the base. So, the right fit of base plays a vital role in the stability which directly or indirectly leaves an impact on performance.
Height Adjustability
Just like other hoops on the list, this one too offers height adjustments. The shortest height of the Spalding NBA System is fixated at 7.5 feet. However, if someone taller wants to use this system, he/she can increase the height to 10 feet. In either situation, it calls for the essence of basketball.
Gallons of Water in Base
It is said that in 19 gallons of the base, the system can hold up to 200 lbs. of gravel. Water is not recommended for filling and there are many reasons attached to it.
Dimensions and Weight
When it comes to weight, the Spalding NBA System weighs 190 pounds. Dimensions are 54” x 35” x 19” which makes it reasonable for assembling, dissembling, and portability.
Pros
• Easily used up to 6 years
• Rust resistant
• Ultraviolet rays protect color
• Rim is 18” in diameter
• Good for adults and kids
• Meant for aggressive players
Cons
• More space is required
• Can’t be mounted easily
3. Silverback NXT –
Silverback NXT is recommended by professionals and is for mavens of the field. Just like the previous products, this one too has quiet and un-rattling systems. There are two sizes in the backboard – 50” and 54”. Besides that, this has the best hoop in regard to the comfort it provides during assembling the system. What else makes it best among the rest are rebound effect, stability, durability, and advanced strength. In addition, this product is pretty robust mainly because manufacturers thought of providing a maximum level of overall strength to the players. Last but not least, it is not just the pole but also the base that is made up of high-quality steel.
Features
Enlisted below are some of the main features that determine Silverback NXT as the best basketball system. Let’s check them out.
Distribution of Weight
The product is designed in such a manner that the weight is equally distributed on all sides and corners. Because of uniformity in weight dissemination, Silverback NXT is easily portable.
Quickest Assembling
It takes lesser time to assemble (precisely 90 minutes). The reason is simple though – some parts are assembled beforehand.
Wheels on the Base
Since there are wheels on the system’s base it gets convenient for the player to take it from one place to another.
Stabili-Frame Tech-Based System
Because of the Stabili-Frame tech system, Silverback NXT has reduced vibration and high-level strength.
Right Fit for Aggressive Players
Silver NXT is best for those who want to practice aggressively within the premises of the home.
Pros
• Height is adjustable
• Easiest assembling of system
• 25 gallons of filling on the base
• Least vibration
• Polycarbonate backboard
• Sturdy and robust
Cons
• Hoop swings in the wind
4. Lifetime Portable Basketball System
Freestanding basketball systems that are recommended for multiple players. It is because the height is adjustable and it is easy to assemble or move around. Another reason why this product is included in the article is that the quality of the system is amazing. It is made out of polycarbonate and can contain up to twenty-seven gallons of sand or water.
When it comes to assembling the system, it may take up to two hours. However, the procedure of building it is quite easy to follow. Lifetime Portable Basketball System is durable and long-lasting. This is why we recommend it for kid’s use too. If you want to buy a system that comes with anti-rustic features, then this could be your choice.
Features
We have mentioned some of the most acclaimed and reviewed features from the users. Let’s take a look at it.
Height Adjustability
Height is adjusted according to the need. Yes, the lowest height is 7.5 feet and it can go up to 10 feet easily. That is why it is easy to aim at the goal.
Easy to Assemble
Comparatively, it may take a longer time to assemble the system (around two hours) but there is a catch! There is a manual and instruction booklet which makes it easier to assemble.
Shatterproof Polycarbonate backboard
The backboard is made up of polycarbonate that enables players to play profoundly without any risk of getting hurt.
Dimensions and Sizes
Rim is fixed and the base can contain 27 gallons of sand. When it comes to the size of the backboard it is 44 inches.
Pros
• Color is protected by UV rays
• Adjustable height
• Easy to assemble
• Portable and durable
• Wheels on the base
Cons
• Not recommended for older kids
• Instructions might not suffice the need
5. Spalding Hercules –
Last but not least, we have Spalding Hercules on our list. This product has the ability to unleash a beast in the player that could turn a driveway or garage into an arena. Also, it is meant for competitive games because all that it offers is way too good. The backboard is made up of acrylic that lets the game interesting (because it has faster and quicker rebounds). Furthermore, Spalding Hercules can be adjusted in height, has three pieces of 3.5 inches steel poles, and provides fortification against body damages and injuries. When it comes to dimensions they are fixed to 50 inches x 32 inches x 3.5 mm (for the backboard). It weighs only 99.2 lbs. which makes it easier to move around.
Features
Features that make Spalding Hercules unique in its way are mentioned below.
Height Increments
Height is adjustable. It ranges between 7.5 feet and 10 feet with 6 inches increments.
Two Color Schemes
Spalding Hercules comes in two different themes – a black system with a green base and a black body with a blue base.
Maximum Durability
For top-notch durability and excellence in performance, the backboard is constructed out of acrylic material.
Larger Base
The base of this goal is comparatively bigger – 39 gallons. It is so that the hoop or the goal can stay in one place.
Pros
• The backboard has padding for safety
• Polycarbonate material used
• 16 inches offset
• A frame of the backboard is of steel
• Two wheels on the base
Cons
• Assembling can be daunting
buying Guide
First thing first, you need to understand the right choice for your hoop. However, what to know and shouldn’t be given importance is pretty taxing on the mind. This is why we have put all the necessary factors which a basketball hoop must possess. Let’s delve into these factors and discuss them in length.
The durability
Mainly this is the first factor to look into. Reason for it is simple: it determines the usage, space you have in the garage or driveway, and affordability. Based on all these aspects you can pick the best basketball hoop.
Who is using the basketball hoop is the main question. In case it is you, an adult who is making use of it, we would recommend opting for a robust make; something that gives more stability to the goal. So much so that even if you hang on it to make an impact on goal, it doesn’t make you suspicious of the fall. However, if it is meant for a kid, we would say to go for a simple portable basketball hoop. A goal that is not heavy is always suggested.
Another question that you must answer is, how much can you afford. Based on the answer you can either select Hurricane, Thunder, and Storm because the quality is unparalleled and comes with an excellent warranty.
Adjustability – Height and Mechanism
Another question that must be answered in order to get the best basketball backboard system is, what is the adjustability of the goal I am about to purchase? Knowing that it is always about two key points, height, and functionality, we can’t ignore either of these two. Being an adult, you must bear in mind that the adjustability of height is based on the height, size, and most importantly age of the person. Customized hoops are the best ones to buy as you can fix the height as per need. Height adjustments must be around 10 feet. However, the rim’s height shouldn’t be less than 5 ½ feet.
The mechanism or functionality of the goal is another factor to remember. This means it is important to know whether you will be needing extra tools to fix the height or not. Basketball hoops or goals that don’t require extra tools are what we most recommend.
Collapsibility and Portability
The basic difference between in-ground goals and these hoops is that in-ground ones can’t move from one place to another. Whereas, freestanding or portable ones can move around. However, there is a misconception around it – portability of freestanding goals is easy and it doesn’t take time to assemble the system. It is not the case because it takes the same amount of time to build it from the scratch every time. In cases where you want to keep everything super smooth and easy to install, you better buy a system that is easily assembled outside in your driveway or garage. Finding the system which is easily portable should be the right one for your needs.
Backboard – Everything About it!
What you have to consider regarding the backboard? Well, there are mainly two factors to keep in consideration when it comes to the backboard of a basketball goal – material used and the size or dimensions of the backboard.
When it comes to the size of the backboard professionals recommend getting a 72 inches board. This is the perfect size for college use. However, other sizes available readily include 60 inches, 42 inches, 54 inches, and 44 inches backboard. Coaches and seasoned players suggest buying anything between 40- and 60-inches backboard for home use.
Acrylic, tempered glass, and glass boards are mainly used in the making of a backboard. Acrylic is best for indoor use; however, it is not robust. Tempered glass is more durable and considered best for school gyms. Glass backboard is another option you can choose from. It is used by competitive leagues. In cases in which you want to increase playability, then tempered glass is the best option.
Poles and Rims – Why are they Important?
Poles are of various sizes – 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. Poles with thicker sizes are more stability and the support they offer is heavier than that of other sizes. 6-inch poles are best for a 72” x 42” backboard that has a 4 feet overhang. Padding for the poles is equally important. Mainly because it keeps the aggressive players protected.
Rim is another essential factor to look into. Mostly rims are 15 inches above the ground and are 18” in diameter with 5/8” thickness. They come in two kinds – breakaways and fixed. The breakaway rim is loaded with spring and gives flexibility. However, fixed rims are fastened to the rim directly. If you are not into hanging yourself on the rim, then this one is the best to go for.
Last Verdict –
We assume that you by now have gone through all 05 best freestanding basketball hoops and have decided which is appropriate for the use. Knowing that these are the best in market for outdoor use, we would like to know which one did you opt and why. Best of luck for the purchase!
I have been playing basketball for more than a decade now, and my passion and enthusiasm for it drove me to write about it. I am Ahmed, a professional basketball player and a fan who has now become a writer to help fellow basketball players and enthusiasts to opt for the best possible basketball accessories and essentials. Stay tuned to feast yourself with the content you might not have seen anywhere else.