Pros
No installation, portable, polycarbonate backboard, space efficient, affordable, brand
Cons
Stability, durability, small backboard, increment adjustment, base prone to leaking
Overall Rating
The Spalding 72354 is an entry-level portable basketball system designed primarily for children and amateur players. It features a 48-inch polycarbonate backboard. The height adjustment ranges from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments using the Pro glide lift mechanism. The 37-gallon capacity base can be filled with either water or sand. The 3.5″ round pole comes in 3 sections. The breakaway rim consists of 5/8″ steel. The 72354 is backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
What To Like
- No installation. While the hoop requires assembly, it won’t have to be installed on a wall or in the ground. Installations can require a lot of time, energy, and resources.
- Moveable. It can be transported or moved to various parts of your property if necessary. If for instance you live in a court, then you can move it out onto the street to take advantage of all the space.
- Polycarbonate backboard. It’s stronger than acrylic, and therefore not as likely to break due to rough play or dunking. As long as you aren’t too rough with it, there’s no reason why it won’t last as long as you need it to. I would not recommend hanging on the rim.
- Space efficient. This size is well suited for a one-car driveway. It’s also lightweight for a portable, so moving it shouldn’t be too much trouble.
- Breakaway rim. It’s not heavy-duty by any means, but it has some give so the backboard doesn’t break when dunking.
- Brand. Spalding is a reputable brand, they are known for quality and providing good customer service. The 5-year limited warranty is more than adequate.
- Affordable. Priced around $300, this hoop is affordable for the average family.
- 5-year limited warranty. If the backboard or any part of the hoop should begin breaking down, then Spalding will send replacements.
What Not To Like
- Stability. Portable hoops naturally lack stability, particularly entry-level models because they are lightweight.
- 48″ backboard. It’s on the small side, as it’s not really big enough for a 2-car driveway. It makes it harder to shoot bank shots. Numerous customers also noted that the backboard is pretty thin, which makes it a bit more susceptible to damage, plus it doesn’t play quite as well.
- Durability. If it’s primarily used for shooting/playing purposes, then it should be fine. Children can dunk on it as long as they don’t hang on the rim. But this hoop naturally isn’t going to be as durable because the pole and backboard aren’t as strong.
- Adjustable in increments. The more expensive hoops adjust infinitely, which means you can change the height anywhere between 7.5 to 10 feet. This hoop adjusts in 6-inch increments, so it’s a bit more limited in this area.
- Leaky base. All portable hoops have a base, and the entry-level ones in particular seem to be prone to leaking. They aren’t usually made with strong materials.
Summary
The Spalding 72354 is built for children and families who want to play games together. It’s not ideal for adults, but they could still play on it as long as they aren’t rough with it. The hoop is made by a good brand, it takes up little space, can be moved around, and is affordable. It’s not the most sturdy or durable, so I wouldn’t expect it to last forever. But if you are looking for an affordable hoop for your children, it’s one to consider.
If you want a slightly less expensive hoop with similar characteristics, check out the Lifetime Complete Portable Basketball System
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