Basketball Hoops with Tempered-Glass Backboard or Acrylic Backboard – Which Is the Better Choice?

The backboard is a crucial part of basketball hoops. Whether you plan to install an in-ground, wall-mounted, or portable hoop, the choice of what backboard to use can greatly affect the game. The top two choices when it comes to backboards are tempered-glass and acrylic. Let’s take a look which is the better choice.

Which Basketball hoop should you choose?

If you’re a serious basketball gamer then basketball hoops with a tempered-glass backboard is the better choice for you. This provides a close-to-professional experience when you play on it. This is the same backboard used in the NBA and other basketball leagues so it gives the same look and feel if you have this one at home. If you’ll be playing for leisure only or to encourage your kids to play outside more, an acrylic backboard is a better choice. It is lighter, which will allow you to mount it easily on your garage or driveway.

If budget is a serious constraint that you’re considering in choosing what backboard to get for your basketball hoops, acrylic backboard is significantly cheaper compared to tempered-glass backboard. Since tempered-glass backboard is designed to be professional-grade, it’s apparent that it will cost more. However, this doesn’t mean that acrylic backboard is of low quality. This just means that tempered-glass is more durable since it’s intended for serious gaming, but leisure basketball gaming can already manage with what an acrylic backboard can offer. If you’re a leisure gamer, you won’t even notice much difference between the two backboards so it’s recommended that you choose the one that won’t make you break the bank.

If you’re thinking which of the two backboards will last longer, each option will last just as long as the other one depending on your use. Acrylic backboard on basketball hoops can serve up to 15 years or more. It may have a chalky appearance at times but it can still be relied on as a basketball backboard. On the other hand, tempered-glass backboard can also last as long and it will not shatter easily. It may crack when hit hard by a very sharp object but that is highly unlikely if you’re just using it to play basketball. Tempered-glass backboard uses similar technology as car wind-shield, which don’t crack easily even when hit by a rock.

Now that you know what these backboards can offer on your basketball hoops, it’s time to make a choice and start playing.

Tips on Choosing a Basketball Tower or Goal

If you’re planning on getting a basketball tower, there are several things that you should consider to be sure that you’re getting the best buy when you purchase this sports equipment. Initially, you must identify if you’ll be installing the basketball goal outdoors or indoors. This decision will instantaneously affect the other factors that you need to look at. To help you out, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Basketball Tower

Backboard – The common material used for the backboard is form ply. This is extremely durable, are even used in professional basketball leagues' goals, and can be used outdoors or indoors.
It is very durable and adaptable to all types of weather but it is strong enough to last several years even with frequent use.
Ring – When you buy a basketball tower, the ring is included most of the time. If it isn’t included, find one that fits the connecting holes of your backboard. According to professional standards, the ring should be 18 inches in diameter. When it is mounted on the backboard, there should be a 15-inch space from the face of the backboard to the centre of the ring.
Pole – A basketball tower has one, two, and three-pole options. Find the option that works best for you and your basketball court setup. You can also choose between round and square poles and if required you can purchase a reverse basketball/netball post. PM Sports also offers post safety padding which is well worth considering to protect your players.
Adjustability – Newer basketball goals have adjustable towers. Choosing one that is adjustable offers flexibility to shorter and taller players. There are two options available for adjustable basketball towers – the crank system and the pneumatic system. The crank system is mechanical in nature, more accurate, but is more difficult to operate. The pneumatic system is easier to use and is a little more expensive.
Brand – The best brand name in basketball goals and towers is the only one you should trust. Get your from basketball tower the company that offers high quality basketball goals, efficient delivery, great after sales service, great customer service, and best warranty PM Sports of course!