Basketball System Selection Guide
So You Want To Play Basketball?
Start at the beginning. Lifetime Products has provided this selection guide with all the technical facts you need to help you select the right basketball system for you and your family!
This selection guide is designed to help you answer any questions that you may have before purchasing a basketball system. We feel it's important to purchase the system that is right for you - this guide will help you do that! There are five general components to consider when purchasing your own home basketball system:
Whether you are upwardly mobile or staying put, here are definite pros and cons to both In-Ground and Portable basketball systems.
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground, so be sure to choose an ideal location. In-ground systems tend to be more rigid and take up less space than portables. Plan on spending approximately $15 on concrete and waiting 72 hours for the concrete to dry.
A portable basketball system depends on a base filled with sand or water for stability. It will take up more space than an in-ground. The portable base rolls on wheels, allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired location. Simply assemble, fill the base and play today. There is no fussing with concrete.
Basketball Rims
Every Lifetime basketball system features a high-quality, durable rim. Each one is designed to withstand today's style of aggressive play. All Lifetime rims feature welded-steel net hooks, that help the player avoid the annoyance and danger of dangling net loops common in cheaper rims. Lifetime currently offers several different styles of rims: Classic, Slam-It®, Power Shock®, and Slam-It Pro®.
Classic Rim
 |
The Lifetime Classic Rim features a 5/8-inch solid-steel ring supported by ½-inch braces. The Classic Rim provides excellent durability with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net. |
Slam-It® Rim
 |
The Slam-It® Rim features double-compression springs providing spring-back action. Constructed of solid steel, this 5/8-inch rim is supported by ½-inch braces. The Slam-It® Rim is built for competitive play with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net. |
Power Shock™ Rim
 |
Experience the new generation of basketball play with the Power Shock™ Rim! This shock-absorbing rim features an advanced pivot point with a rear-mounted compression springs in a futuristic design. The 5/8-inch solid-steel ring is supported by a sturdy, wraparound brace. The Power Shock™ Rim is built for extreme play with welded steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net. |
Slam-It Pro® Rim
 |
This high-performance Slam-It Pro® Rim features an arena-style wrap-around brace, supporting a 5/8-inch ring of solid steel. Double-compression springs provide spring-back action. Built for aggressive play with welded-steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net. |
Lifetime has four families of backboards: Impact®, Fusion™, Steel-Framed, and Reactor Rebound™. Our backboards range in size from 42 to 54 inches in width, with the most common sizes being 44 and 48 inches. All Lifetime backboards are screen-printed with UV-protected inks offering fade-resistant color.
Impact® Backboards
 |
Lifetime's Impact® Backboard is virtually indestructible! It is molded of high-density polyethylene and can withstand the demands of aggressive play. All graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color. |
Fusion™ Backboards
 |
The Fusion™ Backboard integrates a clear playing surface with a high-impact polyethylene frame. These technologies provide superior strength and a pro-glass look. All graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color. |
Steel-Framed Backboards
 |
Offering the best performance and featuring the pro-glass look, a Steel-Framed Backboard is worth the extra expense. The steel frame gives added rigidity for improved rebound and the clear playing surface gives you the ultimate in-arena experience! Available in beginner, intermediate and competition sizes. |
Reactor Rebound™ Backboards
 |
Feel the ultimate in rebound play with a backboard featuring the Reactor Rebound™ System. The frame of the backboard houses the state-of-the-art Reactor Rebound™ system which features equalizing weights for optimum rebound performance. The Reactor Rebound™ Backboard is available in both Fusion™ or Impact® versions. The graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color. |
Shatter Proof Polycarbonate Basketball Backboards
With the introduction of Shatter Proof Polycarbonate backboards, Lifetime continues its "unbreakable" record of innovation by virtually eliminating the need to replace broken backboards.
With Shatter Proof Polycarbonate technology, broken backboards are a thing of the past. All of our shatter proof backboards are made with Makrolon® polycarbonate, making them virtually unbreakable and many times stronger than acrylic. The superior impact strength of Makrolon® polycarbonate provides enough protection to withstand the toughest abuse. A patent-pending UV-treatment insures that your backboard won’t yellow or degrade over time. All graphics are screen-printed with UV-protected inks, offering fade-resistant color.
Shatter Proof Polycarbonate is available on Fusion, Steel-Framed and Reactor Rebound™ backboards. Shatter Proof Polycarbonate backboards are available on a variety of portable and in-ground basketball systems, and all Lifetime basketball brands. The systems range from beginner systems to our highest-end equipment and can be found at various sporting goods and discount retailers throughout the country.
Shatter Proof Polycarbonate - Strong as Steel, Clear as Glass!
Height Adjustment
The ability to raise or lower the backboard to the desired height is one of the most exciting features home basketball systems have to offer. This allows players of any age or skill to enjoy the game at their level! All Lifetime basketball systems are adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet no tools required!
Telescoping
 |
The Lifetime 3-inch Telescoping Pole adjusts the rim height from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments without the use of tools. |
Quick Adjust®
 |
Step up your game with Lifetime's patented Quick Adjust® Mechanism. Raise or lower the rim height from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments using a broomstick. Players of any age or skill can enjoy the game at their level. |
Quick Adjust® II
|
We've taken our patented Quick Adjust® Mechanism a step further with the Quick Adjust® II. Raise or lower the rim height from 8 to 10 feet using a broomstick. Players of any age or skill can enjoy the game at their level. |
Speed Shift®
 |
The Speed Shift® offers simple one-hand height adjustment from 8 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. To adjust, simply pull the handle, and the counter-balance springs help to lift or lower the backboard to the desired height. Players of any age or skill can enjoy the game at their level. |
Action Grip®
 |
Advance your game with the Action Grip® Height Adjustment Mechanism.
The Action Grip® offers easy one-hand height adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. No tools, broomsticks or cranks required. To adjust, simply squeeze the handle, and counter-balance springs help to lift or lower the backboard to the desired height. Players of any age or skill can enjoy the game at their level. |
Power Lift®
 |
Experience the Power Lift® - the ultimate in height adjustment technology! The Power Lift® offers instant and effortless height adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet with infinite increments. To adjust, simply squeeze the handle, and the pneumatic mechanism helps to lift or lower the backboard to the desired height. Players of any age or skill can enjoy the game at their level. |
Poles and Bases
Every Lifetime basketball pole features a hammer-toned, powder-coat finish that makes the steel rust- and scratch-resistant. All in-ground two-piece poles feature a patented friction-weld joint that safeguards against unwanted movement. Sizes range from 3-inches to 3.5-inches for round poles and 3.5-inch to 4-inch soft-square poles.
All Lifetime portable bases are made of polyethylene, which is a type of plastic also used for our Impact® and Fusion™ backboards. Lifetime's polyethylene bases are blow-molded to form a seamless, one-piece part that has superior strength and durability. Every base is UV-protected and won't crack or degrade outdoors. Sizes range from 26-gallon capacity to 42-gallon capacity.
TranSport™ Base
 |
The Lifetime TranSport™ Portable Base allows you to easily move your basketball system with no tipping required! Simply pull down the handle to engage the caster wheel, and roll to the desired location. The caster wheel allows the base to rotate 360 degrees providing the ultimate in mobility. |
Standard Portable Base
 |
The Standard Portable Base features a 35 to 42-gallon capacity, providing a stable foundation. The base rolls easily on its own wheels to the desired location. All standard bases are constructed of high-density polyethylene and made to withstand the elements. Play today, no cement required. |
Lock-Down Portable Base
 |
The Lock-Down Portable Base features a large water or sand capacity, providing a stable foundation. The base rolls easily on its own wheels to the desired location. The lock-down feature secures the base to concrete surfaces with removable bolts, offering the advantages of an in-ground in a portable. |
Navigator® Base
 |
Lifetime has revolutionized moving your basketball system with the Navigator® Portable Base. No tipping required! Simply pull down the handle to engage the caster wheel, and roll to the desired location. The caster wheel allows the base to rotate 360 degrees providing the ultimate in mobility. With its large water or sand capacity the Navigator® is a solid base for competitive play. |
Portable Base with Slide Collar and Bubble Level
 |
This portable base features a large water or sand capacity. The slide collar enables the pole to recline for safe and easy transport. A bubble level ensures accurate setup on uneven playing surfaces. |
42-Gallon Competition Lock-Down Base
 |
The Competition Lock-Down Portable Base features a large water or sand capacity, providing a stable foundation. The Competition base rolls easily on its own wheels to the desired location. The lock-down feature secures the base to concrete surfaces with removable bolts, offering the advantages of an in-ground in a portable. The base includes a slide collar that enables the pole to recline for safe and easy transport and a bubble level that ensures accurate setup on uneven playing surfaces. |
Accesories
Ground Sleeve
 |
The Ground Sleeve allows the rigidity of an in-ground pole while being removable for storage. Simply slip the pole into the Ground Sleeve, and a bolt will lock it into place. To remove pole, just unlock the bolt and slide the pole out. |
Universal Extension Bracket
 |
The Universal Extension Bracket is engineered to provide a solid attachment when mounting a backboard and rim directly to a roof, eave or wall. Constructed of galvanized steel, the Y-shape design lends extra stability and improved rebound quality. |
Pole Pad
 |
A Lifetime Pole Pad gives the look and feel of being in the arena, while providing added protection from impact. Attaches easily and is constructed to withstand the elements. |
Hoop Chute®
 |
Spend more time shooting and less time chasing the ball with the Hoop Chute® Ball Return. Designed to direct the ball back to the player, the Hoop Chute® helps maximize every practice session by adjusting for angled shots. Attach to any rim by simply snapping it into place. |
Court Marking Tool Kit
 |
Makes any driveway a basketball court! Kit includes: chalk box with plumb line, marking crayon, 2-inch paint roller (paint not included), easy-to-follow instructions, and regulations layout dimensions. |
Shoot Case®
| The Shoot Case® mini-basketball set comes in an easy-to-carry case, convenient enough to take and set up anywhere! Complete with a colorful backboard and breakaway rim, the Shoot Case® is designed with the look and feel of a full-size system. The rim height easily adjusts from three to five feet, the base fills with sand or water to provide added stability and it's great for indoor or outdoor play. |