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How to Select a Lifetime Basketball Hoop

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Basketball Hoop

All basketball hoops are not the same. Lifetime makes over 125 different models of basketball systems - each one with a different combination of features.  We know the choices can seem overwhelming at first. So, we've put together this list to help you understand the different types of features that are available for beginner, intermediate, and competitive players.

Portable, In-Ground,  or Wall/Roof Mount
Before you purchase a basketball system, first decide where you are going to place it to determine which style of system to buy.

Portable
By far, the most popular place for a basketball system is a driveway, and a portable system is ideal for this location. Portable systems have a base that rolls on wheels and is filled with sand or water for stability.  Simple assemble, fill the base, and play today.

In-Ground
For larger driveway or designated courts, in-ground systems are a better option.  Since the pole is installed in cement, they take up less space and are more stable than portable systems.  If purchasing an in-ground basketball system, make sure there is enough room around the system.  And, remember, you will need to allocate 72 hours for cement the to cure. 

Wall/Roof Mount
A wall/roof mount consists of a backboard and rim only.  They can be used with a mounting bracket against a wall or over a roof when space is at its tightest.  They can also be used to replace older, worn- out boards on an existing pole

Backboards
The performance of a backboard is tied directly to the material it is made of. All Lifetime backboards feature screen-printed graphics with UV-protected inks for superior color and protection against the elements.

Impact® 
Molded of high-density polyethylene.  Great for beginners or youth and the most affordable option.

Acrylic Fusion® 
These boards integrate a clear acrylic playing surface with an unbreakable polyethylene frame for a pro-glass look.  Ideal for intermediate players.

Acrylic  
An acrylic playing surface gives you the look and play of pro-style glass.  The steel-framed provides added rigidity improving rebound.  Acrylic backboards feature professional styling.  While not as durable as polycarbonate, they do provide a better rebound and are available in beginner, intermediate and competitive sizes.

Shatter Proof Fusion™ 
Made with a Makrolon® polycarbonate playing surface and a high-impact polyethylene frame, these boards are virtually unbreakable and many times stronger than acrylic. The superior impact strength of Makrolon® polycarbonate provides enough protection to withstand the toughest abuse.

Tempered Glass  
A steel-framed tempered glass backboard is the ultimate in arena styling and professional play. The sturdy steel Y-extension arms provide superior rebound and play, and the heavy-duty steel frame gives added rigidity. Tempered glass is the premium playing surface and gives you the look and play of the professional game. It is what is used in all collegiate and professional games.

Rims
Rims are an important part of performance. All Lifetime rims are made with a 5/8-inch ring of solid steel and welded-steel net hooks which do not require replacement and help avoid the annoyance and danger of dangling net loops common in cheaper rims.

Classic Rim 
The basic model rim bolted directly to the backboard and  ound on beginner systems.

Slam-It® Rim 
A heavy-duty classically-styled rim built to take a slam with double-compression springs providing spring-back action.

Arena-Style Slam-It Pro® Rim 
Built for aggressive play with an arena-style wraparound brace and double-compression springs that let you slam it like a pro.

Adjustment Mechanisms
Lifetime invented the first adjustable height basketball hoop.  The ability to raise or lower the backboard from 7.5 or 8 to 10 feet with no tools required allows players of all ages, heights, and skill levels to easily play on the same system.

Telescoping 
Adjust by tilting the system to the side, removing knob or bolt, and telescoping the system up or down in  6" increments from 7.5 to 10 feet.

Quick Adjust® 
This is the original height adjust mechanism that Lifetime invented over 25 years ago. Put the end of a broomstick handle under the rim and adjust the system up every 6". To lower, simply place broom handle in release latch located behind the rim and lower system .  Typically adjusts systems between 7.5 or 8 to10 feet in 4 or 6" increments.

Strong Arm™  
A simple, two-hand adjustment that allows you to raise or lower the rim height from 8 to 10 feet using a locking steel bar.

Speed Shift®  
Adjusts with just one hand from 8 to 10 feet. The counter-balance springs do most of the work for you!

Action Grip® 
Easily adjusts with just one hand from 7.5 to 10 feet. The counter-balance springs do most of the work for you!

Front Adjust™
A convenient, two-hand adjustment at the front of the pole instead of behind it. Adjusts height from7.5 to 10 feet.

Power Lift® 
Infinite increment adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet.  The pneumatic mechanism allows instant and effortless height adjustment with just one hand.

Pump Adjust™ 
A trigger-less adjustment mechanism that allows one-handed infinite increment height adjustment from 7.5 to 10 feet.

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