Lifetime 71526 Competition Square Shatter Guard Basketball 54-Inch Backboard and Slam-It Pro Rim

Lifetime's Competition 54" Shatter Guard basketball backboard offers a clear 54" x 33" x 1" square Shatter Guard backboard screen printed with UV-protected inks for fade resistant color. The backboard frame is built with the highest quality steel and features a black hammertone powder coating that is rust and scratch resistant. The Arena-Style Slam-it Pro Rim features wraparound bracing supporting a 5/8" ring of solid steel, double compression springs to provide spring-back action, welded steel net hooks and an all-weather nylon net. This combo comes complete with a blow molded plastic frame pad for protection. 5 year warranty that covers everything on the system. Lifetime Customer Care @ 1-800-225-3865 (or) www.lifetime.com

Hone your jumpshot in your driveway or invite some friends over for some spirited two-on-two with the Lifetime Competition 54-inch backboard and rim combo. The square Shatter Guard backboard--which integrates a clear playing surface with a high-quality steel frame--is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable and 30 times stronger than acrylic. As a result, broken backboards are a thing of the past, even from errant rocks and other non-basketball threats. The arena-style orange Slam-It Pro Rim, meanwhile, is designed specifically for players who like to throw down. The rim features wraparound bracing and double-compression springs that give way during dunks to protect the player, then spring back once released. Other details include fade-resistant UV-protected graphics; a powder-coated black-hammertone-finished steel backboard frame that adds rigidity for improved rebound; a blow-molded plastic frame pad for protection; and an all-weather nylon net. The set comes with a five-year warranty.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.