Lifetime 73650 44 Inch Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit Review

Whether you’re a serious or casual player, having your own basketball hoop in your driveway can be a total gamechanger. You won’t have to head to a local basketball court or the gym. Instead, you can enjoy a game anytime you want, in the comfort of your own driveway. If you’re on a team or you and your buddies enjoy competitively playing on the weekends, you can use the Lifetime 73650 Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit to practice, play a game of one on one with a friend, or the kids, and use a hoop system that’s durable, built tough and designed to take plenty of wear and tear. If you’re on a budget and looking for a model that can handle a rough pickup game, dunking sessions, and heavy-duty use, then this budget buy is a great option and one that’s very affordable.

Our Verdict: Lifetime has done it again by creating a model that’s designed to last at a price that’s affordable. In terms of extra features, this model is pretty basic in design. Its durable design is where it really shines. This model comes equipped with a larger shatterproof backboard that’s made out of extra-thick acrylic material. It also comes equipped with a Slam It rim and an all-weather net.

Basically, this is a setup that’s designed for the player who loves to dunk, or adults who enjoy playing a rough game of pickup with their friends. The height of the Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit is not adjustable unless you purchase the Lifetime mounting hardware. This may be a drawback for some players or families with smaller children. However, if you have older kids or teens, or you want to practice on a regulation height hoop, then the lack of adjustability won’t be a big deal. Overall, this model features the type of solid, durable design that most serious players are looking for, so it will be a great system to use for home practice or a friendly game with your buddies.

Overview and Features

If you’re not looking for a fancy hoop system, one that’s highly adjustable, and instead, you want a great wall-mounted basketball hoop for use on the weekends or for practice after school, then this affordable model is a great option and one that’s priced affordably. The biggest drawback is the fact that the hoop isn’t height adjustable so it’s not a great choice for smaller kids, but if adjustability isn’t a priority and durability is, then this model fits the bill. For older children and teens, a height-adjustable hoop system isn’t quite as important.

The fact that this model can handle plenty of rough play is incentive enough for most serious players to buy. If you’re new to the sport and playing on a team, it’s important that you condition yourself to shoot on a hoop that’s set at the regulation height. This will help to improve your shot accuracy on any court. If you’re practicing some floor work and want to learn how to get better at dribbling, faking, and jump shots, then having a regulation height hoop right in your own backyard is a must, especially if you feel like you’re not on the same level as other players on your team. The lower price will also make it easier for the family on a budget to afford a new basketball hoop for home use.

To learn more about the game, how it all started, click here for an interesting read on when was basketball invented?

Design

This is a great entry-level hoop system that’s built solid and will remain firmly in place, even if you play hard or you’re a fan of dunking. But while this model is fairly basic in design, it does come with a shatterproof backboard, which is a must-have for larger players who dunk. This model comes with a thick frame, mounting uprights located on the back of the backboard, and a durable polyethylene plastic backboard pad. This setup also comes with the popular all-weather net, so you won’t have to take the net down during the rainy season, for fear that it will rot and deteriorate if left outside year-round. All of the components are designed to resist rusting, thanks to the powder-coated design. This model can be used both outdoors and indoors.

Backboard

Playing hard and dunking can put a lot of stress on the hoop’s frame and rim, but in some instances, it can also completely shatter a backboard, which can be costly and a big hassle to replace. If you’ve been known to shatter or crack a backboard or two in your day, then this model is for you.

This forty-four by thirty-inch backboard is made out of thick acrylic shatterproof material that will prevent the board from shattering, chipping, and cracking. You won’t often find this type of material on a lower-priced hoop system, so it’s a huge plus for those players on a budget who know exactly what to look for in a model that’s designed to last.

Rim

The thick orange Slam It rim is designed to take a beating and is specifically designed for heavy-duty use, which makes it perfect for dunkers and adults who normally play rough. The rim is made out of solid steel, complete with welded steel hooks and half-inch braces.

Performance

This model is made out of forty-four inch, shatterproof material with a Slam It rim. Obviously, this is one durable setup and it’s perfect for teens and adults. However, since the rim is not adjustable, it’s a bad choice for younger players. In fact, this will be a deal-breaker for families in search of a versatile wall-mounted system. It will grow with their children. However, if you have older kids and teens, then this fixed in place design won’t really matter. One drawback is the fact that this set doesn’t come with any mounting hardware, including the mounting bracket, so you’ll need to take this extra expense into consideration before you order. However, this board can also be used as a replacement for an existing system by Lifetime and will make a nice upgrade, especially if your last backboard was made out of thinner acrylic material. The backboard can be attached to a wall, eave, or a pole with the use of the Lifetime mounting hardware.

Warranty

This model is covered by a five-year factory warranty. This lengthy warranty will give buyers more confidence in this purchase knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product, especially considering the lower price of the hoop system.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Lifetime Versus Spalding Acrylic Basketball Backboard & Rim Combo

The competing model by Spalding is available at almost three times the price, but it comes with a much larger backboard, which measures in at fifty-four inches compared to this hoop’s forty-four-inch backboard. Both models feature backboards that are made out of a thick acrylic material that’s designed to prevent shattering, cracking, or chipping. The Spalding’s padded Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit has a more pro feel to it and the large breakaway rim features a solid design, complete with an all-weather net. Spalding’s Arena Slam rim is perfect for players who love to dunk. Both models are not highly adjustable, which can make them a bad fit for families with younger children, but if you’re looking for a more pro setup, then this lack of height adjustability won’t be an issue.

However, this model by Spalding isn’t exactly budget-friendly, although it does have a better reputation for durability. But if you’re on a tight budget, then this system by Lifetime will be a better option and one that won’t hit your wallet too hard.

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit system by Lifetime doesn’t come with any bells and whistles, however, if durability is your top priority, then you’ll love what this model has to offer from its shatterproof backboard to its Slam It rim and all-weather net. This model can be mounted to a pole, an eave, or the roof. It’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use and features the type of durable design that makes it perfect for adults who play rough and love to dunk. Since it’s not height adjustable, it will be a bad fit if you’re looking for a system that younger children can use. However, if you have older kids or teens, then you won’t have to worry about them quickly outgrowing it. The low price and the durable design will give every family on a tight budget every reason to buy. I gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.