Spalding 79354 Backboard/Rim Combo with 48-Inch Polycarbonate Backboard Review

If you’re looking for a brand you can trust, you can always rely on Spalding 79354 Backboard. Their latest model to hit the market is perfect for smaller home setups where you don’t have space for a full-court setup. This is a well-built durable system and one that can handle plenty of rough use.

The 79354 basketball hoop system is designed for players of all skill levels, although its smaller backboard makes it more suitable for older kids and teens. It offers impressive durability and quality, making it a great addition to your home at an affordable price.

Our verdict: This model features a thick, heavy-duty powder-coated frame, an all-weather net for year-round use, and a 48-inch polycarbonate backboard. While the backboard size may not be ideal for serious, older players, it can be advantageous if you have limited wall space. Despite being made of polycarbonate, the backboard provides excellent rebound and is thick enough to withstand rough play. The Slam Jam breakaway rim is designed for dunking and offers the right amount of flex for powerful slams. This model can replace existing in-ground hoop systems or be mounted on walls, roofs, or garages.

Overview and Features

Spalding is one of the biggest basketball hoop manufacturers in the world. Not only do they specialize in producing NBA quality basketballs, but they also offer an extensive line of in-ground, portable, and wall-mounted basketball systems. Their extensive product line will allow you to buy a model that works for your space, budget, and playing needs. But aside from their large selection available, they also have a reputation in the industry for producing systems that are durable and quality all the way. Their latest system is a best-seller, although some players will be disappointed in the smaller backboard size. However, if you have a small amount of space to work with, then this hoop will allow you to practice your basketball crossover moves, perfect your jump shots, and develop as a player through consistent practice.

Design of Spalding 79354 Backboard

This model, produced by Spalding, may not be the flashiest or largest, but it is a perfect choice for homes with limited space, budget-conscious families, and players seeking a durable system for heavy-duty use. It features a medium-sized backboard made of polycarbonate, a sturdy Slam Jam breakaway rim, and a robust, powder-coated frame that can withstand harsh winters without rusting or sustaining damage. You can mount this system on a wall or garage, or even use it as a replacement for other Spalding backboards. It is suitable for in-ground systems with round or square poles.

Mounting Hardware

This system doesn’t come with any mounting hardware. This means you’ll need to purchase a compatible Spalding brand mounting bracket. Considering their extensive product line, you’ll have a wide range of choices including a fixed bracket, which will keep the hoop at one height, or you can check out the different types of adjustable mounting systems that will allow you to lower the rim from six or seven and a half feet, up to the regulation height of ten feet. If you don’t have younger children in the home, then purchasing the fixed bracket system is a great option. I recommend mounting the hoop at ten feet, so you won’t have to worry about reinstalling it once your child has made progress.

Backboard of Spalding 79354 Backboard

This backboard measures in at forty-eight inches, which is pretty small considering the regulation NBA backboard is seventy-two inches in size. However, for a home setup, this size should work fine. It may not be large enough for some adults, but it’s a great choice for older kids and teens or the player who’s short on space and just looking for a smaller hoop system they can use to practice jump shots, basketball dribbling drills, and free throws. The backboard is made out of polycarbonate material, which is not quite as tough as acrylic or tempered glass, but the thickness of the board will go a long way towards durability.

Warranty

This model is covered by a five-year product warranty.

Rim

This hoop system is equipped with a 5/8 inch thick Slam Jam breakaway rim that’s built tough and designed for the slam dunker in mind. The rim itself offers the perfect amount of give and flex so you can slam, hang, and play a tough pickup game without the worry of the rim shaking or wobbling.

Net

This package includes an all-weather net that you can leave on the hoop all year round, even if you have harsh winters. The net will not become moldy or deteriorate if it’s left out in wet and cold conditions.

Performance of Spalding 79354 Backboard

Considering the smaller backboard, how does this model perform when put to the test? While a backboard made out of acrylic or tempered glass is usually preferred since it offers excellent rebound action, this model’s polycarbonate backboard provides impressive bounce action that you just won’t see coming. Likewise, the frame is surprisingly durable and built tough. The heavy-duty powder coating contributes partly to the protection of the frame from rust caused by exposure to the elements. Additionally, the all-weather net serves as a useful feature, enabling you to keep the net on throughout the year, unlike standard nets that require removal during winter to prevent rotting and falling apart when left out in wet conditions.

Installation for Spalding 79354 Backboard

While the smaller backboard is much lighter compared to a fifty-eight-inch backboard, the installation process will still be a two-person job. Fortunately, the manufacturer has included well-written instructions that will guide you through the installation process. You can expect to spend an hour assembling and installing this system, which is about average.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Spalding Versus SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop

The SKLZ is offered at a much more affordable price compared to the Spalding system, but considering the backboard is only twenty-three inches, this makes perfect sense. Obviously, a model of this size won’t be suitable for teens and adults, but it’s actually a great buy for young children. It also features a highly portable design, so you can pack it up and bring it along on vacations or to a friend’s house.

Despite its smaller size, it comes complete with a heavy-duty net, a shatterproof backboard, and backboard padding that runs along the length of the bottom of the board, for added protection. This model is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The fact that it can be mounted indoors will be a huge selling point for players of all ages who are looking for a fun way to pass the time on a rainy day. It also comes complete with a nine and a half-inch breakaway rim complete with spring action that allows the rim to instantly bounce back into place.  This is obviously not a pro-quality setup but it’s perfect for fun indoor use, younger children, or adults looking for a mini, indoor hoop system they can play around with in their downtime. Considering its compact design, this model is available at a low price and comes with a money-back guarantee.

To learn more about the different styles and types of hoop systems available, click here to read my buyer’s guide.

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Spalding has done it again by producing a top of the line, affordable, home basketball system that’s perfect for players of all ages. It features a versatile design that will allow you to use it to replace an old backboard setup on an in-ground system, or you can mount it to a wall, or the garage.

This basketball system by Spalding is built tough and comes with a heavy-duty powder-coated frame, a polycarbonate backboard, an all-weather net, and an easy installation. For some players the forty-eight-inch backboard may be too small, however, if you’re tight on space in the driveway, on a tight budget, or you need a system designed for older kids and teens, this model is a steal for the price. I gave it a rating of four and a half out of five stars.