Spalding 54″ Acrylic Basketball Backboard & Rim Combo Review

Spalding is one of those companies that all basketball fans and players are familiar with. They’re known for their extensive line of portable and in-ground basketball system, but their line of wall-mounted models is also creating a buzz, since they’re built tough, priced more affordably, and easy to install.

This fifty-four-inch acrylic backboard and rim combo is perfect for the aggressive player. Basically, it’s built to last and can handle dunking and a tough game with friends. You won’t have to worry about the backboard shattering or cracking if you decide to practice your dunking skills. This model features an acrylic backboard that offers better than average rebound compared to models that feature backboards that are made out of plastic materials or polycarbonate.

Our Verdict: If you have an existing in-ground basketball hoop that needs a new backboard, then this model is a great option. However, with the right hardware, you can also mount this hoop on a variety of structures whether it’s the side of the house or the garage. The only real drawback here is the fact that the mounting hardware is sold separately. Buyers can choose from a variety of mounting hardware options.

Each bracket will offer its own level of adjustability. If you want a highly adjustable bracket you can expect to pay more. However, fixed mounting brackets are very affordable. This model’s backboard is made out of shatterproof acrylic. Combed with the tough breakaway rim, users won’t have to hold back and can put their dunking skills to the test using a rim and backboard combo that’s designed to easily handle use and abuse.

Overview and Features

If you aren’t familiar with the Spalding brand, then you must be new to basketball. This is definitely a company you can trust and one with a reputation for producing top of the line balls and hoop systems that are designed to last and withstand heavy-duty use. Do you need a model you can use to perfect your dunking, a home court that allows you to practices basketball crossover moves, and one that’s specifically designed for teens and adults? Then this fifty-four inch model fits the bill.

This system can be used to replace the backboard on your in-ground system, or it can be mounted to the garage using a Spalding mounting bracket. This model features a top of the line Slam Jam spring-back action breakaway rim and a large fifty-four inch acrylic backboard. The backboard offers top of the line rebound, especially when compared to blow-molded or polycarbonate boards. The hoop’s aluminum frame features a rounded design for improved durability and safety. This model is pretty basic in design, however, it’s clear that the manufacturer produced a hoop system that’s designed to last, which makes it a perfect choice for older children, teens, and adults. If you’re looking for a great wall-mounted basketball hoop that’s highly adjustable and a better choice for younger children, then click here to visit my in-depth buyer’s guide.

Design

Built tough, and equipped with top of the line components that allow this model to easily handle rough use, this is a great choice for the player on a budget in need of a hoop system that can handle the user who loves to play hard.

This model is designed as a replacement backboard for an in-ground system, or you can purchase a Spalding bracket and mount the board to an eave, the garage, or another type of compatible surface. The backboard is fixed in place or it can be adjustable, depending on the type of bracket you purchase. The fact that the mounting bracket is sold separately will be a drawback for some buyer’s especially those on a tight budget.

Backboard

The shatterproof fifty-four inch backboard is large and offers excellent rebound. It’s also made out of acrylic which is a big improvement over other models in this price range who often feature backboards that are made out of polycarbonate. However, some players may prefer tempered glass, yet backboards that are made out of tempered glass usually come with a much bigger price tag. The bottom of the backboard is precisely aligned with padding that’s designed to protect players from potential injuries when they’re under the hoop and attempting to dunk or make a layup.

Rim

The rim is covered with an active spring mechanism that will allow for the type of breakaway flexibility that’s essential if you love to dunk. Lower-priced backboard systems come equipped with rims that don’t offer this type of flex, which is why their rims often need to be replaced, especially if you have a dunker in the family.

The rim also comes equipped with an all-weather net which is designed to easily withstand the elements, so you won’t have to worry about the net growing mold, falling apart, or deteriorating if it’s left out in snow or rain.

Performance

If you’re on a tight budget, you really can’t beat the price, especially considering it’s produced by a major brand and comes complete with a five-year warranty.

One of the best things about this wall-mounted option is that it provides excellent, strong backboard support which means that a rebound will come off with the type of velocity that you just can’t get with a standard portable hoop system. This model has a reputation for a durable backboard that’s designed to last. It will arrive ready to be mounted on an existing pole, however, if you want to mount it on the garage or another structure, you’ll have to purchase the mounting hardware separately. Since it doesn’t come with the mounting hardware or a pole and base setup, the price is right.

However, some of the mounting hardware sets can be pretty pricey, depending on the type of adjustability you’re looking for. if you want to keep the backboard at a fixed height, then the mounting hardware is very affordable. Basically, the more adjustability the mounting bracket offers, the higher the price. The included padding located on the bottom of the backboard will provide much-needed protection for under the hoop work.

Often, lower priced systems don’t come equipped with this type of padding, which can put players at risk of injury if they’re playing a game of one on one and get blocked as they’re attempting to make a shot right under the hoop. Using the proper basketball shooting fundamentals, you can dunk, practice free throws, jump shots, and layoffs, on a hoop system that’s perfect for teens and adults.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Spalding Versus Lifetime 71526 Backboard and Rim Competition Combo

The competing model by Lifetime is also a fifty-four inch backboard and hoop combo that comes equipped with fade resistant graphics and a sleek powder-coated hammer tone finished steel frame that’s designed to last and can easily handle the elements. Unlike this model by Spalding, the competing hoop system features a backboard that’s made out of polycarbonate, which isn’t quite as tough as acrylic. However, it offers a Slam It rim, that’s designed for players who love to dunk and play hard. The rim’s double compression spring design will allow the rim to flex when you dunk. This type of flexibility is essential in order to prevent the rim from snapping. The competing model is available at a more affordable price and would be a better fit for younger players, considering it doesn’t possess the type of durability that this Spalding system does.

However, if you’re on a tight budget the Lifetime system is a great option. Both models come equipped with all-weather nets, breakaway rims, and both require you to purchase a mounting bracket separately. In the end if you’re someone who plays hard and loves to dunk, you’re better off sticking with this Spalding system since it’s specifically designed to withstand heavier use.

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Some buyers will be disappointed that this model doesn’t come with mounting hardware or the fact that if they want a hoop that’s highly adjustable they’ll have to pay more. Overall, this model features a top of the line shatterproof backboard, a tough breakaway rim that’s perfect for players who love to dunk or play hard. This model can be used as a replaced backboard hoop system if you have a Spalding brand in-ground model, or you can purchase the mounting bracket and mount it on an eave or the garage. This hoop is designed to handle heavy-duty use and it’s perfect for older children, teens, and adults. If you’re looking for an affordable home hoop system, then this model is a great buy. I gave it a rating of four and a half stars.