Finding the best portable basketball system for your children isn’t exactly the easiest task. Sure, there are small toy-sized hoops for toddlers, but for children, five and up, a highly adjustable hoop system that they can really practice on can be hard to find. Enter the Yaheetech portable basketball hoop system. It’s not a model that’s quite as durable as an adult-sized system, but it’s the perfect size for younger players and offers just the right amount of stability, for smaller users. But unlike many models that claim they’re designed specifically for children, this particular basketball hoop system offers a much lower starting height that’s perfect for kids around the age of five. The pole can be raised up to seven feet in height, which means your child can use it for several years before they outgrow it.
Our Verdict: This highly adjustable basketball system is easy to move, adjust, and comes with an extra-large base that you can fill up with water or sand for improved stability. Moving and storing this model couldn’t be easier, thanks to the two large rear four-inch wheels. The system can be adjusted from five feet up to seven feet in height, so you’ll be sure to get more use out of this model as your child grows. The manufacturer has done a total redesign in terms of the frame structure, which has resulted in a model that’s more stable and won’t rock or wobble during use. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a basketball system that your younger and older children can use, one that’s well-built and impressively stable, then this model is a great option.
Overview and Features
If your child loves basketball, then they’ll love having their very own basketball hoop right in their driveway. Practicing basketball crossover moves and learning the ins and outs of the game can be a real challenge. If your child has just joined a basketball team, what better way to encourage them to give it their all than to purchase a portable basketball system for home use? Many parents struggle to get their kids out of the house these days, but this model can be the motivator you need to get the kids excited about playing outdoors again.
This is an adjustable basketball system that’s designed to grow with your child. It features a pretty basic design as far as basketball hoops go, but it comes with all the right components and material that tells me it’s built to last and it’s so much more than just a toy. In fact, its design is similar in quality to that of a traditional basketball hoop system, just scaled down to kid-size. Adjusting the height of the hoop is pretty simple, just turn the knob to move the pole up or down. This type of fast and easy adjustment is exactly what most parents are looking for.
Design
The stand is made out of round iron posts that are one and a half inches in diameter and coated with antirust, non-toxic paint. The design is much different than what the manufacturer has put out in the past. Just a few years ago their design featured oval-shaped posts, which didn’t do much for the system’s overall stability rating, so they switched to the round iron posts. The new round posts are equipped with a knob for increased stability, which seems to have done the trick. Additionally, the posts now feature a reinforced screw lock that also helps to improve stability. The stand itself is supported with a triangle structure that prevents rocking and wobbling during use.
Assembly
If you’re dreading the assembly process, then you’ll be happy to learn that this is a simple structure that should only take approximately twenty minutes to assemble. The detailed user’s manual will walk you through the entire process, step by step. Additionally, the system can easily be broken down during the winter months, for easier storage.
Backboard
The backboard is made out of tough PU and is held in place with four large bolts. The backboard measures in at twenty-nine inches. While this is a much smaller backboard than what you’ll find on a standard-sized model, it’s more than wide enough for children. Additionally, the material used makes the backboard incredibly durable, although you won’t have to worry about the board cracking since this is a no-dunking system.
Antirust Paint
Since the entire structure is coated in an non-toxic, antirust paint, you can feel free to leave this model outdoors all year long, without the free of rust or corrosion. However, I would recommend removing the net during the winter months.
Base
The base can be filled with water or sand and has a seventy-three pounds capacity. The base measures in at twenty-nine inches by twenty-one inches. Most users recommend using water over sand since it’s less messy and more affordable.
Wheels
The two large rear four-inch wheels will make it easier to move and transport this model to and from the garage. Even with a larger base that’s filled to capacity with sand or water, the large wheels make it easy to tip the system back and smoothly transport it to its designated spot in the garage. Since this model is equipped with wheels, space will no longer be a problem. The portable design is perfect if you have a small driveway or yard and can’t leave the basketball hoop up at all times.
Height Adjustments
The frame features a total of six pairs of holes that you’ll use to raise or lower the hoop. This is a telescoping post that can be adjusted from five feet up to seven feet, using four-inch increments. Children as young as five can learn how to do layups and sink three-pointers, using the lower setting. This system is a great option if you have a young child that has outgrown their toddler basketball hoop system. This model is the next best step and it’s one they can use for several years to come. The six-hole adjustment system is a great design addition and one that allows parents to quickly and easily switch up the setting between games for their younger and older children.
Who Can Use this Hoop System?
The manufacturer recommends this model for users five to fourteen years of age. Keep in mind that this system is not designed for dunking. In fact, the manufacturer clearly states this in the user’s manual. Dunking on this hoop can result in damage and serious injury since the entire structure can flip or fall over. For younger children, parental supervision is recommended. However, the structure is more likely to tip over if older children attempt to dunk on it.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Portable
- Low price
- Larger than average base designed for improved stability
- Easy and fast assembly
- Perfect for kids as young as five
Cons
- Can only be adjusted up to seven feet
Yaheetech Basketball System Vs. Best Choice Products Basketball System
This model is reasonably priced, features an easy assembly process and comes with an adjustable pole that allows you to take the hoop from five feet up to seven feet. The competing basketball system by Best Choice Products has a more impressive max height. Users can adjust the pole from six and a half feet up to eight feet. This can be seen as a pro or a con, depending on the age and height of the child. The Yaheetech model allows you to take it down to five feet, making it a more appropriate choice for children around the age of five, whereas with the competing model, six and a half feet as the starting height may be too tall. However, with a max height of eight feet, the kids will be able to use the Best Choice Products model for a longer period of time. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Both feature a solid construction, are specifically designed for younger kids, and are highly adjustable. They’re also both in the same price bracket. The only real difference here is the starting and max height.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
This basketball system for kids by Yaheetech will be a great choice for kids around the age of five and up. Its smaller starting height is a huge selling point, however, the lower max height means your child may quickly outgrow it. The manufacturer has clearly paid attention to what customers want, which is obvious in the newly redesigned frame that provides improved stability. The larger base, combined with the solid construction makes this system a must-have for any kid who loves a game of hoops and parents who want a way to get their kids outdoors and active on the weekends. I gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.