How to Compare Basketball Hoops

All basketball hoops consist of a net and rim attached to a backboard which is mounted on a pole, roof, wall or portable base for stability.

  1. Cost

    • Basketball hoops can cost as low as $100 or in excess of $4,000. The cost depends on the type and size of the backboard as well as the way the hoop is mounted.

    Backboard Types

    • A variety of materials are used to make backboards. Acrylic and polycarbonate are the most commonly used backboard materials to construct backboards. Backboards can also be made of tempered glass, molded plastic, wood or steel.

    Size

    • A fan-shaped basketball hoop is common in playgrounds and home courts.

      Basketball hoops come in both rectangular and fan shapes. They range in size from 42 inches on some residential models to 72 inches, the regulation size for middle school courts through those of the National Basketball Association.

    Features

    • Some basketball goals have a height adjustment system.

      Rims, which are made of steel and are 18 inches in diameter, can have a "breakaway" feature, which enables the rim to move away from the backboard during a slam-dunk to prevent cracking. Nets for the rim are made of nylon, chain or coated cable. Some hoops have a height adjustment system to move the hoop to different heights.