Customer Reviews

Spalding 68454 Portable Basketball System - 54" Glass Backboard

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I extensively researched all the available portable basketball systems. That included reading independent reviews and visiting Dicks and Sports Authority to see and test the various makes and models. Although, Spalding's "The Beast" was far and away the best portable unit that I examined, its cost is $250 more at Amazon. This unit was not difficult to assemble. My 13-year old son and I accomplished that task in about four hours (he is much more handy than I am). The unit is rock solid. The 54" glass backboard is the real advantage that this unit has over the competition. It is just like playing in the gym. There is no backboard movement on shots that hit high off the backboard. It is just like playing on an in-ground unit. I only wish that moving it was easier once assembled. The Spalding Beast allows you to lower a handle which lowers the wheels and easily move the unit wherever you wish. Moving this system once the reservoir is filled is not an easy task. But, for the money, you will be happy that you spent the extra two to three hundred dollars for a system so beefy and a big glass backboard.

I don't often review products simply due to time but I have to get the word out about this goal. First off, this is a great portable goal. It's well built, the frame is solid, backboard is solid, the base once filled with 500lbs of sand is solid. My kids love this goal. All around, its great and it would have received 5 stars had it not been for the installation instructions.

All that said, assembly went well at first. I had two other adults helping so it went fast at first. Be sure you follow the instructions precisely for pounding the 3 poles together. If you get it wrong, you are hosed. Now, there are two things in the instructions that everyone needs to know but of course Spalding doesn't tell you. First, the hardware spacers #30 that get assembled on Section A, step 11 are plastic spacers but they look nothing like the hardware identifier chart on the top of page 7.. The width is correct in the drawing but the circle circumference is WAY off. This slowed us down while we double and triple checked to make sure we had nothing else that matched that #30 spacer. The second and most frustrating part of assembly was Section B, Step #2. Parts 51 and 27 were NO WHERE to be found in the box. We spent the better part of an hour searching for these parts. We finally gave up and I resolved myself to having to call Spalding for replacement after the weekend. We continued our installation for the remaining sections which went smooth. When we finally stood the goal up, we noticed that the #51 spacers were already in the backboard covered by part 27 which turned out to be a foam pad. First of all, there is NOTHING in the drawing to indicate this is a foam pad (it looks like it should be metal from the drawing) and secondly, the drawing clearly shows that parts #51 and #27 need to be assembled into the backboard when in actuality, Spalding did it for you at the factory. I hope this saves someone out there time.

Wow!! Surprised at how much we enjoy this portable basketball system. I read the reviews and most were positive but I was still suspect and was concerned about the assembly. Not only were the reviews that were favorable accurate but I assembled it with my 8 and 9 year old sons and it was easier than I thought and having their participation was a great father and sons experience. All of the parts were included. The labeling of bolts and screws might have been a little better but that maybe added five minutes to the work. The quality of the system for a portable is great. Much more stable than I thought it would be and the backboard is by far the best for a portable. If there were anything I would change to this product, it would be the hole for adding water or sand in the base. We chose sand as we live in a colder climate and feared freezing. There is only one hole which is very small and required a lot of effort to fill. This would have been much easier with water but since they provide sand as an option I would have thought they would have made the entry larger or added a second hole at a better location(the very end). Be warned that with the overall quality and glass backboard it is very heavy and does require two strong adults to move, but once in place it is very secure and stable. I strongly recommend this product and could not be happier.

I am a kid writing this review and I am ten years old. I spent a LOT of time looking at basketball hoops online and finally found this one. When I got it I was really excited. I dont know what really good instructions would be but these instructions where definately not bad. The setup was easy and fun I did almost all of it with my dad but at the part when you are attaching the backboard to the pole you will need two adults. Other than that the setup was really easy. The backboard barely shakes at all it is just like playing in an indoor gym no joke. I like how the backboard is 54 inches long. The glass makes a big difference between stuff like acrylic, it has a great bounce off the backboard. The rim is also good quality. The only bad thing (which really doesn't matter) is that it takes kind of a while adjusting the hoop from 7.5 to 10 feet. This is also the best looking driveway basketball hoop I have ever seen and it the best quality basketball hoop I have ever played on. Don't listen to the negative comment, the backboard will not splinter or whatever. Seriosly, you should not even think about the 4 star reviews, think about th 5 star because this is just the best portable basketball hoop you will find and I know what I'm talking about because I LOVE basketball and I can tell what backboard is better and all that. If you are looking for a basketball hoop THEN GET THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! p.s my friend is so jealous, he comes up with excuses why not to LOOK at it.

I purchased this system because it had a thicker pole compared to other portable systems. The system is well built but the backboard does shake a little when the ball hits it. I think the degree of shake is acceptable. I chose to fill mine with sand instead of mixing water and anti-freeze ( I live in the midwest). The front piece of flat triangle shaped plastic does rebound a lot of the shots.
My only complaint with the system (and why I didn't give it 5 stars) is with parts that were missing from the box. I was missing 4 white plastic spacers. Make sure to check all pieces before assembly. If you are missing anything call spalding directly for replacement. Don't waste your time with their website they don't get to your missing part request for several days. It took me a week to get the right parts sent to me.

Experience with Amazon was excellent - delivery system with CEVA was well arranged. Delivery company made every effort to accommodate our delivery needs and schedule.

Glass Backboard System is far superior to any of the plastic or pelxiglass backboard systems. Extremely sturdy once assembly is complete. TAKE YOUR TIME! READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE BEGINNING. Open the box and layout ALL of the parts BEFORE you start any assembly. Follow the directions percisely - especially the assembly of the main pole section. Line everything up exactly - highly recommend the use of a silicone lubricant (WD40 tends to run - and make the pole sections 'greasy / oily'). Follow the instructions - making sure each section lines up precisely. Place a 3/4" piece of plywood (2' foot square) on pavement and DO NOT be shy about pounding the sections together - using the weight of the pole sections and gravity to 'pound' the sections together.

Two (2) capable adults CAN assemble this unit together - however standing the unit upright and attaching the glass portion of the backboard together is MUCH easier with added hands. Possibly (2) additional adults. Because all of the parts are 'powder coated' you may need to 'clean out' the clearance holes to allow for a simpilfied assembly. Follow all of the instructions carefully. Assembling the rim is a delicate and precise process. I have used many 'different' portable hoops (various friends and families) and when the 'rim' is loose and bouncy it is because they assembled the 'spring' section backwards.

When assembling the use of a 'sawhorse' is vital. Very importanat to make sure you are prepared to add 'ballast' when ready to stand upright. Whether using 'water' or 'play sand' (available in bags at local home improvement store) this process takes time and plenty of it. The overall assembly of this system is not overly complex if you have basic mechanical skills and a reasonable assortment of tools. However to avoid any major problems or set backs familiarize yourself with the instructions and parts and follow the instructions precisely.

The system is superior to most found at your local 'sporting goods stores'. It offers a large enough backboard - without jumping to the 'gorrilla' inground systems (which are even more expensive - and require a hole, cement, and more time) and offers an extremely stable playing system. I would highly recommend this system to anyone with even the most aggressive recreational basketball level of ability.

The only negative comment I have is in order for it to be 'portable' I recommend three (3) reasonably strong men be available to 'move' the hoop from one location to another. Especially with the glass backboard. There is NO room for error when moving this assembly. With the overall weight involved with this system - when tipping the assembly, you tip the rim towards the ground to move the system (as the wheels are at the backboard end of the assembly) - if the system did 'tip over', you would be looking at significant damage to the rim and backboard assembly. Use plenty of care and caution.

Overall this is a great system that I would highly recommend.


DJW

I installed the basket a few weeks ago and have been very pleased. It is extremely sturdy - it definitely has the feel of an indoor basketball hoop. Bank shots are very clean. The structure does wobble when a shot hits the rim directly. All in all, I recommended the product especially for those who are seriously basketball players that don't want an inground system.

The installation was better than I expected. I found the directions to be very clear. It took about 4 hours in total to put it together. I will caution that a few parts were missing whish only a minor inconvenience.

I have found the structure to be a beast to move. If you intend to move the basket frequently, you might want to consider a lighter model - one with an acryllic backboard.

The claims of 8 hour assembly associated with this hoop are not exaggerations. The thing to keep in mind is that it will last many years because it took 8 hours to assemble. The 68454 is a very sturdy portable with good playability. You must follow the directions to the letter. That being said, the directions are very clear and logical with good pictures also. It would be foolish to pass on this hoop over difficult assembly. 2 tips for you. 1.) grease the leading 4 corner edges of the male end of the poles to help them side together and bounce them together all the way (until 1/2 inch from the small pole identification sticker). 2.) When filling the base with sand ( have your hoop on the saw horse as instructed) cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard from the packaging. Then on one end cut away both sides in away to allow the cardboard to access the base opening. Form the cardboard into a boat shape and use this as a funnel. A traditional funnel will not work unless you have extraordinarily dry sand. Flip hoop upright for the final bag so as to have weight in the rear of the base. This is a long process. Probably and hour but worth is because it adds considerable stability. 10 bags of sand is the capacity. Also, this can be a 1 person( of moderate strength) job for most of the process, but you will need a helping hand for a few steps here and there. All in all, Great system.

Would highly recomend this system. Like someone else commented, spend the extra money and get something that you and your kids will use years down the road. The system is well built and sturdy. The glass backboard is what's most important. No flimsy 3/16" plastic. True feel off the backboard.The screw jack mechanism to adjust the height is great. The whole system feels like it's anchored in the ground. Assembly is straight forward. Allow several hours at a relaxed pace. Can assemble most of it by yourself but need a second or third pair of hands when attaching the backboard.Also easier to attach the rim after you stand it up. Just crank down the height adjustment and stand on a step stool. When putting the three piece upright together spray the ends with silicone. This will completely take care of the difficulty of the pieces sliding to the proper position.Without the silicone you'll be pounding away. Amazon delivery was to the house and right to the garage-perfect. Came sooner than promised. Will not be disappointed. Can't pass it without shooting a few shots on the way into the garage.

Product was delivered sooner than anticipated then the tracking # indicated. A freight company (ABF)delivered it to my front porch. I e-mailed ABF and requested they leave it without me being there to sign for it as I would have to of taken off work. I left my gate open and at my request, the delivery person closed and locked it after he left. Great service right off the bat.
Opened it up. All parts were there and in perfect shape. Set up was fairly easy. Just be SURE and follow the directions and you will have no problem. I set this up by myself with the help of my 8yr old son fetching parts and tools for me. *You will need a couple small pieces of 2x4 or 2x6 to bang the post sections together* Again... Be SURE and pay attention to the instruction manual for the correct ORIENTATION of the poles when putting the sections together. If you accidentally get it wrong... Im not sure how you will get them apart (just FYI). I also used a little bit of PAM cooking spray to help lube the ends that go together. After you have put the first 2 sections together, my recommendation is to lay the pole on the ground and use something sturdy (sidewalk curb, leg of a porch, block wall, or in my case a rail road tie) to help connect the last section as you bang it on. REMEMBER to orient the poles correctly before pounding them together. If you dont have a saw horse then be creative (I used the bed of my truck to support the goal as I constructed) IF you decide to tackle this by yourself... I would recommend that you move the goal into place and fill with water or sand before attaching the screw jack system (its just easier to place the screw jack when the goal is upright) You will need at least a 6ft ladder to attach the screw jack if you do it as I suggest.
Safety tip - When moving the goal into place, remember that the center of gravity is where the top and middle poles come together. This will be the easiest place to carry it from (if building this alone). Also when standing it up, make sure the wheels do not roll out from underneath you regardless of when you attach the screw jack system.
Other than that... everything is pretty straight forward. Pay attention to the directions and take your time. Took me about 5hrs all together.
Nuts and bolts could be a little better organized per section but not too bad overall.

Performance - What a huge difference compared to the acrylic backboards! The rebound is way better off of the glass. My son and I are loving it and it looks pretty stylish in our front yard. GREAT BUY!