Spalding 79351 Backboard/Rim Combo - 44" Polycarbonate Backboard

by Spalding

Product Features

• 44-Inch poly carbonate backboard
• 5/8-Inch solid steel Slam Jam breakaway rim
• Fits round or square poles
• 5 Year limited warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Play like the pros in your own backyard with this Spalding polycarbonate backboard/rim combo, which is designed to fit on both round or square poles. Measuring 44 inches wide, this clear board has look of a pro-style backboard--complete with NBA logo in the corner--this unit is ideal for mounting to a pole, garage, or wall. It also features a 5/8-inch solid steel Slam Jam breakaway rim with ultra-smooth spring action and an all-weather net. Mounting hardware not included.

Key Features:

• 44-inch polycarbonate basketball backboard
• Slam Jam breakaway basketball rim
• 2-7/8" x 2-1/2" hole pattern
• Designed to fit round or square poles
• Weighs 34 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty
Five-year limited warranty

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner.

Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide
With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.

In-Ground Systems
In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.

Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.

Wall-Mount Systems
Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.

Portable Systems
Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.

Backboard Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.

The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.

Product Description

44-inch PolyCarbonate backboard solid steel Slam Jam breakaway rim; white all-weather net; fits round or square poles

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 34 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000M4KV4O
• Item model number: 79351
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,054 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #10 in Sports & Outdoors > Fan Shop > Sports Equipment > Basketball Equipment > Backboards
  • #29 in Sports & Outdoors > Team Sports > Basketball > Backboards

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for the price, May 30, 2008

By 

SFW220 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spalding 79351 Backboard/Rim Combo - 44" Polycarbonate Backboard (Sports)

We installed this backboard on our existing pole & support bracket. It looks good, just slightly smaller than I would have thought. We've played 3 on 3 games several times on our driveway & the goal is great, absolutely no complaints. You can tighten the bolt underneath the breakaway part of the rim to get the proper tension on the rim, so it's not too tight or too bouncy. Overall it's probably not as sturdy as a more expensive backboard, but it's well worth the price & it will hold up just fine I think. I'd recommend it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good product for home use, March 8, 2009

By 

M. Aiyub (San Fran, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spalding 79351 Backboard/Rim Combo - 44" Polycarbonate Backboard (Sports)

Good product and it arrived quickly. Although it was packaged properly, the backboard came with 3 deep scratches. I would fault Amazon for poor quality control before shipping it as it couldn't have happened during shipping due to the proper packaging. Since the kids wanted this installed asap I choose not to return it. Overall nice size board especially if you don't have a very big playing area. Purchased it with the converter kit which worked very well with this board for a wall mount installation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice backboard set, October 5, 2009

By 

bruce1 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spalding 79351 Backboard/Rim Combo - 44" Polycarbonate Backboard (Sports)

This backboard and rim set is very nice, looks professional. Very sturdy, and well made. Amazon price beat MOs! And it was delivered to my home. Mounted it on my garage roof and now the kids can shoot hoops for and hour after school. The acrylic clear plastic does not block sunlight coming from behind, so it's unobtrusive. Bought the roof mount at Amazon as well, see my comments and recommendations on that.