How To Select Basketball Equipment & Systems

Wondering what type of basketball pole system and backboard material is best suited to your style of play? The following information will help you determine the type of equipment you need. Consider your options, then compare Bison to any other equipment on the market.

Choosing between a fixed-height and an adjustable pole system.

Make this decision based upon the ages of the players and the level of basketball you want to play. The official high school and college competition height is 10', but a new basketball system fixed at 10' will be a big disappointment to youngsters learning to get the ball in the goal. Most young players and teens will also want to lower the goal below 10' to master the slam dunk. A 10' fixed-height goal is appropriate if you want to play only at the official competitive height.

The backboard material affects the quality of play.

Glass is used for all competition backboards in high school, college and pro arenas because a glass backboard gives the best ball rebound. A home court with a glass backboard is the best training ground for competitive-level skills. Clear acrylic backboards, which give you the look of glass, and backboards of graphite, steel and fiberglass all have aesthetic, durability or price benefits -- but none of these compare to the playability of glass.

Look for durability.

Beware of basketball equipment makers that litter neighborhoods with rusty, tilting poles, backboards that age too soon and aging goals. Compare features to get a clear picture of what you can expect your system to look like in the years ahead. Bison's warranties will give you confidence that your equipment will stand up to years of use.

What safety setback do you need?

The distance between the pole and the backboard ranges from 22" to 60" on Bison pole systems. There's no one blowing a whistle under the boards in most driveway games. If you have aggressive players, you should consider a deeper setback. Pole and backboard padding also add a measure of safety when there is rough-housing on your court.

Where will the system be installed?

Will your system be installed on a driveway in front of the house? On the side, or out of sight in the back yard? Street-appeal and coordination with your home and landscape should influence your purchasing decision in more visible areas.

Plan ahead.

Select a system that will keep up with changing skill levels. If you want your youngsters to play with you now and on a competitive team in the future, you should carefully consider pole and backboard rigidity. Always select equipment warranted to stand up to active play. And look for equipment that won't detract from the value of your landscape.

Back