How To Choose Backboard Material and Size

Much to the chagrin of future Chamberlains, glass basketball backboards have been set aside in favor of acrylic and shatter-proof polycarbonate. We don't expect many to be particularly upset about this, as a typical basketball pole and basketball backboard can run in the neighborhood of $1,000 and replacing just a basketball backboard is not as fun as practicing layups.

Acrylic backboards For those of us who threaten the ductility of all backboards and rims with our earth shattering monster jams, it's best to go with an acrylic basketball backboard. This fine substance has a pretty impressive chemical and professional resume. We'll spare you the latter and expound on the former: Regular component for visors in motorcycle helmets Almost exclusively used in residential and commercial aquariums Underwater walkways are often encased in acrylic, even withstanding the water pressure on vehicles equipped for the ocean floor Protects police during riots in both vehicles and their riot gear Guards spectators from injury by flying pucks in professional hockey stadiums

Polycarbonate backboards

Rigidity when faced with a flying basketball is clearly one of the more important issues facing normal, inground basketball hoop fans looking to buy a basketball hoop for their driveway. If, in addition to being challenged in flight, you also possess a jump shot more like a rocket than the gently arching parabola it should be, you may want a basketball backboard that gives a little. But more than likely, you'll want a nice firm rebound.

A polycarbonate board, like acrylic but less expensive and a little less rigid, will suit the needs of most residences in terms of a solid backboard mount for a basketball hoop. However, there is nothing other than a firm base and supports extending from the pole towards the corners of the basketball backboard that will provide you with a nice solid bounce. So if you already have a basketball pole, and it doesn't seem to have much as far as backboard reinforcement, you may want to consider a premium acrylic backboard for the most rigidity.