Spalding 54" Basketball Hoop Comparison: $700 Glass Backboard vs $220 Polycarbonate

This 54" glass 2022 version Spalding Screw-Jack Glass Backboard Basketball hoop is very nice but not as sturdy as I wanted it to be. Putting it together took 7 hours but that's cause I did it myself (tip, fill base partially with water or else moving while you're putting it together will be tough, I hurt my back doing it). I spent a good amount of money and went with the glass backboard to help get closer to a basketball gym quality experience but it was still too shaky for me. When you compare it to a polycarbonate lower quality hoop as seen in my video you can tell it's way better than the polycarbonate version but also about 4 times the price. I got the polycarbonate one for $150 at Walmart, the Screw-Jack Glass Backboard Hoop got $700 on Amazon.
If you're not OCD like I am about details, then the hoop will be just fine but for me, I'll keep the polycarbonate version and upgrade to a in-group hoop later to get maximum sturdiness and a gym-like experience.

[@gibbynj3002]

This helped me out alot. I'm gonna spend the extra money and go with the glass backboard. My son hitting that loud polycarbonate backboard will drive me crazy lol. Thanks 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Somnospeed]

Dude this is one of the beat reviews I have ever seen for ANY product! To the point, answered any questions anyone is wondering, demonstrates the sturdiness of the backboard. Perfect job.

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

Thanks!

[@shilakes]

Very helpful! I hadn't even considered the sound difference.

[@taylorc9480]

Great video very helpful! Thank you for making this video!🇸🇪

[@djtechnician7757]

Definitely helped me. Thanks alot. Great review

[@terik555]

great comparison...fast...zero time wasted ...excellent

[@nuthinnicehiphop]

That helped a lot. Thanks! Also not bad at hitting shots while filming.

[@dameonwhite5672]

Thanks for the comparison my man. I really was torn.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks for the video. I wanted to get the glass but they didn't have it in stock so had to settle for the other one.

[@omarrivera0108]

Thanks for posting. This helps! 👊🏽

[@arthurresendez]

OUTSTANDING video!!!!

[@tobbygaudreau699]

Awesome video, many tanks

[@neilszn]

Being completely honest, I have the 54” polycarbonate one and it is amazing. Got it for $220 instead of its normal retail, $299.99. It works great and the noise of the backboard is not as obnoxious as in the video. Great one, do what you will with this and enjoy your time!

[@neilszn]

@Juan Gonzalez It is a Spalding NBA hoop. It works great and isn’t half as obnoxious as described.

[@neilszn]

@Juan Gonzalez It’s gonna be a great purchase, have fun!

[@muchostacos67]

Just bought one recently too for the same price and its been great. I just need to get a different net cause the one it came with was super thin. I added some more weight on top of the tank too and its no where near as loud or shakey as in the video.

[@sunset6958]

@@muchostacos67 did you get a different net? also does changing the net change the sound it makes when it goes in ?

[@690baby8]

Thanks bro! 🤝

[@stevedoyel]

Nice comparison. I am considering the cheaper option shown here for my 6yo and waiting until both of my boys get older to buy an in ground system.

[@tangerines_4_life]

This helped , thanks 😄

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

Thanks for your support everyone. Regarding the backboard noise, it's possible the phone made it sound louder than it is in real life but it still goes to show the difference between glass and polycarbonate backboards. Update: I kept the polycarbonate hoop and it's been working just fine, and it looks good in the driveway 👍.

[@DuttyBoi]

How is it now?

[@ivancrump7003]

I purchased the spalding system this week for a lil over $200 & my backboard does not shake or is loud like this video it’s a overall great system if you just wanna good hoop

[@muchostacos67]

@Vincent64 I'ld add some extra weight on top of the water tank. Mine was a little shakey, but I added some weight and it was pretty solid after that. I haven't tried hanging on for too long, maybe 1-2 sec, and it felt fine. I also noticed that if you live in a windy area, the backboard might catch a lot of air, so it would be good to lower it when you're not using it or add more weight on top of the tank like I said earlier.

[@jimmycampos]

@Vincent64 which lifetime hoop were you talking about? Could I get a link?

[@Cooldaddymon]

Thanks for the comparison!

[@user-hm2eu1cr9g]

Thank you!

[@ibrahimiqbal374]

what is the difference between an acrylic and polycarbonate backboard? asking bc spading has just a little more expensive option in acrylic for the same 54INCH?

[@510th]

Did you assemble both yourself? I understand the better one takes some serious time and possibly two people to fit the long main structural piece? Thanks.

[@rissonjones1082]

I have 2 Spalding basketball hoops the 2020 version with the nba logo and the acrylic backboard and the 2022 version with the polycarbonate backboard. The 2020 version I got was almost $400 i had it for almost 2 years and the 2022 version I still got it. Had to change the net on the 2022 version but the 2020 version I had to change the rim again because the one that came with the hoop got bent from a tornado a year ago and the other rim got bent from the snowstorm in January. I got another rim the Spalding arena slam rim. I put a cinder block and some bricks on the base so the hoop doesn’t get knocked over again. I have water and antifreeze inside the base too.

[@LPtommy]

Are these systems easily foldable? I’m looking for a good hoop system which can be easily moved to the square in front of our home and some kind of weather resistance

[@allThingsConsidered23]

The elevate system on the right. Would a stronger spring help make it sturdy?

[@tonykari5124]

Great review 👏 👌 thanks. Where did u find it for 200$ though lol. Cheapest one i found was in Walmart for 269$

[@versitell848]

Hello. A bit late, but Target has it on sale right now. About $162 before tax.

[@giantasiansticker8068]

I’m not a fan of the exacta height due to how much force you need to adjust it and force the pin in

[@TampaTec]

Can the backboard be upgraded to glass?

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

No I don't believe so. You wouldn't want to even if you could because the pole and all other materials are lower quality, would be tough to support the heaviness of the glass backboard.

[@0neieer877]

P

[@Whiteboy39thchi]

Great video thanks I almost went cheap 😭

[@DimplesDon9]

Hello Jonathan, question on those elevator tubes that is holding the backboard. Do you have only one flat washer on each bolt?

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

The glass one or polycarbonate?

[@DimplesDon9]

@@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245 glass please

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

@@DimplesDon9 Thanks. Yeah one washer on each side of the bolt I believe.

[@matthewplays6416]

In my opinion I would always recommend going with the more expensive one because that one would be sure to last overtime because sometimes while Im walking around the neighborhood I see some of the kids playing on the poly carbonate one show in this video and everything looks pretty beat up about it especially the rim which will definitely not be as sturdy as the tempered glass hoop shown.

[@themustafagoldenboy9008]

My polycabronate backboard has some huge cracks on its frame near the rim after a year of use. Any suggestions on how to fix it?

[@tonykari5124]

JB WELD IT

[@hkvanx]

Nice video…is it easy to move for one person

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

You have to hang on the hoop to pull it down and move it, I wouldn't say it's easy for one person but doable.

[@classiksound]

How tight did you tighten the bolts on the elevator and backboard system? The instructions doesn’t specify

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

I don't have an exact number but I tightened them until it seemed like I couldn't tighten too much more without straining.

[@Allosis]

Cool

[@rissonjones1082]

The one on the right is the one i'm getting tomorrow as my early Christmas gift. Its supposed to arrive on December 17 but its going to arrive on December 9 which is tomorrow.

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

Nice! It's a good looking hoop and will last a long time. Upgrade the net though, the one it comes with is very cheap. Walmart has nice thick ones for a few bucks, it gives the swishes a much nicer sound. Have fun with it!

[@rissonjones1082]

@@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245 I will. And I have plenty of basketball nets too just in case the one on the hoop gets ripped.

[@joemorgan4816]

How u like it ? I

[@rissonjones1082]

@@joemorgan4816 It's good. I was shooting a lot of threes on this hoop.

[@YTfncs]

Hi. What name/model is the cheap one? Thanks .

[@shivamgandhi5779]

The model for the cheaper one is called Spalding 54 exactaheight portable with polycarbonate backboard

[@rajsteint6487]

Anyone know if a Spalding Rapidlock 54 inch backboard arcrylic is worth buying?

[@adampruitt9211]

Get the tempered glass backboard

[@ricosuave8395]

Is it hard to turn the screw Jack?

[@tonykari5124]

No. Not at all

[@moe6459]

Where’d u get the glass hoop for $700? You have a link?

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

I got it on Amazon originally but I can't find it there anymore, Walmart has it but it's $899 now: www.walmart.com/ip/489466375

[@bpot1927]

and how much does the tempered glass one cost

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

$700

[@rhoodj]

@@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245 COULD YOU PROVIDE THE LINK FOR THE $150 at Walmart? PLEASE

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

@@rhoodj It was through the Walmart app (for pick up) and the price wasn't at all Walmarts, for some reason one had it for $150 🤔.

[@allencentonzo2424]

Is the glass one on the left the ultimate hybrid? Thank you

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

It's the Screw Jack 2022

[@allencentonzo2424]

The square post on the glass is straight up and down correct. Also you have then at the lowest setting in the video... correct? Thanks again.

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

@@allencentonzo2424 Correct, straight up and down square pole. Both at lowest heights (the polycarbonate may be 1/2 foot higher than lowest height).

[@allencentonzo2424]

I'm torn between getting the Spalding beast 54 in glass backboard or this one.

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

@@allencentonzo2424 Get the Beast, that's what I plan on getting (60" version). I returned the ScrewJack. If you search video reviews for the Beast it's more sturdy and is the closest to an in ground hoop.

[@marquislong.223]

One on the right is bad. My 120 son dunked on it and the 4 poles that hold the goal and backboard up twisted.

[@kylemanguera7700]

What model is the left one?

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

54" Spalding ScrewJack with Glass Backboard. Very similar to the Spalding Ultimate Hybrid but this version doesn't have the extra section for sand.

[@galdinomartinez4757]

Back board with skills same unless you have the money do it but if your not sure if your id's gonna love it don't spend that 3xtra money

[@shivamgandhi5779]

Which model is the 54 inch glass version

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

Screw Jack 2022 Version www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08WCBZYTW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@shivamgandhi5779]

@@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245 thanks

[@legend1849]

Is the shaking the backboard or the stand..Seems like the stand is shabby..

[@JesusIsTheLightOfTheWorld1245]

The backboard has a spring that allows it to move, also the metal isn't as sturdy as the glass backboard hoop. Overall it's a good hoop, but the shaking is there and I tried whatever I could to stop it. You'll get used to it.

[@DjTinnio]

Why even producing and selling the right one . Holy shit. Only producing the left one, less producing costs, you can lower the price a bit.

[@galdinomartinez4757]

I want my son to do nothing but chef curry 🍛 so you know what I got for him lol 😆 😋

[@TAPPChannel]

wow huge difference :/

[@OrganicNaytor]

This foo hating on the cheaper one just cuz it's cheap

[@kirkfavre3017]

No cap bruh

[@LakersNinersFan]

Would you go with the poly backboard if it was going to be wall mounted? Because it seems like the pole has a lot to do with the flimsiness

[@marcusbarbagallo8218]

I have the poly mounted on the wall using the U-Turn Lift system. It was not wobbly at all - but the poly board did break after about 5 years of fairly regular use. Just know that the poly is not extremely durable. I can't find a glass backboard that is sold separately, only as a portable system - which is quite frustrating. So I ended up buying another poly board I found second hand but unused. I got it for $125 so if I get another 5 years out of it I would be happy.