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Lots of overhang
for player safety
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| PlayMaker
Frequently Asked Questions |
Why
so many different hoops?
Why do I need the backboard pads?
How are PlayMaker Hoops better than less
expensive models?
What features should I look for in buying a
hoop?
Why does the thickness of acrylic on the backboard matter?
Can I install a PlayMaker hoop myself?
What is the cost to have my hoop professionally installed?
If I install the hoop myself, what other costs are involved?
Are some hoops more difficult to install than others?
How adjustable are the adjustable basketball goals?
Regarding backboard overhang, how much do I really need?
Do I need pole pads and backboard pads?
If I move, can I take my hoop with me?
When I buy my hoop, how long does it take to have it delivered? |
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Q.
Why so many different hoops? Which one is right for me?
A. The basketball hoops offer different features. Adjustable or
non-adjustable? Size of the backboard? Distance from the face of
the pole to the face of the backboard (overhang)? If you pick
adjustable basketball goal, you have six choices. If you pick non-adjustable,
you have three choices.
An official high school or college backboard measures 42"
× 72". Any of our hoops that are in the 300 series (P306A,
P305A, P305S) have a
42" × 72" size backboard. Our other goals have
smaller backboards.
What size overhang, from the face of the pole to the face of the
backboard, do you want? Our Adjustable goals with six-inch poles
(P306A, P206A) have a four-foot overhang. That is the official
overhang of the backboard on a regulation court in high school
and college. All three of our Standard (non-adjustable) hoops
offer a four-foot overhang. The P305A, P205A and P105A models
all have a three-foot overhang. The J104A has a two-foot
overhang. |
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Q.
Why do I need the backboard pads?
A. For player safety. On an adjustable hoop in particular, the
option to lower the height of the backboard creates additional
opportunity for injury. The pads are soft, last for years
outdoors, and significantly reduce the risk of injury. Plus,
they look great. |
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Q.
These hoops are expensive! How are they better than less
expensive models?
A. Quality, durability and performance are the key
elements. Most of our customers are people that have already
worn out a less expensive system that they wish to replace. Our
basketball goals have more steel and a heavier, thicker backboard than
those available at typical discount stores. |
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Q.
OK. I'm sold on an in-ground hoop, but on the web they all look
the same to me. What features should I look for in buying a
hoop?
A. On the web and in pictures, the hoops do look similar,
which is a great marketing display for competitors who
manufacture less quality-oriented hoops. Again, the consumer must
look at the details of our hoops, which include heavy
backboards, lots of steel, a tough powder coating and, of
course, a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing flaws. |
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Q.
Why does the thickness of acrylic on the backboard matter?
A. You've no doubt heard of the term "brick." A
brick shot rattles the backboard and rebounds all the
way back to the point guard. The term originated when backboards
were solid brick walls and everyone on the team
grabbed rebounds.
A good backboard must have a precise
"give" to it so the rebound is predictable. It shouldn't
bounce over the shooter's head; it shouldn't die
against the glass. Standard gymnasium
backboards are 1/2" thick tempered glass. This product
does not lend itself to outdoor use because of climate changes,
but science has given us cell cast acrylic. It exhibits similar
mechanical properties of tempered glass without the outdoor shortcomings.
Many less expensive systems use thinner 3/8"
extruded acrylic. It distorts light passing through it and
requires reinforcement to keep it from shattering. So when your
shot strikes the reinforced portion of the backboard, the ball
rebounds like you just shot a brick When it strikes the
open area, the ball dies against the backboard. A backboard made
of 1/2" cast acrylic needs no reinforcement and plays more
like tempered glass. |
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Q.
Can I install this myself? How big of a job is it and
are instructions included?
A. With the correct tools and a couple of helpers, the knowledgeable
homeowner or handyman can install the goal system. Installation
Instructions
are included and should be read thoroughly before installation.
Parts of the installation process involve lifting heavy
components into place. You are welcome
to call us if you decide you would rather have us install your
hoop(s). |
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Q.
What is the cost to have my hoop professionally installed?
A. Generally between $150.00 and $300.00, depending on the
basketball goal system you buy and what your installations needs are (i.e.
difficulty of excavation and access, etc.) Price also varies by region. |
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Q.
If I install the hoop myself, what other costs are involved?
A. Since you provide the labor, you only need the materials and tools required for the installation. The materials include no more than one cubic yard of concrete (varies by hoop model) and a bag of non-shrink grout. While you can have the concrete delivered premixed by a concrete company, you can reduce your material costs by mixing your own. The tools you will need include a shovel (auger, or other digging tool), a wheelbarrow to move dirt and mix concrete or grout, large adjustable wrenches, level, screw driver, small trowel for non-shrink grout. For the specific and more detailed installation requirements
see the Installation page and click on
your particular hoop model. In terms of time committed to the project, most people dig the hole and set the anchor in concrete on the first day, and erect the hoop, install the pads and grout the base on a second day. |
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Q.
Are some hoops more difficult to install than others?
A. Yes. The degree of difficulty is impacted by the weight of some of the components of the hoop. For instance a
48" x 72" backboard is heavier and therefore somewhat more difficult to install than a smaller
backboard.
While all of the anchor systems are the same and allow for some degree of adjustment even after the concrete is set, the non-adjustable hoops require more precision/accuracy
during installation because you can't adjust the height of the hoop when you are done. |
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Q.
How adjustable are the adjustable basketball goals?
A. The height of Playmaker A-series Basketball Goals can be adjusted
as follows:
Hoops with a 6" pole are adjustable from 6' 6" to 10'.
Hoops with a 5" pole are adjustable from 7' to 10'.
The J104 is adjustable from 7' 6" to 10'. |
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Q.
Regarding backboard overhang, how much do I really need?
A. The larger your basketball court or playing area, the more
overhang you want. We sell custom hoops, too. Some
have a 14-foot overhang! Regulation courts have the backboard plane located 4' inside the baseline. The
main reason to have overhang is player safety. |
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Q.
Do I need pole pads and backboard pads?
A. Absolutely. Pole pads AND backboard pads are always recommended
for safety. Every PlayMaker Adjustable basketball goal system is
quoted at time of order and ships with a
set of custom fitted backboard pads. The
pole pad is optional, yet is highly recommended for
increased player safety. |
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Q.
If I move, can I take my PlayMaker hoop with me?
A. Yes. You can take your hoop with you, and all you need is
a new anchor system at your new home. |
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Q.
When I buy my hoop, how long does it take to have it delivered?
A. The hoops usually ship within two business days. |
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