Do you want to shoot some hoops in your backyard/garage? Getting the right basketball setup is essential. You have to opt for a durable setup, which compliments your decor and delivers the promised performance. Before choosing any basketball hoop, you must consider several factors. One of the most important elements is the material you select for the backboard.
You want your backyard hoop to be equally effective in a school basketball ground, right? Anyone shopping for a high-end basketball hoop would likely come across two materials: Acrylic and tempered glass backboards. You might be wondering, “What’s the difference?” Well, there is a distinction! Let’s dive into it and explore which option is more suitable!
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What are Tempered Glass Backboards?
The backboards of basketball goals used in high schools, colleges, and professional games are often made of tempered glass panels. If you’re used to regular glass, you might be surprised by how different tempered glass is. The procedure of tempering traditional glass makes it more durable and strong. When compared to annealed glass, the toughened glass panes are far stronger.
Well, being the most popular choice, tempered basketball backboard glass is a pricey opt as well. Most educational institutions, including universities and secondary schools, employ tempered glass panels for backboards. Tempered glass backboards are also commonly used in NBA games. Due to its widespread adoption by professional organizations, tempered glass has become the “official” backboard of sanctioned games. The only problem with tempered basketball glass backboards is that they don’t last as long as acrylic or polycarbonate.
What are Acrylic Glass Backboards?
Basketball backboards made of acrylic are even less likely to break than those made of glass. In terms of both functionality and cost, the thickness of acrylic sheets is a major factor to consider. When a basketball is thrown at a thinner acrylic surface, it can temporarily bend under the force of the ball, altering bouncing back. Although its production cost may exceed that of a glass backboard, it provides the best rebound impact.
Its medium rebound performance is comparable to that of tempered glass backboards, which is rated 85%. When compared to tempered, acrylic plexiglass sheets are more affordable.
Tempered Glass Vs Acrylic Glass Backboards
Tempered glass is a great material for basketball backboards because of its durability and rigidity. Thanks to the material’s rigidity, the ball has a very good chance of bouncing off the backboard. Additionally, these backboards can avoid scratches because of their solid surface. The risk of vandalism is a drawback of tempered glass backboards. Glass can be broken by any hard object that makes a fast enough collision with its surface. Basketball backboards can also be made out of acrylic, which is another clear material. Acrylic backboards are far more forgiving than glass ones when it comes to breakage. However, if you’re a newbie, we’d recommend opting for an acrylic basketball backboard.
What Should Be the Optimum Thickness of a Backboard?
If you want a gym-quality rebound, your best bet is a 54 or 60-inch board with 3/8-inch glass, or a 72-inch board with 1/2-inch glass. It all depends on how big and professional you want your backboard to be. Furthermore, if you choose a tempered glass basketball backboard, it should be 12mm thick. Otherwise, for the acrylic backboard, 15mm thickness would be best!
Also, different thicknesses and sizes will impact changing prices, so you must also consider this factor! Rest, the required dimensions for the backboard are 6′ across the horizontal axis and 3′ and a half’ up the vertical axis.
How Long Do Basketball Backboards Last?
Glass backboards tend to crack when they come in contact with hard impacts. For 4 to 5 years, they typically serve a great appeal to the eye but can break easily during play. Even after being exposed to UV radiation outside, the plexiglass backboard will retain its clarity. It maintains its vandal-proof qualities, making it a great choice for outdoor use. Despite being used outside, an acrylic backboard will retain its clarity for at least a decade or more.
Pros and Cons of Basketball Backboards
Pros
- An in-ground hoop has a distinct benefit over a portable one due to its permanence. Acrylic basketball backboards are a great option for those concerned with stability and reliability. Most players enjoy flaunting their dunking abilities, but this is impossible with a portable hoop. Having the hoop shift around might also affect the players’ shooting and lower the pleasure of the game.
- As opposed to portable models, in-ground baskets will last longer. The basketball hoop in the garage will last for years because it is made of durable materials like tempered glass backboards or acrylic.
- Most sellers of basketball hoops will stand behind their products with extensive, sometimes lifetime guarantees.
- In addition to these advantages, an in-ground system increases the value of the property. This is especially important if the owner plans to sell it. These hoops are both aesthetically pleasing and durable.
Cons
- The fixed hoops cannot be relocated once it has been installed. They are not practical for nomads because they are fixed in one place. Additionally, the hoop is far more difficult to remove than portable alternatives.
- Given the long-term nature of the construction, a building permit may be necessary. There are limitations on installing basketball courts in certain areas and installation can be a bit difficult.
- These systems are costly because of the high-priced materials used in their construction.
Wrap Up!
The selection of any backboard will entirely depend on your space and game requirements. Anyhow, we’d recommend searching for some acrylic options for better results. Models made of acrylic function well because the material is more weather-resistant than polycarbonate or other materials. Knowing your intended purpose and the materials of the backboard is crucial.
