This Spalding portable, basketball hoop system includes a 52-inch, polycarbonate backboard, a 3-piece, 3-inch-diameter pole with base, pole pads, and a nylon net. It is easy to assemble and is very durable, flexible, and safe. Its heavy-duty construction makes it quite solid for a portable system, while the padding around the support pole helps to prevent injuries. The clear acrylic backboard is professional looking and is much stronger than glass. The net is hardwearing, which means that mom and dad won't have to be running to the sporting goods store to buy a new one every couple of months. The system's strong, solid steel, breakaway rim is designed for both safety and longevity. In the event of a heavy impact to the rim, it will flex downward on its hinge, thus helping to prevent injury to young arms and wrists that are not experienced at dunking a basketball.

With a 37 1/2-gallon base that can be filled with a ballast of water or sand, the entire system is rooted in place and is remarkably stable, particularly at the lower height adjustments. The goal is easily adjusted to any height from 7.5 feet to the official 10 feet, so the system can "grow" with the user. Younger players can start out with the goal at a height that serves their skill level, and the height can be increased as they improve. This feature, coupled with the durability of the entire system, will ensure many years of physical exercise and enjoyment.

The system is relatively easy to move. First, lower the goal to its shortest height of 7.5 feet, using the one-handed activation mechanism. Then, after removing the ballast from the base, you can move the system from, say, one end of the driveway to another or store it in an out-of-the-way location if it won't be used for an extended period of time.

The backboard has a 5-year, manufacturer's warranty. The pole, base, rim, and hardware are warranted for one year. The MSRP of this Spalding hoop system is $549.99, but I have seen it selling for lower prices on the internet. I looked at other portable basketball systems, some of which had larger backboards, were more easily moved (one had a wheeled base), and probably offered a little greater stability, but these were selling for much higher prices. One had an MSRP of over $2,000. This Spalding system was a much better buy for my purpose since it will primarily be used by children and non-pro adults. A more expensive system might be more appropriate for use by competitive adults.