List Price: $224.95Price: $169.99 You Save: $54.96 (24%)as of 11/22/2009 18:12 EST
Availability: Usually ships in 3-5 business days
Amazon Minimum Age: 60 months
Binding: Sports
Brand: Spalding
EAN: 0689344326825
Item Dimensions: 550480083003000
Label: Spalding
Manufacturer: Spalding
Model: 88351
MPN: 88351
Publisher: Spalding
Release Date: July 20, 2006
Size: One Size Fits All
Studio: Spalding
Features:- 44-inch PolyCarbonate backboard; 5/8-inch heavy duty solid steel Slam Jam breakaway rim w/all-weather net; Exacta Height lift; 3-piece 3 1/2-inch pole system; ground sleeve for easy installation
- 44-inch PolyCarbonate backboard
- 5/8-inch heavy duty solid steel Slam Jam breadaway rim w/white allweather net
- Exacta Height lift system adjusts height in 6-inch increments from 7.5' - 10'
- Eight-year limited warranty
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Editorial Review:
Product Description: The Spalding 88351 In Ground Basketball Hoop with 44 Inch Polycarbonate Backboard features a three piece 3.5 inch pole and a Slam Jam breakaway basketball rim with heavy-duty white net. The basketball hoop adjusts from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with an easy to use exacta height adjustment system. The Spalding 88351 In-Ground basketball goal comes with a ground sleeve for easy installation and removal of the basketball system.
Amazon.com Product Description: Bring home years of basketball fun with the Spalding residential in-ground basketball system (model 88351), featuring the Exacta-Height lift system for adjustment between 7.5 and 10.5 feet. It offers a a three-piece pole construction made of 3.5-inch square steel as well as a ground sleeve for easy installation and removal and a powder coated matte black finish. Other features include a durable, 44-inch wide poly-carbonate backboard, 5/8-inch solid steel Slam-Jam breakaway rim, and an all-weather net. It's backed by an 8-year limited warranty.
Amazon.com Basketball System Buying Guide With the high-quality construction of many portable basketball systems, turning your driveway into a basketball court can be as simple as hooking up your garden hose. But while a portable system may ultimately be your best choice, there are reasons you may want to consider an in-ground or wall-mount system before you decide.
In-Ground Systems In-ground systems are permanently cemented into the ground--either via a bolt mounting kit or directly into the ground--and are generally more rigid and take up less space than portables. In-ground systems often require that you hire a professional to complete the task, but when the cement dries you'll have a hoop that can take punishing dunks with ease.
Many in-ground systems are height-adjustable, include removable post features that let you take the system down for off-season storage, and feature heavy-duty break-away rims. You'll also want to research the adjustable mechanisms on the systems, as there are several types to choose from. Some feature a counter-balance spring that lets you perform easy, one-hand adjustments while others may feature a sturdy, pneumatic system.
Wall-Mount Systems Wall-mount systems can be mounted to the side of a house, a tall retaining wall, or a garage. Generally sturdier than portables, wall-mounts have the added advantage of optimizing your existing ground space for the court, since you won't take any space up with the base or pole. Not all systems include the necessary hardware, so make certain you add a mounting kit to your list.
Portable Systems Portable systems require minimal installation and offer ultimate convenience. These systems generally feature a base that can be filled with sand or water to stabilize them and include wheels for portability. Although they are not as sturdy as in-ground or wall-mounted hoops, portables are simple to set up and can often be folded for convenient storage.
Backboard Considerations Regardless of which system you choose, you'll want to brush up on Backboards 101. Most residential systems feature backboards made of acrylic, fiberglass, graphite, or various other composite materials. While clear acrylic gives the professional look and feel of glass, it is not as rigid as fiberglass or graphite. Some systems may offer steel or aluminum backboards, which are virtually vandal resistant, but don't offer the true rebounding action.
The regulation size of an NBA backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. Most portable hoops are 42 or 44 inches wide and 36 inches tall. In-ground systems tend to be a bit larger, with 54-inch and 60-inch widths being the most popular. While rectangular shaped backboards provide more bank shot opportunities, they are generally more expensive than the streamlined fan-shaped board.
Average Rating: 
Rating: -
Spalding 88351 In-Ground Basketball System with 44-Inch PolyCarbonate Backboard Great purchase -- the only problem is trying to fill the tubes with concrete -- it's almost impossible to fill them as shown that's the only problem if I was doing it again which I should never have to -- I would fill it after standing it up in the holder. Just cover the backboard & parts with cloth or something heavy that won't rip & pour the concrete in! Also possible leave the tape on & put it in the sleeve so the concrete won't stick to the concrete in the bottom of the hole, in case you would have to remove it someday! It's tough either way, but it's so hard to lift after filling to get it in the ground adapter sleeve, & there is just as much concrete to clean up the way they show it too. Also mix the concrete very thin so it will pour rather than clump because it tends not to flow to good! The Grandkids & myself have been playing quite a bit & the excersize I'm getting is great! The raising & lowering works great too, although pay close attention to the holes when assembling as they say so the parts will move good & not hang up! Hope this helps someone!
Rating: -
I was skeptical of any basketball hoop for under $200, but this Spalding model has proven to be a solid economical choice. The assembly and set-up time took me longer than anticipated, and filling the pole with concrete was not an easy task (don't follow the directions, set the pole up first, then dump the concrete in), but overall I am satisfied with the purchase.
Word of caution: the height adjustment handle requires two hands (one to pull down and one to slip a locking pin in place), and is quite difficult for smaller individuals. Take this into consideration before purchasing.
Rating: -
Bought this before christmas for my grandchildren had to wait until spring to assemble and put it in ground. it seems like a very good hoop but, the instructions are very hard to follow and are very vague.It took 5 hours and 2 adults to assemble it
Rating: -
Small backboard and 3" pipe makes this one a fairly easy DIY install.
Contrary to the instructions, I suggest you attach the backboard and fill the pole with concrete after you install the pole. Making those changes I was able to install as a 1 man job with a 6ft ladder. Otherwise you are dealing with trying to get an unbalanced, top heavy pole system that weighs over 125lbs into a small hole in the ground with a plastic rim that probably won't take that much side pressure if you miss.
Sturdy, but not super heavy duty, this system can take a reasonable amount of abuse but probably not every day heavy play from older kids or adults.
The ground sleeve makes for easy installation but also adds a little wiggle to the board.
Clear backboard, and small size, makes this system a nice, unobtrusive addition to your driveway.
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