We purchased this to replace an old fiberglass board that had started breaking--most likely original to our house built in 1985. Because getting fiberglass in your eye is painful, I began searching for a replacement board to put on our existing pole. I looked for higher-end replacements, but short of buying a new, expensive set-up, we were stuck with cheaper options. Enter the Lifetime 73650 44" Shatterproof Backboard.
I contemplated giving 4 stars because it's honestly not that great. But upon reflection:
- You don't pay a lot, and you get what you pay for.
- It worked with our existing pole and was relatively quick to put up. Be advised you'll likely need a universal mounting kit. Order one that has a free return, so in the event you need it--it's there; but if you don't, then a no hassle return is key.
- It has held up for casual play, which is all we use it for. I'm not sure how it would do if you're into dunking a lot, though.
It is pretty noisy when the basketball hits the backboard compared to our last one, which is a drawback. Our street is quiet and we feel bad for our neighbors if we play a little later--so it does cut playing time short. Additionally, even though it is listed at 44", there are rather large bumpers around the corner edges, which I'm not sure if that was included in the 44" measurement. If we were going to do it all over again, we would size up to a larger backboard, but that's on us for not clarifying beforehand.
Overall, five stars because I got exactly what I expected for what I paid for. If I paid a lot more for it, this would be a very different review. But a cheaper board = lower expectations = more easily satisfied and easier to achieve a 5-star rating.
| Brand | Lifetime |
|---|---|
| Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Color | Blue/white |
| Product Dimensions | 30"D x 44"W x 6.3"H |
| Item Weight | 22.57 Pounds |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Special Feature | Shatterproof |
| Mounting Type | Surface,Wall Mount |
| Target Audience | Unisex Kids |
| Model Name | 44 Inch Polycarbonate Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit |
| Team Name | Other Teams |
| League | X-Games |
| Included Components | Backboard and Rim |
| Frame Material | High Density Polyethylene |
| Style | Combo Kit |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Maximum Height Recommendation | 44 Inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 44.09 x 30.71 x 5.51 inches |
| Package Weight | 10.24 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 29.8 x 44 x 6.3 inches |
| Brand Name | Lifetime |
| Warranty Description | 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Lifetime |
| Part Number | 73650 |
| Size | 44" x 30" |
| Sport Type | Basketball |
