Have you ever wanted to feel like an NBA superstar in your own
backyard? The Lifetime Elite 52" Portable Basketball Hoop turns any
driveway or patio into your own personal basketball court. Challenge your
friends to a game of pick-up basketball or practice your dunks by lowering
the hoop. It is perfect for practicing your jump shot for competitive
practices or just shooting around
with the family. The Lifetime Elite
52” Portable Basketball Hoop
provides fun for all. The base, pole,
height adjuster, backboard, rim,
and net are made to the highest
standards defined by the American
Society of Testing and Materials
right here in the United States of
America. This product is perfect
for everyone from aspiring allstars to seasoned veterans.
Figure 1: Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball Hoop1
Base
The Lifetime Elite 52" Portable Basketball Hoop utilizes an XL heavy
duty base made from a durable plastic material. The 49.5 by 32.7 by 9
inch base fits perfectly at the end of any driveway or patio area. If,
however, the hoop does take up too much valuable space, it can easily be
moved with the two plastic wheels on the front of the base. The base can
hold up to 35 gallons of water or 375
pounds of sand for additional
stability. With the added weight in the
bottom, the hoop will never tip over
in extreme weather conditions or even
on your most ferocious dunks.
Figure 2: Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball
Hoop (Cropped to focus on base) 1
Pole
The base connects to the main pole of the hoop with straight round
extension arms to provide extra stability. The pole itself is made from a
high quality steel with a powder coated finish. This renders the system
both rust and scratch resistant. The pole is comprised of three separate
3.5-inch diameter sections connected by
steel bolts. For additional safety, the
Lifetime Elite 52" Portable Basketball
Hoop comes equipped with a pole pad.
The pole pad is made from a weatherresistant vinyl surrounding a foam pad.
The pole pad attaches to the pole with
Velcro straps to hold it firmly in place.
Figure 3: Pole with pole pad2
Height Adjuster
The Power Lift height adjuster of the Lifetime Elite is located about
halfway between the base and backboard on the pole. The hoop can easily
be adjusted for players of all age and skill level. The Power Lift uses a
pneumatic mechanism that adjusts the height of the hoop with the squeeze
of a handle. This type of height adjuster received Lifetime’s highest rating
for ease of use. The height of the hoop can be adjusted within seconds
from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with an infinite amount of adjustment increments
in between. Therefore, this hoop can grow
along with younger players. Typically,
elementary school basketball leagues use a rim
height of 8 feet. This Lifetime hoop can be
adjusted to this exact height for elementary
students to practice their jump shots at home.
Once the player graduates to a full 10 foot
hoop, the Lifetime hoop can adjust with them
with the squeeze of a handle.
Figure 4: Power Lift height adjuster 1
Backboard
The Lifetime Elite backboard connects to the Power Lift height adjuster
and the main pole with straight round extension arms. Each extension arm
connects to a steel plate with steel bolts that hook into the backboard. This
hoop utilizes Lifetime's Shatter Proof backboard which is made from
Makrolon polycarbonate rendering the hoop virtually unbreakable. The
backboard measures 52" diagonally with a 3 millimeter surface thickness.
Also, the backboard is reinforced with a steel frame for additional
strength. The steel framing is protected on the
bottom by a blow molded frame pad for added
durability. All corners of the backboard are
slightly rounded to prevent basketballs from
popping. Even with the added durability, the
backboard provides a true feel on bank shots
from any angle.
Figure 5: Makrolon Backboard1
Rim
The rim of the Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball Hoop is held firmly
in place by two steel plates on either side of the backboard connected with
4 steel bolts. This hoop features Lifetime’s 18 inch diameter Slam It rim
with double-compression springs providing spring-back action. This
provides a realistic bounce on jump shots and a safer feel on dunks that
will not hurt your hand. The rim is constructed of a solid steel painted
with a weather-resistant acrylic orange paint for a real NBA experience.
It is also supported on the bottom by ½ inch steel braces. The added
support keeps the back of the rim firmly in
place on dunks without putting added stress
on the backboard. The hoop also includes an
optional ball return, which is made from a
polypropylene plastic that snaps onto the back
of the rim. This feature is perfect for working
on your jump shot by yourself because it lets
you spend more time practicing and less time
chasing the ball.
Figure 6: Slam It Rim with Ball Return3
Net
The Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball Hoop has a net connected to
the rim with 12 welded-steel net hooks that
tilt up and around to hold the net firmly in
place. This hoop includes a 70 gram
weather-resistant nylon net perfect for
outdoor play. The 12 hoop hourglass design
includes 3.5 inch wide by 4.5 inch long holes
from knot to knot with a total length of 22
inches. The net provides a true NBA feel on
jump shots with the iconic swish sound.
Figure 7: Side view of Slam It Rim with Net1
Conclusion
From bottom to top, the Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball Hoop
provides a true NBA experience for players of all skill levels. The hoop
includes easily assembled pieces such as a base, pole, height adjuster,
backboard, rim, and net. Through all weather conditions, the hoop will
remain stout and ready for your next shoot around. The base and pole will
hold the rim and backboard firmly in place while you adjust from NBA
height down to elementary basketball height and back. This allows you to
practice your jump shot and then switch to a lower height to dunk like the
pros. In conclusion, whether you are practicing your three pointers,
playing against your friends, or dunking over your competition, the
Lifetime Elite 52” Portable Basketball Hoop is the perfect product for you.
Sources
1) http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12647696&cp=440664
6.4413993.12922070.4415109&categoryId=4415158&fg=Breakaway%20Rim
2) http://store.lifetime.com/products/blt/pid-0602.aspx
3) http://store.lifetime.com/products/blt/pid-90483.aspx