Unlike the wall-mount, or in-ground basketball systems, a portable basketball hoop is a really convenient buy for a number of reasons. To start with, it is a complete system to begin playing the game, and they can be upgraded with other features like a breakaway rim for those who like to slam-dunk. But the biggest advantage is that they are a portable basketball system.
You can play them anywhere. No need for concrete to install, no digging a hole for the pole to begin, and once assembled, they can be moved anywhere. Another advantage of portability is that they can be used in any neighborhood that has restrictions on in-ground basketball systems.
Depending on where you live, you will likely need to get a building permit in order to install a wall-mount or in-ground basketball system. With a portable basketball system, you obviously avoid these issues altogether. Just simply set your goal where you want it, weigh down the base and play: easy as pie.
When you do need to fill the base with a weight, sand or water are obvious choices. Some simply use an external weight system, such as sand bags or actual weights from a home gym system. No matter what, it sure is easier than digging a hole or drilling into your house to mount a backboard which you can no longer adjust in the wall-mount models.
Another benefit to having a portable basketball hoop set up is that you can take the game with you if you move to another home. This is great for those who want to upgrade or who have an occupation which requires frequent residential moves, like the military. Having a portable hoop is the best choice for most situations.
One question that gets asked by many is, "Can we slam-dunk on a portable system?" On many cheaper models, this is not possible since the 10-gallon size for an economy basketball hoop is simply not enough counterweight for the slam dunk. However, with better quality models out there, this is a possibility for sure.
You can always upgrade most basketball hoops by getting a "breakaway rim" to enable slam-dunking. Just be sure the manufacturer allows for such upgrades, and that the portable basketball hoop is properly stabilized with sufficient weight first.
Many decide to opt for an adjustable basketball hoop to increase or decrease the height with a simple adjustment. This is perfect for those who have kids or who want to practice at lower heights and increase the challenge as time goes on.
Just like there are a number of basketball systems to consider, there are also a number of height adjustment mechanisms to consider. Many have a screw-jack mechanism, this is the most common and is usually cheaper to buy. The best and most expensive is the hydraulic models, the most convenient and easiest to use.
Lastly, make sure to consider the warranty and brand recognition. If the brand has been around for a while, there should be sufficient reviews to go over before deciding on one portable basketball hoop or another.