Lifetime 90061 Portable Basketball System 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard Black

While I agree that putting this goal together is a bit time consuming I don't fault the manufacturer for that. I think it is just the nature of the beast. There are many parts and this thing is well over 10 feet high after assembly so of course it will take some time to put together. I did it over two days more or less by myself and it took in aggregate probably about 5 or 6 hours. Keep in mind I was very careful and methodical as I didn't want to get anything wrong and have to back track. Also I don't consider myself to be very handy at all. With a few minor exceptions (really no big deal) the provided instructions were adequate and fairly easy to follow if you pay attention and move through methodically. In the end the time and effort was well worth it as I have a nice, sturdy, extremely functional basketball goal in my backyard that is a huge hit with my 9 year old boys who are just getting in to basketball and playing on an organized team for the first time this year. The goal is very sturdy (I filled it with water) even though I have it sitting on grass and it is very easy to change the height of the goal in case you ever want to. The backboard is a bit wobbly on a hard shot but nothing that will distract or otherwise take away from your enjoyment. I would highly recommend this goal to anyone that asks and if you are considering buying it don't think twice, you won't be disappointed. Read more

Assembly: The package was frustration free and easy to sort through. This basketball hoop took me 4 hours to put together. That time included getting my tools out, assembly and clean up. The manufacturer must be given kudos for the way the bolts are packaged. The box contained six or so bags each labeled. The instructions would reference a bag and you would open that bag and utilize it for the next few pages of instructions. Then it would reference another bag and you would then utilize that bag for the next few pages,etc. This little added packaging took the mystery out of which screws the picture was referring to and really any uncertainty about the hardware to be used. Additionally have a power drill charged and ready to go. Two metal boring screws must be drilled into the main mast and the protectant lip that resides on the underside of the backboard is drilled into the metal as well but with much smaller screws. The screws provided were of great quality and did not slip or strip in the least. Usage: The hoop itself is great looking and does not rattle or shake at all when shots hit the backboard. The base can be filled with sand or water. I live in a temperate climate and have to move every few years. That being the case I opted for water since it can be easily emptied. Be aware if you live in an area with common freezing temperatures, water may expand and possibly could crack the base. Please note that the sand is not included. Raising and lowering the hoop was able to be accomplished by my 9 year old and is pivoted which does not require lots of strength to accomplish. One does not have to bear the weight to move the hoop up or down. Additionally the height adjustment is done by gripping the two handles in the middle of the pole and squeezing the "triggers" then you can easily raise or lower the hoop. Wheels are no the bottom of the base but are really not easy to engage. The backboard comes with a nice protective film over it and looks great once removed. Market Research: I did look at other hoops and they often had inferior components such as lackluster smaller backboards, insufficient bases, and difficult height adjustment methods. This is a shatter proof backboard, with a spring system on the rim. From a safety standpoint the materials and design make this a step above other hoops I went and looked at. I have no regrets on this purchase and my kids love it. Read more

This is a great finished product, however I did run into a problem at the end, where as always Amazon helped out. Here are some points: 1. The manual that comes with it is great, however if you can print out the pdf version on Lifetime's website which is more up to date and has easier to follow instructions. Also have about 6 hrs free and patience. 2. Have the right tools ready, especial pair of each wrenches listed. 3. Have an electrical drill ready. 4. Most of it can be done by one person, but in some areas you need 2 or more people (for me it was my wife and 12 yr old son). 5. Follow step by step and do not assume anything, I did something wrong and then had to take part of it off, wasting half hr and labor. 6. The frame plastic goes in to the backboard permananently and have to use force. Try putting corners first and then the middle part (I did not do it and wished that I would have done it). 7. Once filled with water it is very heavy and hard to move ( had to drain some of the water to tilt and push it) My unit had a leak in it so water is leaking from a very tiny puncture. Called Amazon and they discounted it. Now have to figure out how to fix the leak. All and all, a great product, not difficult to make but patience and time will be a virtue Read more

The hoop is awesome, but the assembly instructions are not good. Instruction drawings were sometimes missing components like bushings and certain parts were shown with the incorrect orientation. It wasn't horrible to make the corrections, but it added a chunk of time. Overall, I think Lifetime makes really nice products. Again, aside from the instructions, I'm very happy with the build quality and function. Read more

It definitely takes 2 adults to assemble. And one of you needs to be really good with putting things together (tools and interpreting instructions). It will test your marriage. But, the result is a really high quality basketball goal your kid and husband will use / and leave you in peace for at *least* 5 minutes at a time. 😬 Read more