Silverback Height Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Tempered Glass Backboard, Pro-Style Breakaway Rim & Backboard Pad

A little back story. My wife and I have been watching and looking for a hoop for our kids for Christmas. The idea was to buy it for them as a present and surprise them on Christmas morning with it fully installed (more on that later). We both played competitive basketball and so we wanted to get something high quality that wouldn't break the bank. After finding this hoop on a lightning deal, and after having read most of the reviews we decided we'd be fools not to give it a go! For the price, it was slightly higher than the cost of a cheaper standalone unit that we all know will not hold up over time, and can't provide the type of gameplay needed for those who want a gym-worthy hoop outdoors. I love the solid play of a glass backboard that is mounted to a sturdy support. I am hoping that is what we will get with this hoop! Here were our initial reasons for choosing this unit specifically: 1. Sturdy construction 2. Authentic gameplay 3. Value 4. Portability (If we move it is possible to take it with us) INSTALL: In order to have the unit standing tall and beautiful on Christmas morning, I knew I was going to have to get creative because my kids were bound to ask my dad was digging a hole in the yard. So, because I was installing our hoop on the street, I told my kids that I was installing the lower portion of a new mailbox. They bought it. And my son even begged to help. Win, win. The digging of the hole was definitely a chore. I even had a gas-powered auger, but due to rocks that had to removed and broken apart it was tough work. It took me about 5 hours start to finish when you consider cleaning up of the work area and the tools. It was backbreaking work, but in the end I hope it will be worth it to give the hoop that rock solid experience. ASSEMBLY: A friend opened his shop up to me so that I could assemble the hoop and have it ready for a quick install christmas eve late. Surprisingly, using some creativity I was able to do the majority of the assembly on my own without help. Each component of this hoop is amazingly stout and sturdy. The hardware and directions were excellent. One of the best executed assemblies I have experienced. And I've built my fair share of stuff. It honestly felt like I was putting together an NBA hoop. I was careful to install everything correctly, even facing all the bolts so that the nicer looking bolt-head sides were all on the side that would be visible from the street as you drive in (yeah, I have OCD). In order to install the backboard (which weighs a ton), I laid it face-down and used some blocking to raise it to the right height to mount it to the pole. This step worked beatifully, and at this point Im glad I'm not goin to be standing in the rain with 3 friends screaming "Did you get the bolts in?!" while I struggle to hold it in place. Having a large cart/worktable on wheels was very handy as well. I did have my buddy help me rotate the hoop over onto it's side so I could install the rim, but otherwise I was able to do it all myself. I rolled it on it's back and braced it to be safe for the few days it would wait in the shop before install. To be clear, the instructions called for the install of the backboard to happen in the air, but I didn't want to try to accomplish this on Christmas eve, in the cold, and dark, with 4 people I probably won't have at my disposal. I am figuring it will still take 2-3 of us to stand this big boy up (fingers crossed) but I've got a plan in mind and the whole instal should be over in 10 minutes. (I'll update with how it goes). An update with the final results after Christmas!! —————————————— Installed! Final thoughts.... In the darkness of Christmas Eve myself and 3 faithful friends brought the hoop from my friend nearby shop and installed it. The most difficult part was honestly loading it in the trailer as to be secure and not damage anything. I was very anal about it not being damaged in transit. With 4 men, it was quite easy to lift and install on the studs, pole, backboard and all. After doing it this way I’d say I can’t imagjne trying to do it the other way. The morning came and the kids have loved it. My final thoughts... 1. It does wobble a bit. I knew going in that it would given the engineering. If a little wobble isn’t ok for you, look elsewhere. 2. The rim and backboard are legit. Super solid play and excellent outdoor experience of playing on an interior gym hoop. 3. The backboard is a tad short. But again, I knew this going in. 4. Very very impressed. 5 star product for $400!!

I purchased this goal in 2018 at a deeply discounted price ($600 at that time) and this goal is worth every penny of that price. Compared to 2021 prices, the value is not quite as great but still an affordable goal with a premium feel. I started my install and hit a huge obstacle right from the beginning. I only dug about 20" until I hit solid bedrock. I ended up having to rent a jackhammer to bust through the thick layer of rock and was only able to get about 33" deep in the hole with the jackhammer. I did some calculating I figured I would still have enough concrete in the hole to stabilize the goal and I did end up getting a total of 8 80lb bags into the hole (640 lbs). This weight along with the fact the last 10-12" were laid into solid bedrock, I hoped it would be good and it was. The rest of the install was not too difficult. Kudos to Escalade sports for putting together one of the best if not THE best set of instructions I've ever attempted. Very good detailed instructions with great pictures and an equally great packaging engineering of the hardware and goal itself. Everything was neatly laid out and packaged perfectly with vacuum sealed hardware pack with corresponding labels, does not get any better than this. Aside from digging/busting the hole in the ground, the next most challenging part is getting the backboard up in the air to attach to the pole. This step was made spectacularly easy for me by renting a drywall lift from my local rental tool shop. For $29, this tool made this step an absolute breeze. My wife and I were able to get the board on the lift, add some ratchet straps for a little more peace of mind, wheel it out from my garage to the pole and lift it right into place. I highly recommend renting a lift instead of recruiting your neighbors to help lift it. Even with 4-5 adults lifting this large piece of glass, I feel the drywall lift made the install way safer and way easier. I was a little worried that my goal would have a lot of wobble after shots because of the limited number of bags of concrete I could set in the ballast, but boy was I surprised. This thing is ROCK SOLID and is so close to the feel of a gym hoop that I can barely tell a difference. There is just the slightest bit of wobble to my goal after a shot is taken. I'm thinking about filling the bottom of the pole with foam or some type of deadening material or adding some rubber washers in between the anchor plate and the pole to take some of this out, but really it doesn't need a thing. The only thing I could say is I wish the pole itself was a little bit heavier to counter balance the heavy back board. But all in all, I LOCE this goal and am hoping for many years of fun with my daughters on it!!

Complete kit arrived promptly and in excellent condition. No damage to the packaging or anything inside, so that;s always a plus with something this big. The box is heavy, as it contains everything you need. So be sure to have a helper to assist you when moving the entire package. First step was to install the concrete base. I used fourteen 80-lb bags of concrete, giving me a base with a weight of about 1,100 lbs. This was a little overkill, but it's always better to have too much concrete rather than not enough, especially with the height of this thing. I let that cure for a few days before beginning assembly of the pole, backboard, and lifting mechanism. Assembling the two poles was easy. Others complained about it, and I can see how it would be a problem if you're not mechanically inclined or have the tools for a project like this. I first slid the two pieces together and then stood the whole thing up. Using a stepladder, I popped off the plastic cap on the upper post, and used a chunk of 4x6 wood and a 12-lb sledgehammer to knock everything together. Worked great. After its together, pop the plastic cap back on and you're set for the rest of assembly. Everything else was straightforward. Follow the instructions and you'll be fine. The most difficult part is assembling the backboard onto the arms. The instructions say to have at least 3 "capable" people to help... Well, I didn't have that option since I was doing the whole install myself. As you'll see in my photo, I simply lifted the heavy backboard onto a stepladder in the back of my truck and then held it while getting a couple bolts started. Once I had a couple bolts in, I could easily finish tightening everything down before raising the backboard with the crank so I could move my truck out of the way. Yes, it may have been easier with more people, but lugging this thing up a couple of stepladders is far more precarious than the way I did it with my truck and one stepladder. My method also gave a nice platform to work from, making the whole process a breeze. Installation and assembly, not including the concrete work, took about 2 hours. All in all, I am pretty happy with it for the price point. Its a little wobbly, but nothing that I find objectionable. Definitely follow the recommendation for no dunking. This hoop, backboard, and post are sturdy, but by no means stout enough to support dunking, especially by a teenager or adult. Buy a much heavier duty (and expensive) setup if you plan to dunk.

We have had this hoop installed on our farm for over a year. I spent a lot of time researching backboards and looked at models costing both three times as much and half as much. For our three boys (11/13/15) who are all avid players this hoop has turned out to be exactly what we needed. I would do it again. 1. For the price point, great build quality: The hoop is built to last with its sturdy, in-ground design and high-quality materials. The tempered glass backboard offers excellent rebound, mimicking the feel of a professional court. The pole and mounting system are robust and stable, ensuring that the hoop can withstand intense play and various weather conditions. The video will show you how much movement you can expect from the hoop during play. 2. Adjustable Height: One of the standout features is the adjustable height mechanism. It’s smooth and easy to operate, allowing players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the game. Whether you’re setting it at regulation height for serious practice or lowering it for younger players, the versatility is fantastic. We never use this feature and I would never miss it...but it's there. 3. "Professional-Level" Play: The tempered glass backboard and breakaway rim provide a near professional-level playing experience. The backboard is not as large as a NBA hoop...which is a good thing for saving space on our court. If you need that full sized setup, make sure you look elsewhere. The backboard’s responsiveness and the rim’s durability allow for realistic practice and intense games, making it perfect for both casual players and serious athletes. It's a pretty sweet setup overall 4. Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek design and high-quality finish make this hoop an attractive addition to any driveway or backyard. It looks professional and adds a touch of class to your home court. Way better than the el cheapo rim we had when they were younger. 5. Stability and Safety: The in-ground installation provides excellent stability, reducing wobble and ensuring safety during play. The pole pad adds an extra layer of protection, minimizing the risk of injury during aggressive games. Minor Drawbacks: 1. Installation Complexity: The installation process can be quite complex and time-consuming. It requires precise measurements and careful assembly. It’s recommended to have at least two people and some DIY experience. However, the detailed instructions and online resources help make the process manageable. You will have to dig a deep hole and dump in a few bags of quickrete. 2. Price Point: While the quality and features justify the cost, it is on the higher end of the price spectrum when one considers all the super cheap options out there. This might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers, but it’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-tier basketball hoop. 3. Heavy Backboard: The tempered glass backboard is quite heavy, which can make the installation a little more challenging. Extra care and assistance are needed to ensure it’s mounted safely and securely. You will need two competent adults to install safely. Also a positive because it give you a nice predictable rebound effect. Overall, the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable Height and Tempered Glass Backboard is a top-notch product that delivers on performance, durability, and aesthetics. Despite a few minor drawbacks related to installation and cost, its good build quality and near professional-level play experience make it a fantastic investment for any basketball enthusiast. Highly recommended for those who want the best in their home court at this price point.

Great product very easy to put together common sense. The hardest thing is to dig 3 feet. I rented a two person auger which is very helpful. It was 16 wide. My square cut out is 18 inches by 18 inches. After tumbling the backboard, you definitely need three or four people to hold it up while you tighten down the anchor bolts. Can’t wait to play with it for many more years to come. If you’re thinking about buying a basketball court, that’s in ground anchored and solid for the money you can’t go wrong. It’s a 60 inch after all.

EDIT 1: The manufacture got back with me and they suggest it wasn't put together correctly. A bit embarrassing but hopefully this will help someone in the future not make the same mistake. Oops. EDIT 2: Spring was finally in the air today so I got out and took a closer looked at our job installing this system. I now see where we messed up and we're going to fix it when the ground dries a bit. Hopefully we didn't do any lasting damage to the glass other than a small crack. I plan on posting pictures showing exactly where we goofed. It's easy to do! Also, I moved the rating up from 4 to 5 stars because what I thought was a design flaw was not. I do think the posts we installed backwards could be labeled better but alas... we screwed it up, not Silverback/Gorilla. -------- I purchased this system in April of 2013. Overall we've been really happy with it. We have not abused it, done very little dunking and there's been absolutely no hanging on the rim. One thing that alarmed me after it was all assembled was the top arms pushed up against the back of the backboard glass. If you cranked the backboard up the arms at the top pushed the glass from the bottom of the arm and if you cranked the backboard down the arms at the top pushed the glass from the top of the arm. Our glass has developed a crack recently because of this (see attached). The manufacture, Escalade Sports, has no got back with me since I sent them an email a week ago. I don't expect much help from them. (EDIT: They have since contacted me) The goal took two people to do most of the assembly but a third was called to help get the board up on the post. It was difficult and wouldn't have been crazy to have four people to help attach the board and pole together. One to do the bolting and three more to hold the board steady. The family has enjoyed the basketball system. It looks fantastic especially compared to the cheap goals around the neighborhood. Here's a good tip on getting a good deal. This system has dropped in price substantially on Black Friday the previous two years. It's about hundred fifty less than what I gave for it. Good deal if you buy at the right time.

So, the review that Ron O. left in 2021 was perfect!! That backboard is heavy! We rented a sheetrock lift and it made it so much easier. The hole was as expected, who likes digging a 36 inch deep hole. I worked with my son to do the entire install, just needed a third set of hands to get the backboard on safely. Seems like this is a perfect price for this hoop.

I just installed the hoop so I am excited to share my review with you. I looked around a lot for the best price/quality of the product. Most of my neighbors have goarilla hoop which seem to be very sturdy, but they are also very pricey. I set a goal not to spend over 700-800 dollars. Goarilla's were all $1,200 and up so that seemed an overkill for my 3 boys, and you get no attachments with it. Even padding cost additional $150. I was a bit concern about the pool being 4x4 inches and made out of 2 parts as opposed to one big 5x5 inch pool. Granted there are small vibrations but they are not affecting the game or shooting. Note, you cannot hang on this hoop, it is not made for that. Other than that, it comes with both padding for the backboard and pool and looks great. The 60 inch backboard is great! Very sturdy and bigger than I thought it would be. Putting together the hoop was not hard. It requires 36 inch hole which is manageable with hole digger (took about few hours). I used about 9 1/2 80 pounds of cement. That process took another 2 hours. It is a bit manual but nothing terribly hard. You have to wait 3 days for cement to take hold. I love the fact that it has anchors, so I can take it off anytime. The picture does not show the anchor system, but it does have it. I had to look on the factory website to see it. Everything but backboard can be done by one person. If you are a woman, putting two pools together might be a bit challenging as it does require a bit of muscle strength. Other steps (beside backboard) can be done with few basic tools - very easy to follow directions. Now, you will need at least 3 adults to put the backboard up. It is heavy. I kid you not... I am 6'10" and I thought I could get away with another helper, but it did not work. My neighbor came over with a truck and two of them stood on the back of the truck while I was putting the screws in. After that the rest takes little time. So far it is a great product. I played basketball in college and Europe and anything bigger is an overkill for driveway. If you can afford pricier products good for you, but it is not necessary. This was a very pleasant surprise. Btw, even though it says delivery will take 2-3 weeks, my came in in 6 days.

Great purchase, straightforward installation, feels and sounds like a gymnasium backboard.

My son is 6'8" and plays competitive ball at a high level. The portable nets just weren't cutting it. This setup fit the bill perfectly. Unit is well built and instruction easy to follow. The glass backboard does provide a true rebound but make sure you have many strong hands available when itstalling as it is heavy. I highly recommend this net.

Very early on, only 5 days since installation.so far so good. Fairly straight forward to put together. Would have appreciate more info on the plastic washers and spacers. Also I should have paid attention to the install, as I buries the levelling nuts ( but it is level). Standing in a pickup to mount the board is helpful

This arrived on time and it's an amazing product. However you NEED at least 4 capable people to set it up.And a latter maybe 2... we used a platform to stand on in order to get the backboard up. Also do step 1 on the street not the driveway. Banging the poles together can literally crack your driveway. It's heavy and complicated and you need to have a screwdriver that will go easily through metal. Once it's up it's amazing.

Excellent product. Looks beautiful. Instructions were great and my kids love it. DON'T USE FAST DRYING CONCRETE!!! Not their fault, was recommended by RONA, but big mistake. I got it fixed and love this basketball net. Need three or four guys and ladders to mount the backboard.