Introduction to buying basketball hoops and rims on a budget
Buying a basketball hoop and rim doesn’t have to break the bank. With some savvy shopping and DIY spirit, you can score an awesome setup without going into debt. As a baller on a budget myself, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks over the years. Let me walk you through how to find the best deals on portable hoops, replacement rims, backboards – everything you need for hours of driveway domination.
First up, take inventory of what you’ve already got. Maybe you just need a new rim or net to revive an old hoop. Check measurements so you don’t buy the wrong size replacement. Hit up retailers like Academy Sports, Walmart, or Amazon for budget-friendly universal rims under $50. Make sure to read reviews before purchasing no-name brands.
If the backboard or pole needs replacing, weigh the costs. Plastic portable systems run $150 and up new. Higher-end in-ground hoops with tempered glass boards can top $1,000 installed. But deals are out there! Big box stores regularly mark down discontinued models. I once scored a $500 Lifetime hoop for $200 at the local Lowes.
Online marketplace apps like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are hoop goldmines. Search for used systems in good condition at half retail prices. Pro tip: Offer to help disassemble the hoop for a lower price. But inspect thoroughly for defects beforehand.
For the best deals, buy off-season when demand dips. I found an awesome Spalding portable setup for $80 in December, then made some PVC modifications. With a DIY backboard brace and sandbag weights, it’s held up nicely for 3 seasons now.
If buying used isn’t your thing, get creative. My brother built a plywood backboard and nailed it to a tree – instant hoop for around $30! Local hardware stores carry materials for DIY hoops if you’re handy. Or ask around to borrow a rarely-used portable from friends.
At the end of the day, fancy equipment doesn’t determine your basketball destiny. As the great Abraham Lincoln once said, “It’s not the hoop that makes the baller, but the baller that makes the hoop.” Okay I made that up, but you get the point. With resourcefulness and elbow grease, you can ball out on a budget. Just stay patient and keep hunting for deals. Now lace up those kicks and get back to the driveway – your March Madness dreams await!
Compare prices of popular portable basketball hoops
When it comes to portable basketball hoops, you’ve got options galore. The biggest brands like Spalding, Lifetime, and Silverback offer a range of portable systems at different price points. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
At the lower end, Amazon has some no-name portable hoops around the $150 mark. They often have smaller 44-inch backboards and thinner poles. While very budget-friendly, these tend to be less durable and unstable compared to bigger brands.
Step up to the $200-300 range, and you’ll find mid-range models from Lifetime, Spalding, and Silverback. The 54-55 inch backboards offer a decent playing surface. But the plastic materials mean lower rebound. Check weight limits and pole stability if using for competitive play.
In the $400-600 range, you’ll see more advanced portable goals made for home use or club teams. Look for features like steel poles, pro-style breakaway rims, and wheels for mobility. Higher-end models also include folding arms for storage.
The creme de la creme? Pro-style in-ground portable goals from Goalrilla or Spalding can run $800-1,200. They have tempered glass backboards, competition breakaway rims, and durable steel poles engineered to mimic permanent hoops. Great for serious players with big budgets.
My advice is to set a firm budget first, then research options in your price range. Check reviews on Amazon, Dick’s, Academy Sports and elsewhere to compare quality. Consider how often and intensely you plan to use the hoop. A casual shooter can get by with a basic $200 Lifetime model. But avid players are better off investing in a sturdier goal.
There are deals to be had if you’re patient. Sign up for retailer promo emails and check for sales, especially off-season. The $600 Silverback I scored for $399 made my year! Bottom line – know your needs and shop smart, and you can find a high-quality portable hoop for far less than retail. Just keep your eyes on the prize and your wallet in mind.
Check availability of basketball systems at big box stores
When looking for basketball hoop deals, don’t overlook the big box retailers like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. They carry all the major brands and often have specials that beat even Amazon’s prices.
The selection will vary by location and season. I’ve found the best deals by checking inventory at stores in different neighborhoods and suburbs. If one doesn’t have what I need in stock, another store 10 miles away just might.
The great thing about big box retailers is you can often score hoops and accessories at clearance prices when they discontinue models. I got a $100 Coaches Choice scorebook for $20 this way at Dick’s. So keep an eye out for those bright yellow clearance tags.
Brick and mortar stores also frequently run site-wide sales events. Around holidays and inventory turnover times, I’ve seen up to 50% off select gear. This past July 4th I snagged a Spalding 54″ portable system for just $199 at my local Walmart – originally $399.
The online inventory tools big box retailers offer are also clutch for checking stock across all locations. Sign up for alerts so you’re notified when a particular hoop comes back in stock. I was able to reserve a Silverback in-ground pole system as soon as it was available instead of making fruitless trips.
And don’t forget to check the return policy. Big box stores tend to be flexible on allowing returns – just save all packaging in case the hoop doesn’t meet expectations once assembled.
With some persistence and planning, you can absolutely land awesome deals on basketball gear at major retailers, especially off-season. Don’t settle for what’s available locally if you don’t find deals. Use their online tracking tools and be open to making a little road trip. A couple hours in the car is worth it for hundreds in savings on your dream hoop!
Search for basketball hoop packages with backboards and nets
One of the best ways to save money on a basketball setup is to buy a complete package. Rather than piecing together a rim, backboard, and pole separately, combo deals can offer major savings.
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Dick’s all carry affordable hoop packages in the $200-500 range. Even basic systems include a steel or graphite pole, weather-resistant backboard, breakaway rim, and all-weather net. Higher end bundles feature pro-style breakaways, folding arms, and padded pole wraps.
I scored a killer deal on OfferUp last year – a Spalding Arena View combo with 54″ acrylic backboard, breakaway rim, and steel pole for just $275. It even included an NBA Regulation net worth $40 alone. The same system retailed for $600 new.
When searching, pay close attention to backboard material, pole quality, rim type, and brand reputation. While some generic packages seem like bargains, they often prove flimsy. Investing a little more upfront in a reputable system from Goalrilla, Lifetime, or Silverback pays dividends down the road.
Don’t limit yourself to new packages either. Scour Craigslist, NextDoor, and Facebook Marketplace for high-quality used bundles in good shape. Offering to help disassemble and haul away a seller’s old hoop can knock the price down too.
And if your budget is tight, buy pieces separately. Find a used backboard locally, then pair it with an affordable new pole and rim kit ordered online. Or splurge on a nicer backboard and rim, but install them onto a budget metal pole. Getting creative can help maximize savings.
With the right research and planning, combo basketball hoop packages give you the most bang for your buck. Take your time assessing options to find the best components and features for your needs and budget. The ultimate driveway hoops dream is out there!
Consider buying just a replacement basketball rim
If your backboard or pole are still in good shape, you may only need a new rim to restore your hoop. Individual rims are quite affordable compared to whole systems.
Basic stationary rims run as low as $30-60 on Amazon and at big box stores. These tend to be heavy duty steel suitable for casual play. I’d avoid the real cheap $20 models which can bend easily.
For more competitive play, look for pro-style breakaway rims in the $70-150 range. These are built to flex when dunked on, reducing stress on the backboard. Brands like Spalding, Goalrilla, and Silverback offer great performance for the price.
Make sure to buy the right mount size for your backboard. Standard mounts are 5×4 inches but measure yours just in case. And check the rim hole size – most are 5/8″ but some older boards need smaller 1/2″ holes.
If your rim bolts have rusted in place, replacing the entire unit may be easier than wrestling with stuck hardware. Just trace the position of the original and bolt the new one in the same spots.
Don’t forget supporting gear like net clips, replacement nets, and rim padding. Nets need replacing annually, and foam padding reduces vibrations and noise. Hit up Eastbay or Academy Sports for budget padding under $20.
For added savings, check used listings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for name-brand rims in like-new condition. Folks often sell rims from replaced hoops for half off retail.
And if your pole is unstable but the rim is fine, consider a portable basketball stand instead. These start around $150 and let you relocate your existing hoop.
With some research and measurement, you can easily breathe new life into an old basketball setup with a replacement rim or stand. Don’t let a worn out hoop ruin your driveway game when budget-friendly options abound!
Shop online retailers for basketball equipment deals
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Overstock can offer killer discounts on hoops and accessories you won’t find locally. With price matching, free shipping, and major sales events, scoring online deals just takes a little strategizing.
Amazon is my go-to for everyday low prices on brands like Spalding, Goalrilla, and Silverback. And I can often save 5-10% more by price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to find historical lows.
eBay definitely requires more digging, but I’ve found unbelievable steals in their auction listings. I won a $120 Molten basketball for $45 plus shipping because other bidders forgot about the auction. Just beware of sketchy sellers with zero feedback scores.
Overstock is great for finding discount outdoor gear as seasons change. I saved almost 50% on a Lifetime portable basketball system during their end-of-summer clearance sale. Discount overtime accumulation allows bigger and bigger savings too.
And don’t forget coupon sites like RetailMeNot which index all the latest promo codes for hoops and equipment. I saved an extra 15% on a Goalrilla hoop order using a Dick’s Sporting Goods code from there.
Stacking coupons with online sales can mean huge double discounts. Around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I look for combo deals on hoops, balls, training gear, and more to maximize savings.
The key is signing up ahead of time for all the retailer newsletters and sale alert emails. Then I’ve got the inside scoop on all the best deals for fast ordering before sells outs. A little planning goes a long way.
With the insane selection and discounts available online, you’d be crazy not to check the web for your next hoop purchase. Do your homework and keep checking back, and that dream setup will be delivered to your door at a Fraction of retail cost. Just call me Santa Claus because I’m always making my basketball savings list and checking it twice!
Look for basketball hoops and rims on sale or clearance
One of the easiest ways to save big on basketball gear is to buy discounted items on sale or clearance. With some persistence and timing, you can score awesome deals this way.
I’m constantly checking clearance sections at sporting goods stores for hoops, rims, nets, balls – anything basketball related. Retailers like Dick’s and Academy Sports often mark down last year’s models or overstock inventory.
Around new product release times, you’ll see the biggest discounts. I found a $500 Silverback portable hoop for $350 in May as summer gear hit shelves. Come winter, those floor models get crazy cheap too.
Sign up for store loyalty programs and newsletters to get sale alerts ahead of time. Many retailers offer extra discounts for members or email subscribers during sales events. Every little savings adds up.
Check seller apps like OfferUp too. Folks often list new-in-box items for cheap just to clear space. I found an NCAA replica ball half off that way. Same for Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist – search for “basketball clearance”.
And if you have a local Dick’s, check their clearance racks weekly. They seem to get new hoops and equipment on discount all the time. I even found a lonely Spalding backboard for $50 once – no pole needed!
Clearance shopping does require persistence and luck. Be prepared to comb through lots of random accessories and gear. But with enough digging, you can find killer discounts on name brand basketball essentials. Timing is everything – hit those big sales during inventory turnover and transition seasons. A little discount dedication goes a long way!
Find coupons and promo codes for basketball hoop brands
Before any major basketball purchase, it pays to scour the web for coupons and promo codes to save extra. Retailers offer site-wide and product specific deals all the time.
Sign up ahead of time for all the basketball brand newsletters like Spalding, Lifetime, Silverback, etc. They’ll send special discount links and codes for holidays, new product releases, and just because.
Stacking those email promos with clearance sales can mean crazy low prices. I combined a 20% off Father’s Day code with an existing sale to get a $300 Lifetime portable for only $180!
Checkout coupon browser extensions like Honey can automatically find and apply applicable promo codes at checkout. I don’t buy anything online without at least trying Honey first.
RetailMeNot and DealNews also index the latest coupon codes for Dick’s, Academy, Walmart, and more hoop retailers. Search for a store before buying to discover potential deals.
For big ticket purchases, check with the manufacturer directly too. I emailed Goalrilla about a defective pole replacement, and they generously offered me 50% off a new hoop to compensate.
And don’t forget to use cash back sites like Rakuten for additional savings on top of promos. The cash back really adds up if you shop basketball gear year-round.
With a little coupon hunting, you can save big time on brands and retailers for hoops, equipment, balls, and more. Sign up for newsletters, install browser extensions, and search deal aggregators – never pay full price again! It’s like finding free money to fund your basketball dreams.