What is the Best Basketball Backboard Material By Cari | Published on October 13, 2022September 30, 2023 When choosing a basketball system, you want one that stands the test of time (and aggressive play). Before buying, it takes research to find the best hoop in your budget. Thus choosing the appropriate backboard is a crucial factor. Location, sun, and portability all play a role in deciding which backboard material works best for you. One question that comes up often is what is the best basketball backboard material – polycarbonate or acrylic? Let’s discuss a couple of frequent backboard questions we get from clients: Best Basketball Backboard Material: 1. My basketball goal is in a public space that is prone to vandalism. Do I need a bulletproof backboard? No. Polycarbonate (while technically bulletproof when brand new) quickly yellows in UV sunlight and becomes very brittle (no longer bulletproof) in a matter of just 2-3 years. As a result, many vendors stay strictly with acrylic for our outdoor, clear backboards. Acrylic does not become yellow, cloudy, or brittle over time and offers much better long-term durability than a “bulletproof” polycarbonate backboard. 2. If polycarbonate and acrylic are both strong plastics that provide a similar bounce, why is acrylic the better choice? Yes, polycarbonate and acrylic are both strong, durable plastics. In fact, polycarbonate is more resilient than acrylic initially. However, when placed in the sun, polycarbonate quickly loses its strength and becomes brittle. Whereas acrylic holds up in the sun and withstands impact from rocks, BBs, and stray baseballs. Another polycarbonate downside is that the material becomes yellow and cloudy in UV light. If you are shopping for an outdoor basketball goal, acrylic remains clear and shiny even in direct sunlight. From a distance, it is nearly impossible to distinguish acrylic from tempered glass backboards. Economically speaking, acrylics are less expensive to produce than polycarbonates. Plus, acrylics are lightweight which keeps shipping costs down. If you’re looking for a portable goal or worry about the installation, the fact that the material is lightweight is just another reason acrylic is the best basketball backboard material. Finally, polycarbonate scratches easily which ultimately changes the ball’s rebound. Moreover, the scratches cannot be polished. In contrast, acrylic retains its transparent appearance, which not only keeps your basketball system looking great, but also ensures the bounce off the backboard stays consistent over time. Best Heavy-Duty Backboard and System We love the Tyrant Fixed Height Basketball Goal. When it comes to extra durability, Tyrant’s backboards attach directly to the pole structure. Its nose-cone mounting design adds additional strength by securing the backboard tightly to the one-piece pole. Plus, this design makes installation much easier by minimizing backboard lifting. The backboards are available in clear acrylic, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass to suit a variety of playing areas. Another great thing about the Tyrant system is that it has an incredible six foot overhang, which means players have plenty of room for layups without the worry of running into the pole or each other. With its lifetime, unconditional warranty, you can’t go wrong choosing this system. Features: Extensive backboard selection available in steel, aluminum, fiberglass or clear acrylic and ranging in size from 36” x 54” to 42” x 72” Heavy-duty 6 5/8” O.D. Schedule 40 galvanized post Nose-cone backboard mounting design with through-bolt permanently locking nose-cone to post Post is buried 48” below playing surface Post to backboard extension distance is 72” Direct mounted to eliminate backboard stress Have questions? Starting a project? Need additional help? Contact us and a friendly agent will be ready to assist.
