Polycarbonate Basketball Hoop Boards vs. Other Backboard Materials – What’s the Difference?
When shopping for a basketball backboard, you’ve probably noticed that there are a handful of different materials, usually polycarbonate. However, it is important to know exactly what the different materials are and how they compare to each other.
Polycarbonate – In the vast majority of home basketball systems, this is definitely the best material to choose from. It is transparent like acrylic, reacts like acrylic, but has the distinct advantage of being several times stronger than acrylic. That means you can play harder and longer without fear of the board cracking or breaking. Polycarbonate is a good option if you are shopping for a basketball hoop for teens who may not be so careful about their backboard.
Acrylic – In top end systems where the acrylic stays quite thick (either 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch), then this is a thin material. But if the system you are buying costs less than $ 500 or so and the board material is likely to be a little thinner than that, you should stick to the polycarbonate models, as polycarbonate boards can do basically everything that they can. Acrylics can do, except they have a superior quality. durability.
Molded plastic – You only see this material in low-end systems, usually the ones that cost less than $ 160. This is a good material if you are buying your kids basketball goal, but it has a slight downside because it vibrates a lot and absorbs a lot of shock from a basket ball. That means it doesn’t have a lot of bounce, so it’s harder to bench shots from angles and stuff. Generally, when you have the option of choosing an acrylic or molded plastic model, choose acrylic.
Glass – You only see this material on high-end basketball systems, and this is the material choice if you really want a high-quality system. Glass is used on NBA and college courts because it is the least vibrating of all materials and therefore provides the best bounce. Glass also has the advantage of not yellowing after a few years in the sun. While polycarbonate and acrylic basketball backboards can look a bit dirty after a few years of sun exposure, the glass will still look clear.
In addition to these materials, there is also a pair that is only seen in basketball hoops intended for playgrounds and parks.
Steel – If you really want maximum durability, steel is the way to go. That is why parks use this material in areas where vandalism is a major concern. The only real concern with this material is that it tends to vibrate a lot, which is not ideal for basketball performance.
Fiberglass – Like steel backboards, fiberglass models are built to be used for a long time. However, fiberglass models are typically used on indoor courts. When you see them outdoors, they have a weather sealer designed to help the longevity of the basketball backboard.