Silverback in-Ground Basketball System

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!!