Customer Rating: 
Summary: Loving it . . .
Comment: This basketball goal and base by Lifetime is economical, relatively simple to put together, and pretty sturdy. The instructions are easy to follow, and no drilling or special tools are required. Because of possible liability concerns, safety is stressed. Although at a couple of steps, it states that two adults are required to complete the task, one adult with moderate strength and weight, exercising care, can safety get the job done. I put it together by myself, however if another person is available, it would certainly be advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
The hollow plastic base can be filled with either water or sand to provide the required counterweight to support the pole and rim. It will cost more, but I recommend using sand rather than water, especially if you live in a cold weather area. The instructions state that 319 pounds of sand are required. Not sure about that, but it probably takes between 3 and 4 cubic feet of sand to fill the base.
The base has a pair of small plastic wheels that help you to move or position it. Once in place, you fill up the base to about half capacity, raise the goal upright, and then fill the base to capacity. Unless you are capable of moving a football blocking sled, don't' plan on moving the system very far, after it is filled. The pole and backboard will bend back and wobble during normal play. This is to be expected, as the system will not be as rigid as a regulation goal. The plastic backboard is smaller than regulation, so your angles for bank shots are tighter, but at least it is rectangular rather than rounded at the top. If you can dunk, take it easy or you could take the hoop down. The rim is black rather than orange. The net is low quality, and does not slow the ball down after a goal.
Although the system is pretty sturdy, long term life is an open question. There are exposed bolts and metallic parts, and the top of the pole is open, so if exposed to rain, corrosion is inevitable. The rim height is adjustable in six inch increments from 7.5 to 10 feet. Once you set the rim height, painting any unfinished metal parts might be a good idea.
Overall, this is a very good product for the price, especially if you get it on sale with Super Saver shipping. Hopefully it will hold up well under the elements. So far, I am loving it! My shot is improving, and I am also saving gas because I don't have to drive to the neighborhood park.
