Spalding NBA Ratchet Lift 44" In-Ground Basketball Hoop

The instructions did suck. They don't identify the pieces like you would expect when assembling something. Most things needing to be assembled, identify the pieces in the package with letters or something, so when the step asks you grab curtain pieces you know. This item has several spacers and bolts close to the same size. But the the pieces that are supposed to be the same size are not cut to the same size. I pulled my caliper out and measured the pieces that were supposed to me the same, and they was an 1/8" difference. When you consider they similar pieces are an 1/8"to1/4" difference, they measure out out the same size at times. So when they ask you to grab a curtain piece by a curtain measurement and their measurements are wrong it can be confusing.Plus the in ground sleeve allows a little play, so the hoop can sway a little. other than that it is a good, good construction for the price, this is why I gave it a 5 star. It still is a good hoop. Even better without ground sleeve.

Came on time, all parts in box, pretty easy to put together. Son loves it, and it was a better price than anywhere else I found. Only complaint: they should add a "funnel" of sorts to help when you have to pour concrete down the assembled post. Our homemade cardboard one was a joke. I would have gladly paid $5 more for the product if they included a proven funnel that cost them$.50. Either way, would certainly buy it again if I needed to.

Update: Amazon's product images are finally correct, and I would like to adamantly support what others have said about filling with concrete AFTER placement. Even withOUT the concrete in it, this thing is nearly impossible to get into the ground sleeve. Definitely wait until you get it up to put the concrete in. Carrying concrete up a ladder sucks, but I can't even imagine how difficult it would have been to try and get that thing in if it weighed a ton! Great goal by the way, my son loves it, and since basketball is over for him and he will be moving to a standard 10ft goal next year, no adjustment is needed!Original Review:I have not installed the goal yet (and probably won't for some time since it's December), so this review is solely based Amazons mis-portrayal of this item. The item in the picture shows a handle you can use to adjust the height of the goal. After receiving the replacement Amazon shipped (I emailed them asking if the goal had changed...instead of sending me a response they said "We have shipped you a replacement, please return the original...thanks Amaazon)I can confirm that this unit has a ratcheting height adjustment that required a broomstick to use. Is it still the cheapest unit on the market with a clear poly backboard and adjustable height? I think it is. Does it still look like the best goal for the money? I think so. Is it disappointing? Yes...I wanted my son to be able to adjust the height himself, but it's not a huge inconvenience.Amazon, fix your product images!

I got this for the kids for Xmas and it took a few days to install. After measuring the driveway for a central placement, I began to dig the hole. I hit concrete about 8" down and discovered an old pole installation from way, way back. I had to move the hole 2' to the right. The hole they ask you to dig takes about 6 bags of quickrete. I had 2 more on hand just in case so I was ready. If you dig a bit deeper, you could easily put another bag or two in there for additional stability.The addition of the concrete to the pole is tricky but doable. I didn't have another adult so I enlisted 6 kids that were playing nearby (2 of them were mine) and they had a blast mixing the concrete, forcing it into the tube and shoving it in with a stick. Once dry, I did enlist an adult and we put the pole in the hole without difficulty. We have been playing on for since Xmas and it is rock solid. Not much vibration is generated by shots and the goal looks and feels solid. It is a bit of work but I predict years of service with this unit as opposed to the ones that have the plastic base filled with water or sand.

The backboard is less sturdy than anticipated. Challenging to assemble...YouTube videos helped. Easy to install in the driveway.

Easy to assemble with great directions. The hoop is sturdy enough for mild play. It isn't designed for high schoolers to constantly dunk but for kids to shoot it works perfectly.The only thing not mentioned in the description was that it comes with the in ground sleeve which is a huge plus. You can slide the hoop out and take it with you if you move or it gets in the way. I bought a sleeve not knowing one was included.The hoop goes down to 6'6" and over 10". It is easy to adjust with just a stick (I use a broom).

This thing is the flimsiest piece of junk ever! The tubes are made of the thinnest gauge steel you can get and the backboard is a joke, looks like it was put together in a high school shop class! The fact that Spaulding placed their name on this should make Spaulding ashamed! The backboard is a 1/8" piece of laminate that will break easily and sounds like one of those drums you had as an infant, every time the ball hits it. The whole thing shakes and looks like it's going to break or fall apart every time the ball is thrown and touches the backboard or rim. I am thoroughly disappointed in this and the money they charged for it. The fact that it comes with ZERO setup instructions, not too mention missing parts, should make anyone even thinking of it RUN! Save your money and buy one of the free standing ones at Walmart as it will last a hell of lot longer than this piece of junk! I would love to send it back for a refund but it's cemented in already so live and learn!