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Basketball is a popular global sport played professionally and for recreational purposes, and most Australians are not left out of this sport.
Importantly, the basketball system you choose greatly influences how much you would enjoy your game; every good basketball player knows this. To learn more about basketball systems in Australia, keep reading.
Basketball Systems
A basketball system consists of the rims, net, extension arm, and backboard, which is the most important. Several backboard material options are available, and selecting the best one may be challenging.
Types of basketball backboards
- Tempered glass
- Acrylic
- Polycarbonate
- Fiberglass
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Wood
Tempered Glass Backboard
Tempered glass is considered the most suitable backboard material for professional use. It is most commonly used in schools, colleges, and N** competitions. It has a reputable strength of being 5 times stronger than the standard glass. This accounts for its excellent performance in bounce rebounds. Due to its strength, it is considered safe and is not easily prone to shattering. And when it shatters, it doesn’t break into tiny pieces, unlike normal glass. Tempered glass is a great option for people who intend to get more serious in the game and are willing to invest in a more expensive backboard.
Acrylic Backboards
Acrylic backboards are popular for their high-strength and medium performance in rebounds. They are more versatile and durable than other backboard materials. However, they do not offer the same professional feel and rebound found in tempered glass. It is considered the second-best backboard material in the basketball market, and it is used in most basketball systems. Acrylic is the most suitable material for people on a budget who are looking out for quality backboards.
Polycarbonate backboards
Similar to acrylic backboards, polycarbonate backboards are built for strength and durability. Its strength is reputable as it is often referred to as being bulletproof by most brands. It has excellent performance and high rebound that is more natural than what you get from acrylic backboards and other materials.
Unfortunately, there’s a downside to this backboard material. Despite its strength, it is known for its inability to handle high temperatures. The UV rays from the sun greatly weaken polycarbonate. When used as a backboard, its structural integrity is threatened when exposed to sunlight for an extended period— Its clear colour fades to yellow, and it loses its durability. This makes it only suitable for indoor use.
As long as it is shielded from long exposure to the sun, it retains its strength and durability.
Fiberglass Backboards
The only advantage of fiberglass backboards is the low cost. Aside from that, there isn’t much to consider in them. Their rebound performance and durability are simply not exceptional. Although they are intended for outdoor use, they are rarely seen when compared to other materials.
Steel Backboards
In terms of strength, steel backboards are the strongest when compared to other materials. However, they make unpleasant sounds when hit by a ball, making them unsuitable for professional use. They are quite affordable and are occasionally used in public spaces such as parks and street courts.
Wood Backboards
Wood backboards are known to have a good appearance, being stylish, lightweight, and inexpensive, but they have many downsides. They are not suitable for outdoor use as they are easily affected by weather conditions. Also, they are not easy to find and may need to be constructed by a carpenter. So, while they offer a classic look, there are other backboard materials of a competitive price that outperform them in terms of rebound performance and durability.
Which Material is Best For You?
There isn’t really a straight answer to this question. A number of factors can affect which is the best backboard. But it is not difficult to make a choice. If you’re considering a backboard for professional use, tempered glass is the ideal option for you.
If it’s only for recreational purposes, acrylic and polycarbonate can make a good choice. If you’re considering indoor use, polycarbonate is definitely the choice to make–the excellent rebounds, high durability, and fine structure make for a pleasant playing experience.
On the other hand, if you’re considering mounting your basketball system outdoors and you can’t afford to get the tempered glass option, then go for those made with acrylic. In addition to its strength and medium rebound performance, it has exceptional durability that is lacking in polycarbonate. Acrylic will withstand harsh weather conditions all year round, lasting up to 10 years without faltering.
