This is a comparison between the Pro Dunk Diamond and other 8 inch pole systems. These 8 inch systems are the upper echelon of the residential basketball goal market. They are the biggest goals you can buy and we have pitted them against each other to crown a victor.

1st Period: Durability

Extension Arm Rigidity

As seen in the diagram below, the Pro Dunk® Diamond effectively has a 15 inch wide extension arm. The other system has 4 inch wide extension arm. The wider arm gives the Pro Dunk® Diamond a big stability advantage over the smaller arm of the other basketball goal.

Support Where It Counts

80% of all backboard shots hit right around or in the shooter's square(view demonstration). The Pro Dunk® Diamond uses an "H" bracket that adds support right at this point. This is also where all four extension arms attach to the system. Other 8 inch systems use wide out-stretching arms that attach to the backboards outer edges which does not add any support to the shooter's square.

2nd Period: Aesthetics

Rust

The Pro Dunk® Diamond uses stainless steel fasteners to make the system more durable and reduce ugly rust streaks. Other 8 inch systems do not use stainless steel fasters. Other also use a steel backboard frame which can leave nasty rust streaks down your backboard whereas the Pro Dunk® Diamond uses an aluminum (does not rust) backboard frame. Also, it should be noted that paint and rusting on most other systems are not warranted.

Obtrusive

Many believe that the other 8 inch basketball systems are more obtrusive and overbearing than the Pro Dunk® Diamond. Since many systems have arms that jet out to the far edges of the backboard this is an understandable claim. The Pro Dunk® Diamond uses a smaller form factor arm system and has no markings or logos on the backboard or padding which many believe makes it look more professional and less tacky.

3rd Period: Features

Adjustability

Most systems will not adjust below 7 feet. If you have small children and want to get the most out of your system you'll need a hoop that will adjust lower. The Pro Dunk® Diamond will adjust all the way down to 6 feet.

Regulation

The biggest difference is the overhang distance. The regulation distance from the baseline to the front of the backboard is 4 feet. Since other systems have a 4 foot overhang, the pole, base and padding will be in your regulation playing area! The Pro Dunk® Diamond has a 5 foot overhang allowing you to keep the pole completely out of your regulation playing area.

4th Period: Dunking

Most other 8 inch basketball systems do NOT warrant dunking and hanging on the rim. If you hang on the rim, your warranty will be voided. Most systems were not designed for dunking and hanging. The Pro Dunk® Diamond is fully warranted against dunking and hanging on the rim.

The clear victor is the Pro Dunk® Diamond with its long stable extension arm, lower adjustability, stainless steel fasteners and warranted dunking/hanging.

This product qualifies for free freight shipping. Your product will be shipped via R+L Carriers at no extra cost to you. You should receive your order between 1 and 5 days after shipping. If you’d like to view the shipping time map, click here.

You will receive a complete padding set which has a value of over $300.00 with this basketball system for free. This includes the backboard, pole and gusset padding. Make sure your family is safe and make your basketball hoop look professional with this great offer.

You will receive complementary lift-gate service with this product. Don’t strain your back trying to get your system from the truck. Let the truck driver easily and safely lower your system with the hydraulic lift gate that is included on each truck. Many competitors do not offer this service or charge more than $75.00.

With the purchase of this basketball system you will receive a free outdoor/indoor synthetic leather basketball and air pump. It will come packaged with your system at no extra cost to you (a $35.00 value). This is a limited time offer so get your system today while supplies last!

Tempered glass performs better and is more durable over time than acrylic. It is the preferred material for backboards in most cases unless you are very price conscious or are concerned about vandalism.

Performance
The rebound response of tempered glass is 31% greater than acrylic because it is a much heavier and harder material. All professional arenas use tempered glass backboards.

Durability
Tempered glass resists scratching and will remain crystal clear for the life of the basketball system just like your car windshield. Acrylic is a softer material that will accumulate scratchs from grit on the ball and dirt in the air over time giving the backboard a cloudy dull look. Although acrylic will cloud, it will never shatter making it better for hostile environments where performance is not paramount.

Price
Acrylic is more economical than tempered glass in most cases although prices continue to narrow with the rising cost of plastics around the world.

Read more about the differences between acrylic and tempered glass backboards here