73650 44 Inch Shatterproof Backboard and Rim Combo Kit

We purchased this to replace an old fiberglass board that had started breaking--most likely original to our house built in 1985. Because getting fiberglass in your eye is painful, I began searching for a replacement board to put on our existing pole. I looked for higher-end replacements, but short of buying a new, expensive set-up, we were stuck with cheaper options. Enter the Lifetime 73650 44" Shatterproof Backboard.I contemplated giving 4 stars because it's honestly not that great. But upon reflection:- You don't pay a lot, and you get what you pay for.- It worked with our existing pole and was relatively quick to put up. Be advised you'll likely need a universal mounting kit. Order one that has a free return, so in the event you need it--it's there; but if you don't, then a no hassle return is key.- It has held up for casual play, which is all we use it for. I'm not sure how it would do if you're into dunking a lot, though.It is pretty noisy when the basketball hits the backboard compared to our last one, which is a drawback. Our street is quiet and we feel bad for our neighbors if we play a little later--so it does cut playing time short. Additionally, even though it is listed at 44", there are rather large bumpers around the corner edges, which I'm not sure if that was included in the 44" measurement. If we were going to do it all over again, we would size up to a larger backboard, but that's on us for not clarifying beforehand.Overall, five stars because I got exactly what I expected for what I paid for. If I paid a lot more for it, this would be a very different review. But a cheaper board = lower expectations = more easily satisfied and easier to achieve a 5-star rating.

This backboard is a challenge to assemble, but as long as you have someone helping that has the ability to figure out the direction, it will be OK. The quality is fantastic!

straight forward instructions to install

It should have come with the brackets to be complete. Uncomplicated setup and sturdy. Looks like professional equipment.

We purchased this to replace a broken cheaper goal for our pool. This thing is VERY sturdy. It should last many years. Made it thru first pool season & is fantastic. Heavy & well made. Would purchase from this company again.

Wasn't sure if it would have the correct mounting hardware to replace the discontinued see-thru backboard I got this to replace. The old had been up for about 10 years and I think the plexiglass had just gotten brittle, got a crack and then started cracking and falling out when the boys were playing. I really didn't want to replace the pole cemented in the ground that it was mounted on--only needed the new backboard. Had to get it replaced quickly before any neighbors started whispers of my neglect, so this appeared to be the same dimensions.This comes with the backboard, rim and net and hardware for both the spring-loaded rim (long bolts) or hard mount. My older hardware was spring-mounted (not to bust the backboard when someone hangs on or pulls on the rim) and uses a large "U" bolt instead of the long bolts the new backboard came with. After a few trial fittings I realized I could still use the old 'U' bolt and not have to disassemble the entire raise/lower mechanism behind the backboard that the 'U' bolt was trapped in. We just bolted the new rim onto the existing 'U' bolt, trapping the new backboard in with it's other retention screws and it worked fine. Probably took 1 hr to install, including head-scratching over the mounting bolt options, with the help of one other person to hold the backboard/rim in place while installing and tightening hardware.

we love the way it attached to our wall.

I had an "Atlas" backboard, which is older Lifetime brand backboard. It was about 15 years old and plexiglass finally cracked / broke while my son was shooting hoops. I bought this backboard for the replacement, based mostly on it being from the same company, hoping it would fit using the same brackets and the price was fair at $72.This backboard in Made in the USA, but the entire frame is made of blowmold plastic, the same stuff your outdoor Christmas figures are made out of. The clear portion of the backboard in plexiglass and not very clear, but cloudy. This backboard does not come with any mounting hardware, that is sold separately. It only comes with the hardware to mount the rim to it and two extra screws that can be used to mount it to your own brackets. The directions are pretty clear, but it took my son and I about an hour to swap out the old one with this one. We were able to use all the old mounting brackets and everything lined up. You will need a deep socket 13mm socket to complete bolting the rim on because of a C-channel bracket they use that doesn't allow for a wrench to fit in there or be used. The entire backboard is secured at the top by two simple screws that are driven straight into the hollow plastic. The bottom of the backboard uses the rim hardware to attach it to the pole /brackets. That hardware also passes through a hollow portion of the backboard. This also came with a net for the rim.My other backboard had a metal frame. This one, being hollow plastic, is much "louder" when a ball hits it. I am not sure how durable it will be over time, but I will update this review should something happen. Just be advised, you will need to use your old brackets and some hardware or purchase their hardware kit to complete the install.**2019 UPDATE** The backboard has been up now several years and been through the weather and streetball games. It has held up to it all without any problems and still going strong.