Why Choose a Shatterproof Backboard?
When it comes to buying a basketball hoop for your driveway or community court, you have plenty of choices.shatterproof backboard Backboard material, frame design and mounting style all impact playability, visual appeal and cost. But what's most important to consider is safety. A shatterproof backboard is designed to resist breaking during high-impact plays, reducing the risk of injury to players.
A backboard that breaks during a game is more than just a nuisance.shatterproof backboard In addition to the inconvenience of having to replace a broken backboard, it's also dangerous for anyone playing on the court. Injuries from shattered glass and broken materials can be severe and even fatal.
Why Are Some Backboards Breaking?
In general, backboards break due to stress. In fact, if you watch NBA games from the previous generation of hoops (i.e. before dunking became legal), you might notice that it's pretty common to see a backboard or two shattering during play. This is because older backboards were often mounted directly to the rim, which can add a lot of extra pressure to the glass when players dunk. Newer backboards, however, are typically manufactured with a structural feature that isolates the contact point of the rim from the glass, avoiding this issue.
The best way to avoid backboard breakage is to select a system with an acrylic backboard. Unlike cheaper, low-grade acrylic that doesn't include a weather resistance coating, higher-quality acrylics are made to last. They have a stronger, clearer surface that's ideal for rigorous outdoor gameplay.
Polycarbonate is a durable, weather-resistant material that can stand up to rough outdoor play. It's also resistant to UV rays, so it won't yellow or degrade over time like some other materials.
This is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a community court or school that gets heavy use. A shatterproof backboard can keep its clarity for 15-20 years, making it an economical choice for a high-traffic environment.
Another benefit of choosing a backboard with a polycarbonate surface is that it's less likely to break from vandalism. A typical shattered backboard can leave holes in the floor, which can lead to costly repairs for the facility. In contrast, polycarbonate does not crack under pressure, minimizing the risk of injury from broken materials and reducing the need for repair and replacement. This makes a polycarbonate backboard an excellent option for schools, community courts and other high-traffic areas.