What is the Best Backboard?

To answer the question, “What is the best backboard?”, you must first answer a few other questions.  Basketball backboards come in a variety of sizes for both indoor and outdoor courts.  They also come with different mounting configurations and are designed for varying levels of play.  So, a backboard designed for an outdoor grade school court would not be appropriate for an NBA arena.

Steel Framed Competition Backboards

Today’s strongest glass backboards have steel frames.  Though perhaps someday materials such as carbon fiber may be used in place of steel.  But, that’s a ways down the road.  For now, steel framing is the king of the court, offering better support to reduce the risk of shattering glass.  The Gared Sports LXP4200 is the strongest steel framed glass backboard on the market.   In fact, Gared Sports indicates that this backboard can handle up to 1,100 pounds of pressure before damage occurs.

Aluminum Framed Competition Backboards

Glass backboards with aluminum framing provide outstanding strength.  However, these may not the best choice if a direct mount is not used (scroll down to learn more about direct mounts).  The Gared Sports AFRG42 is a popular aluminum framed glass backboard.  According to Gared Sports, this backboard can handle 900 pounds of pressure with a direct mount configuration.   On a court where players don’t dunk or hang on the rim, an aluminum framed backboard is a suitable choice.  But, if you anticipate a higher level of play, then make the upgrade to a backboard with a steel frame.

Mounting Matters Most

Most backboards are mounted with either a 4 point mount or a direct mount.  When determining, “What is the best backboard?”, you must consider how it’s mounted.  A typical 4 point mount is one in which the backboard is attached to the backstop at the 4 corners of the backboard.  A direct mount is one in which the backboard is connected to the backstop directly behind the rim.  This provides more structure behind the rim which results is less shattered glass.

Conclusion

What is the best backboard for your gym is dependent upon who is playing.  In an elementary school PE gym, an aluminum framed backboard is just fine.  At the other end of the spectrum, a college or professional court should only be equipped with a steel framed glass backboard with a direct mount backstop.  If you need additional guidance, we’re just a phone call away, or you can leave a question on our contact us page.  You may also find additional resources at SouthTexasSportCourt.com or GaredPerfSports.com