Basketball Rim Buying Guide
Basketball Rim Buying Guide
Basketball rims come in a variety of configurations to fit different applications. To the untrained eye, most rims look pretty much the same. But, there are significant differences which impact durability, ball rebound, and injury risk. In this basketball rim buying guide, we’ll explain the differences to help you choose the right rim for your court.
Before delving into the types of rims, let’s explore some rim terminology.
Net – This is likely the part that needs the least amount of explanation. The net is a fairly obvious part of the rim. But, there are different types of nets. The most common net is a nylon anti-whip net. These nets have braided nylon cords which are sufficiently stiff to keep the net below the rim. Nets with softer cords sometimes whip up and over the rim after a ball passes thru. Anti-whip nets pretty much prevent this from happening. You’ll find nylon anti-whip nets on nearly every indoor basketball goal. But, on outdoor courts, you may find rims equipped with chain nets for durability.
No–Tie Net Attachment – This is one of those terms that’s used to describe what it’s not. At one time, the basketball nets were tied to the rim with a string. Indeed, this was the type of rim used on NBA courts until 2009. This proved to be problematic, as the string may come loose, leaving the net hanging on by a thread. The alternative to the tied on net was the no-tie net. (Yes, lots of creativity went into the name.) Most no-tie hoops are constructed with a wire that’s been twisted to create a stirrup in which the net can hang. These rims are not generally not used NBA courts, as the wire stirrups holding the net are considered an injury risk. However, they are approved by NCAA and pretty much every other basketball governing body.
Tube Tie Net Attachment – This is another type of no-tie net attachment, but with a name that is more fitting to what it actually is. Rims with tube tie net attachment have small tube segments welded to the bottom of the ring. There are slight gaps between the tube segments. A wire slides through the tubes allowing the net to hang on the wire where the wire is exposed between tube segments. Tube tie rims are thought to be safer than no-tie net rims as they lack the wire stirrups under the ring. This type of rim is approved by NBA as well as every other basketball governing body.
Wing Brace – This is flat plate steel that’s been curved to match the rim diameter before being welded to the bottom of the rim. The wing brace supports the rim to prevent deformation. Most competition rims have a partial wing brace that extends around the side of the rim closest to the backboard. Fixed rims, not used for competition, may have a continuous wing brace that extends all the way around the bottom of the rim.
Fixed Basketball Rims
These rims provide maximum durability for courts prone to abuse. Fixed rims have no springs and they don’t flex. They are designed to just serve the bare bones necessity of a circle that a basketball can pass thru. They are most often installed at basketball courts with limited supervision, such as city park courts. Fixed rims should not be used on competition courts, as they do not provide any safety benefits. For courts where durability is the primary concern, fixed rims with double rings and continuous wing brace, provide unmatched strength.
Break Away Basketball Rims
These rims were designed for safety. Please visit our What is a Break Away Rim page to learn more about their history. Break away basketball hoops are standard for all competition courts. The hoop is unyielding with the minimal pressure of a basketball impact. This allows the balls to rebound off the rim to a degree preferred on a competition court. However, when a player dunks, the rim will rotate downward to reduce the risk of injury. Most break away hoops have 2 to 3 internal springs. At the time of manufacturing, spring compression is dialed in to provide flex at anywhere from 140 to 180 pounds of pressure on the rim. The compression of these springs is adjustable to player preference. However, manufactures warn against fooling around with the factory set pressure, as it was set to meet NBA, NCAA, and other guidelines.
Recreational Basketball Rims
These rims may be fixed or break away. They are designed for durability, often incorporating attributes of both fixed rims and break away rims. For instance, the Endurance 8800 break away basketball rim has a double ring and continuous wing brace for strength, but also has break away springs for player safety. Recreational basketball hoops typically do not meet governing body guidelines for net attachment, net type, spring stiffness, or ball rebound.
Flex Basketball Rims
These rims provide a soft downward flex with minimal pressure. Flex rims are most commonly found on private recreational courts. Unlike break away rims, flex rims typically have a single spring. These basketball hoops are too soft for competition play. Balls don’t correctly rebound off a flex rim due to the soft spring. These rims are not suitable for public courts where players may cause permanent damage by hanging on the hoops.
How to Choose the Right Basketball Rim
This basketball rim buying guide is intended to educate the reader about the different types of basketball hoops. Ordering the wrong rim can lead to injuries or equipment failure. The list below will help you make the right choice for your court.
Fixed Rims – City park basketball courts and other courts where durability is paramount.
Break Away Rims – Competition courts where governing bodies such as NBA, NCAA, AAU, and NFHS require a break away rim. Training facilities, schools, churches, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, Salvation Army, or other facilities which host games and where the facility is monitored.
Recreational Rims – Facilities which are not subject to rules of any basketball governing bodies.
Flex Rims – Residential courts where the risk of equipment abuse is minimal.
Installation Expertise
We’ve installed hundreds of basketball goals, maybe over a thousand. We’re not keeping count. 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
