A break away rim is a basketball rim which rotates when the pressure on the rim exceeds the “Break” point.   The term “Break Away” is somewhat misleading to those unfamiliar with basketball rims.   A break away rim does not separate from the backboard, as the term “Break Away” could imply.   The “Break” occurs when the rim momentarily “Breaks” from it’s normal horizontal playing position due to the energy or weight load applied when a player dunks or hangs on the rim.

According to the Smithsonian Institute, the break away rim was invented in 1976.  Prior to this, rims did not flex.  When too much force was applied, these older fixed rims would bend.  Players often sustained wrist and fore arm injuries due to the unyielding nature of the rim.  St Louis University basketball coach, Randy Albrecht, explained the problem to his uncle, Arthur Ehart.  A farmer and inventor, Ehart used springs and parts from a John Deere tractor to create the first break away rim.  The new rims were quickly adopted for all levels of play.  Ehart was granted a patent 6 years later in 1982.

Like Ehart’s original design, most break away rims rotate downward, in a single direction.  Professional rims with more advanced design, rotate side to side as well as downward.  These are multi-directional break away rims.   Compression springs within the rim quickly return the rim to the normal playing position once the weight load is removed.

Break away rims are available in a variety of break configurations.  Competition rims, like the Gared Sports 2000+,  are factory set to break when 140 pounds of force is applied.  This rim is widely used in elementary schools as well as college courts.  Professional rims, like the Gared Sports Multi-Directional 4000+ are factory set to break when the force applied exceeds 180 pounds.  While this may seem like a lot of weight on the rim, the backboards are designed  to withstand even more.  The Gared Sports LXP4200 Professional Glass Backboard can handle over 1,100 pounds of direct force pressure before being damaged.

Today, break away rims are considered the standard rim for all levels of play.  Fixed rims still exist but are generally only found in playgrounds and other recreational settings.   To see a wide assortment of break away rims and fixed rims, please visit our Rim Shop and view the Rim Compatibility Chart.