A portable basketball system provides a perfect way to enjoy your favorite sport. It provides all the benefits of regular basketball hoops, including a regulation-sized hoop and a sturdy backboard, but it is also more convenient.
With a portable system, you can set up your court anywhere you have enough space. Whether you live in an apartment with a small patio or a large backyard, you can find a spot to play. Portable systems are also much easier to store than regular systems.
To weigh down a portable hoop, you’ll need to decide what material you want to use for the base. The two most popular options are sand and water. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and various manufacturers have their preferences or recommendation.
So, which material is better for your portable system and why? Our pick: Sand. Here’s why:
The Upsides of Using Sand
Stability
If you’re looking for a sturdy base to keep your hoop in place, sand is the way to go. Sand is 45% denser than water, allowing it to provide greater support. As a result, a base filled with sand is more robust and difficult to move. This is great if you’re planning on playing in one spot for a while, but it can make it a bit of a hassle to reposition your hoop if you want to change locations.
Sand also provides more stability than water. Water can shift and slosh around, so your hoop might not be as level as you’d like it to be. This can make shooting harder and lead to the hoop tipping over if it’s not positioned correctly.
Generally, portable hoops tend to be unsteady. What would happen if a water-filled base starts leaking? You guessed it! The hoop could fall over. Simply put, water may end up being a safety hazard. If a hoop tips down, it may result in injury if someone is in the way. Imagine getting sued for such an avoidable liability!
Weight
The heaviness of the sand is also an advantage in windy conditions. A heavy base will hold down your hoop better than a lighter one. If you’re playing in windy weather, a sand-filled base is less likely to be wobbly. Water can be displaced much more easily by gusts of wind or rigorous play, so your hoop may not be as stable as you’d like it to be.
It’s also easier to keep a sand-filled hoop in place if someone bumps into it. A heavier base is less likely to tip over than a lighter one. It also means you won’t have to worry about water spilling everywhere if the hoop tips over.
This can be a great safety feature, particularly if you have kids playing around the hoop. The last thing you want is turning an enjoyable game into a nightmarish experience due to a seemingly slight oversight on your part.
The Downsides of Sand
Let’s face it; sand is not as portable as water. A sand-filled base will be much heavier than a water-filled one, making it difficult to move your hoop from one location to another.
But, sand-filled hoops are still relatively portable. Once the sand is dry, you can dump it and fold up the hoop (if your system allows). This makes it easy to store and transport your hoop.
Also, filling the base with sand can be a hassle. With water, all you need is a hose, and voila! On the other hand, you need a funnel to pour sand into the base, which may create a mess. But hey, what is playtime without a bit of dirt?
What’s more, if you use wet sand to fill the base, the process can be a real pain. Damp sand is heavy and difficult to work with. It can also get stuck in the funnel, making the job even more frustrating.
And if you need to remove wet sand from your hoop’s base, you have your work cut out! Preferably opt for dry play sand, as it’s easy to use and evens out nicely in the base- thanks to its smoother texture.
Water-Filled Base
Much as water is readily available, it’s not ideal for a portable basketball system. If it starts to evaporate, especially due to heat, your basketball goal may shift unexpectedly as you play. Thus, you need to check the water level periodically and top off the base. You also have to examine the base to ensure it’s not cracked.
Usually, water expands when it freezes. For people living in a cold region, beware that a water-filled base may crack without warning, causing leakage, and a subsequent ripple effect- the hoop may fall over and potentially cause damage or, worse, injury.
Add some antifreeze to your hoop’s base to winter-proof it. Alternatively, empty the water and store your unit indoors if you don’t plan to play during the colder months. Or, opt for a plastic base designed to expand in freezing conditions.
What Should You Go for?
Sure, water is the readily available option, but sand works best. A typical portable hoop system sports a 132-litre base. To fill it, you’ll need roughly 10 bags of sand weighing 50 pounds (22.7kg) each. But the cost isn’t the only consideration when creating a reliable hoop system- your primary concern should be safety.
If you intend on moving the hoop around frequently, water may be the best option for you. Sand, however, provides more stability; thus, for the best user experience, use sand.
If possible, opt for a portable system with wheels, as this would make repositioning it a breeze. A foldable design would also be great if you plan to move your hoop periodically.
Overall, sand appears to be our clear winner. Despite the challenges of moving a sand-filled base, it provides reliable support and is more secure than a water-filled unit. A solid base allows you to focus on the task at hand- maximising playtime and enhancing your enjoyment of the game. I hope you make your upcoming family pickup game count!
