When experts are shopping for competition-quality basketball backboards, they usually choose hard, durable and easy to maintain tempered glass backboards over acrylic backboards. The exception is when initial price or weight is a factor.

However, there are also a number of advantages to backboards made from acrylic materials – particularly for homeowners and those who want a light, inexpensive basketball goal system.

This article will discuss both types of backboards, including their pros, cons and ideal situations for use.

Glass Backboards

There are several reasons why people who want a high-quality backboard system choose tempered glass.

Tempered glass backboards provide much less vibration and greater rebound capability than acrylic. Tempered glass enables maximum rebound distance and direction and inhibits the drum effect, which causes the ball to lose bounce when it rebounds off the backboard. Skilled basketball players are used to a relatively standard length of rebound and place themselves around the basket according to their expectations. Backboards that produce sub-standard rebounds result in less effective rebounding. Additionally, tempered glass does not yellow with age, making it a lot more cost-effective in the long run than acrylic, if looks are a factor.

Professional, college and high school gyms and basketball arenas are generally fitted with glass backboards. In addition, tempered glass is resistant to scratches and dents that could alter the way the ball bounces off the backboard. This consistent performance is essential at higher levels of basketball competition and practice.

One disadvantage is that there is a slight risk that a tempered glass backboard can break when they experience a recurring, heavy, high-impact load is applied to the rim at particular angles. YouTube is filled with video of professional basketball players shattering the glass. However, just as with automobile windshields, coatings are utilized which prevent broken glass from presenting a severe safety risk to participants or spectators. So, while spectacular, shattered backboards provide little actual danger to players and fans. Most quality glass backboard companies provide a guarantee for incidents of breakage. However, these guarantees vary, depending on the company, so be sure you know the duration and limitations on your backboard’s guarantee.

Acrylic Backboards

On the other hand, the lighter weight, lower cost and shatterproof characteristics of acrylic backboards often make them much more feasible for use in recreational situations such as elementary school gyms and community recreational areas, as well as for top quality residence basketball goals. Because acrylic basketball backboards are so much lighter than their glass alternatives, they are usually affixed to a sturdy, high-quality anodized aluminum or steel frame. And, due to the fact they are lighter in weight than glass backboards, they’re less difficult to install by amateur handymen and people who want a backboard on their residential property. Lifting, holding and fastening a heavy backboard can be a difficult job that requires several strong helpers. Finally, acrylic backboards are usually less expensive than their glass counterparts.

In conclusion, while tempered glass basketball goals are better in quality for competitive play, recreational basketball installations are often best served by lightweight, safe acrylic basketball backboards even though acrylic is indeed prone to scratching and discoloration over time.

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