Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball System Review

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by

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Want to purchase a less experience yet quality in-ground hoop system? Then Lifetime 71799 comes at a relatively lower price than other in-ground hoops. This Lifetime hoop shall give good value for your money with some attractive features.

Lifetime has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality solid products at an affordable price. At the same time, they also ensure one thing, and that is longevity. And this basketball system does not buck the trend either.

It features a 50-inch steel-framed shatterproof backboard made of Makrolon polycarbonate material. Yes, it might not match the quality of a tempered glass backboard.

However, this is stronger than acrylic ones and virtually unbreakable. It is great for families with children who like to play with a bit of flair and attitude.

Furthermore, when the backboard is exposed to sunlight, it won’t turn yellow thanks to the UV protective coating.

Slam it rim features double compression springs making it suitable for dunking activities. In addition, it will bounce back into the original position and protect your hands during dunking and layups.

We don’t recommend hanging as they are not gym-quality rims. Instead, an all-weather nylon net is attached to the rim. Plus, welded steel hooks are better known for firmness.

With an action grip height adjustment mechanism, you simply need to use only one hand. Now, different skill levels and age groups of players can enjoy basketball.

Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Shatterproof Hoop
Product Specifications:
  • Product dimensions: 54 X 34 X 6 inches
  • Backboard dimensions: 50 X 33
  • Height adjustment: 7.5 to 10 feet
  • Frame Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight: 100 pounds

Highlighted Features At A Glance:

  • 50 inch steel framed shatter guard backboard
  • Action grip adjustment mechanism from 7.5 to 10 feet
  • Slam it rim with all weather nylon net
  • Rust resistant powder coating finish
  • 3 piece 3.5 inch round steel pole
  • Cement ready base
  • 5 year manufacturer warranty

This Lifetime in-ground basketball system comes with a clear 50-inch shatter guard backboard. It is constructed of Makrolon polycarbonate that is 30 times stronger than acrylic. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to say that broken backboards are a thing of the past.

No doubt, you won’t get pro-quality play with this polycarbonate backboard, much like glass backboards. But you get what you pay for. This is almost 1/5th the cost of many in-ground backboards. The price tag largely depends on the quality of the backboard.

Want to get a pro-quality backboard? Then you need to spend a few more bucks, and Spalding “888” series in-ground basketball system (includes infinite increments in height adjustment) shall be the right match for your cards.

Furthermore, on the backboard, there is a UV coating to prevent yellowing over time. You also get a high-impact polyethylene frame, and the screen is printed with fade-resistant graphics.

Action grip technology

This Lifetime 50-inch in-ground basketball system comes with an easy to use action grip height adjuster. Thanks to this superb innovation, you can adjust the hoop from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments.

Lifetime basketball hoop height adjustment is super easy. It does not require any broomstick, crank, or other tools. You need to grab the handle and then move it up or down. The adjustable handle is a nice way to be able to raise and lower the goal.

Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game on their terms. Beginners and youngsters can work on their shooting skills right now. At the same time, aspiring dunkers will be able to raise the hoop 6 inches at a time as they grow taller.

Slam-it rim

It features a heavy-duty classically styled rim. The orange-colored slam-it rim is designed for players who like to throw down hard-hitting shots. Slam-it rims are certainly the best when it comes to choosing a pro-quality rim.

This solid steel rim has double compression springs that provide immense support if someone delivers rim rocking dunks. In addition, spring-loaded rim gives way during dunks to protect the player.

Once released, it springs back. Moreover, the rim is well supported by ½ inch braces with welded steel net hooks. Finally, an all-weather nylon net makes it suitable for all-year-round play.

Pole

There is a 3 piece 3.5 inch round steel pole for the maximum sturdiness of the hoop. Steel frame covers the pole, and rust-resistant powder coat finishing offers a professional look and longevity.

Takes less space

There are some portable basketball systems in this price range as well. But the actual difference between portable and in-ground goals is in the sturdiness and the amount of space it takes to install.

Similar to other in-ground goals, Its goal’s sturdiness stems from the cement-ready base. Therefore, it is more rigid and does not take too much space like portable systems either.

Overhang advantage

Due to having no base in this basketball hoop in the ground, you can certainly play a decent amount of basketball underneath the basket—no question of running into the pole either. In short, it makes the game more realistic and enjoyable.

Assembly

To be honest, this lifetime basketball goal is a little tricky to put together. You do need at least two people, if not three. Instructions are adequate. It’s time-consuming to install this Lifetime basketball hoop 50 inches. But it’s totally worth it.

And once put together and fitted, it is a sturdy set up really. The result is fantastic. It is just as good as those high-priced basketball sets. Therefore, we suggest you take your time and do it correctly.

You can purchase the lifetime ground sleeve, so you’ll have the option to take it out if you need to move houses or have some event in your backyard.

Overall Design

This Lifetime 50 in-ground basketball system has got all the premium quality features to provide you the feel of a professional basketball experience right in your backyard. At this price range, it perfectly does its job. Yes, there is a little wobble when the ball hits the backboard, but nothing serious affects the gameplay.

The adjustable handle is easy for little children to use. Installation is good with the ground sleeve. The pole is strong enough to handle some dunk freaks. Add to this a slam-it rim.

Excellent value for the money. It looks so nice and does not feel like playing with some other cheap hoops. You will be able to get many more years of use out of this hoop.

What We Liked

  • 50” steel framed backboard is virtually unbreakable
  • Easy to adjust the height by action grip mechanism
  • Rust resistant powder coating on the steel frame and pole make it eligible to use in every weather condition
  • Rim with all weather nylon net ensures long durability
  • 5 year warranty gives you the confidence to purchase the hoop
  • Rim is quite solid for dunking activities

What We Didn't Like

  • Build quality could have been better
  • Increment of six inches in height adjustment might depress some users

Frequently Asked Question

Q. How hard is it to install in ground hoops without the sleeve? And be straight?

Ans: To be honest, the straightness is not very much affected by sleeve/no-sleeve. And the same effort it would take to put the goal’s post in. even if there is a slim chance to remove the goal, we highly recommend you to use the sleeve.

Q. Does it come with everything needed to install in the ground pole? Trying to determine if I need ground sleeve?

Ans: You only need a ground sleeve if you’re keen to remove the pole later. It comes with everything that you need except the cement. And yes, you need to purchase ground sleeves separately.

Q. How deep does the hole have to be cemented in ground?

Ans: The hole needs to be 24” deep and 18” in diameter. Use four(4) bags of concrete mix and each consisting of 80 lbs weight—very much solid structure.

Q. I have an old lifetime in ground goal, can I remove that and replace with this current one?

Ans: Yes, you can use the existing pole and drill holes in the same position as the holes in the new pole. Then you just need to attach all the accessories to it. Or you can dig up the old set and start from scratch. This article shall help you in finding the right solution to your headache.

Final Verdict

For families searching for an inexpensive in-ground basketball system for kid’s play and casual hooping, this Lifetime 71799 will be the ideal pick. Everything seems to be well built and of decent quality. The adjustment is nice, adjusts easily with one hand, and can be locked into position securely.

The shatterproof backboard means there will be no fear of breaking it down, and you’ll be able to enjoy the game freely. In the ground, the installation makes it a sturdy setup and offers a real basketball gaming experience. Price is generally affordable.

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