Spalding NBA Hercules Portable Basketball System Review

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Dubbed by Spalding as “Hercules“, as it was designed for heroic level of play, this portable basketball hoop is one of the company’s forays into the mid end class of portable hoops. It boasts of an acrylic backboard, Pro-Slam rim, and Exacta-height systems. Let’s see how this hoop system stacks up.

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SPECS

  • 50″ backboard
  • Exacta-lift height adjustment system
  • 39 gallon base (water/sand)
  • 2 wheels for portability
  • 5″ thick pole

 

INSTALLATION

Installation is fairly straight forward and can be done in a few hours. It’s recommended to have at least 2 people in putting this together because of the size and weight of the parts. The instructions that come with the package are clear and easy to follow.

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HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The hoop’s height can be adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, with increments of six inches. The Exacta-lift system makes adjustment very easy to do.

 

PORTABILITY

With a 39 gallon base and only having 2 wheels, moving this hoop system will be quite a chore. At least 2 people are needed if you are going to move this thing. Emptying the base before moving will be a lot of help to lessen the weight of the hoop.

 

BUILD QUALITY

The design is pretty decent with the acrylic backboard and the powder coated poles. The angled pole is a nice touch for those that want to mimic a real, professional basketball goal. The re-bounder was great to include as well when you are practicing shots by yourself so that the ball bounces back at you after your shots.

 

PROS

  • Build quality of the pole and board are top-notch
  • Installation takes time, but is simple enough compared to other hoops
  • Height adjustment is a breeze with the Exacta-lift system
  • Value for money

 

CONS

  • Reported cases of base leaks
  • Base cracks can appear after some time
  • Acrylic backboard is not shatterproof

 

CONCLUSION

While the Spalding Hercules is not perfect, it provides real value for money. The acrylic backboard, while not shatterproof, is durable enough and is nice to play on. It’s quite on the bouncier side compared to glass, but the difference is only minimal. The angled pole is thick enough to erase doubts about its durability and the powder coating will ensure a rust-free life for the pole. All in all, this hoop system is a real steal at its price. Spalding has another winner with the Hercules. Check it out on Amazon.