Welcome to my review of the Spalding 888 Series ground basketball system.
Spalding is one of the leading names in producing reliable b-ball hoops. The 888 Series in-ground basketball system is the most favourable one amongst fans.
And in my review, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about this hoop before you take out your card and get one for your home…
Spalding 888 Series Review
The Spalding 888 Series ground basketball system brings the professional court to your home! It is the ultimate pick for those who are looking for an expert hoop.
The high-quality and durable tempered glass backboard offers incredible rebound performance. You can shoot from every angle.
The flexing breakaway rim allows you to roughly dunk and slam. Hanging on is also possible with 888 Series, which is exactly what you want to hear, right?
With the U-Lift pro mechanism, you can easily adjust the basketball hoop as per your stature. The detachable handle makes the whole process convenient.
And with the J-bolt anchoring system, installation of the 888 is fairly easy (find the video installation guide at the end of this review).
For a complete Spalding 888 Series review, let us get into the details of each feature of this model.
| Backboard Size | 54″, 60″, 72″ |
| Backboard Material | Tempered glass |
| Rim Quality | Flex Slam breakaway rim |
| Support Pole | 1-piece 6″ square pole |
| Height Adjustment | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Overall Rating | 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀 |
| Price | $1.800 – $3.300 |
| Best for | Serious hoopsters |
Spalding 888 Series Main Features
888 Series is designed for maximum safety. It also ensures incredible design with style. You can make your neighbours jealous while hooping and shooting the ball.
In this Spalding 888 Series review, we’re going to understand the main features and evaluate the good and the bad so you can make a well-informed decision.
Backboard
The backboard of the 888 Series comes in three sizes. 54 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches. The steel board frame comes with quality aluminium trim.
What makes the backboard more interesting is that it is made from tempered glass material. It is the finest, highest quality, and professional characteristic backboard.
You can enjoy uncompromised rebound performance with tempered glass backboards.
It means you can enjoy a nonstop game and have perfect bank shots and layups as well. You can also expect consistent ball bounce throughout the game.
Another exciting thing is that the backboard offers extreme durability, as well as, a professional look.
Rim
Spalding 888 Series ground basketball system is housed with a professional-style flex breakaway rim. The rim functions as a force neutralizer as well. Not able to understand it?
When you are dunking and slamming on 888 Series, the rim will flex automatically.
This will neutralize the force. It will allow you to continue playing, hanging on, and dunking and slamming without any fear.
You can easily polish your dunking skills with this hoop.
Another inspiring thing is that you will get 3 to 4 feet offset from the pole. It will allow you a chance to enjoy the game with fair space to play underneath the rim.
Supporting Pole
Spalding never compromises when it comes to the sturdiness of their models.
That said, the 888 Series is designed with precision keeping the safety of the players as the first priority.
Spalding 888 Series in-ground hoop features a one-piece pole, delivering exceptional and optimum performance and maximum stability.
It is already known that a one-piece pole is sturdier and more durable. It is also stable and firm, allowing aggressive players to enjoy the game with perfection.
Another interesting thing is that the pole has pads adding solidness to the entire structure. It minimizes the chance of getting injured when colliding with it.
Height Adjustment
Spalding 888 Series features a U-turn pro lift system. With it, the rim can be adjusted at a height of 7 feet to 10 feet.
You can adjust the height in infinite increments making it incredibly suitable for every member of your family.
While the 888 model is suitable for players of all ages and with diversified skillsets. However, younger kids may find it difficult to height adjustment as per them.
The U-turn pro lift system is easy to operate. However, due to the tempered glass backboard, the whole structure becomes too heavy.
So if you’re going to get it for your kids, make sure to give them a hand when raising or lowering the structure.
What Do I Like About Spalding 888 Series?
Spalding 888 Series ground basketball system is one of the most exciting hoops in this category.
It is a genuinely exhilarating hoop for professionals and experts. Especially for those who are looking for a hoop to polish their skills.
That said, there are multiple things that I personally like about Spalding 888 Series in my review. Some of them are:
- Spalding is the official basketball goal system of the NBA. Therefore, you can expect there would be no compromise at all.
- The backboard is made from tempered glass, which is known for perfect rebound performance, backshots, and layups.
- The flex breakaway rim comes with an all-weather resistant net, thus it makes the hoop perfect for indoors and outdoors, facing every weather condition freely.
- The neutralized nature of the rim allows perfect slams and dunks without any chance of falling down.
- The one-piece pole offers exceptional support, and the padded pole promises no injury during the play.
- J-bolt anchoring system makes the assembling of the hoop pretty easy.
- The detachable handle also contributes better to the assembling of the basketball hoop.
- Infinite height increment is a plus point for people of different heights and stature.
- A highly sturdy design offers incredible durability and built quality.
- The rim has minimal to negligible vibration when the ball hit it from the front.
- Promises elite gaming feeling throughout.
- Consistent bounce every single time.
By the way, below is a super-helpful video where TheRykerDane shows how to install 888 Series into the ground so you don’t have to think about it…
What I Don’t Like About Spalding 888 Series?
Even though this hoop is incredible by all means. In this honest Spalding 888 Series review, I’ll be sharing the negative aspects as well.
Spalding did a pretty amazing job with 888 without a doubt. But there are some aspects that bother me and I personally don’t like them. They are:
- Highly expensive basketball system, which is not affordable for the majority of basketball lovers.
- Since the backboard is too heavy (tempered glass material is hefty), the overall assembling of the hoop becomes challenging. You may need a few hands to complete the process.
Who Is Spalding 888 Series Best For?
Even the cons cannot change the pros of the Spalding 888 Series. It is one of the leading in-ground basketball hoops today.
Even the competitors are in complete awe over its gigantic structure, durability, and perfect rebound performance.
If you dream of being a part of the National Basketball Association, the 888 series can help you to practice. And practice makes a man perfect!
That said, 888 Series is a genuine choice for professional players, who are looking to polish their skills and take their game to the next level.
After professionals, people who are intermediate level basketball players will also love it.
Thirdly, beginners of all heights can also enjoy the 888 Series. With a U-turn pro lift, you can adjust the height of the rim as per your liking.
However, Spalding 888 Series is not ideal for little kids. The height cannot be adjusted below 7.5 feet. Therefore, this model is not recommended for your little ones.
Conclusion
Are you interested in playing the basketball game like a pro? Do you want to experience the elite feel with professional gameplay?
If YES is your answer to these questions then your absolute partner is Spalding 888 Series in-ground hoop for sure.
| Backboard Size | 54″, 60″, 72″ |
| Backboard Material | Tempered glass |
| Rim Quality | Flex Slam breakaway rim |
| Support Pole | 1-piece 6″ square pole |
| Height Adjustment | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Overall Rating | 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀 |
| Price | $1.800 – $3.300 |
| Best for | Serious hoopsters |
What I like the most about this model is its incredible sturdiness and durability.
All you need to do is fix the hoop in the ground, and play till your arms hurt. There is no nervousness for the hoop to fall down and break.
And since it is extremely sturdy and strong, you can dunk, hang, play hard pick up games, throw alley ups, drive under the rim, shoot from all angles, and more.
There’s no doubt about it, Spalding 888 Series ground basketball system is the one!
Even more, the height adjustment mechanism infinite increment also makes it perfect to enjoy the game with friends and family.
With this, we have come to the end of my Spalding 888 Series review. What do you like about it the most? Do let me know in the comment box below…
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The Spalding 888 series in ground basketball hoop seems to be a very solid hoop with great features. Although it is not really suitable for young kids, the height adjustment system to change it from 7.5 feet to 10 feet is easy with the U-turn pro lift system.
It is indeed an expensive hoop system, which will be above the budget for many aspiring players. So do you recommend it more for use at clubs and communal areas, or would you also recommend it for home use if your budget allows it?
It’s highly recommended for home use if you are a frequent player. If that’s you, the 888 Series is a great investment because you will not have to buy a new one every few years as is the case with lower-end models. That said, it is also a good choice for clubs, communities, etc.
I have 4 grandsons who are far too energetic to have around the house without some sort of intense activity. They all love basketball. Although the Spalding 888 in ground pole seems pretty expensive, if I think of spreading the cost over the 5 or 6 years it will be used a lot and another 5 or 6 used from time to time, it’s not that much. I like the easy adjustment for the two smaller guys. The backboard seems that it will simulate what they are shooting off in school which is important. I am a bit skeptical about the installation, but will watch the video you suggested on YouTube. Thanks for the review of this system.
You’re welcome! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Perfect timing on your review! As a new basketball player, my son is looking for a good basketball hoop to practice. We are doing some research and found that the Spalding 888 Series seems like a good option. The hoop is adjustable so that players of all heights can use it. The only problem for us is installation. We are looking for a hoop that has a portable base, but that’s not a deal-breaker. The price is also very reasonable. Do you think this is a good option for outdoors? I am concerned about the backboard holding up to the extreme summer heat where we live.