Whether you are a beginner or a pro basketball player, having the right basketball net is vital. The market is filled with numerous types and models of basketball nets making it difficult to find the top one for you and your needs.
In order to find the right net for your needs, you need to take into account a variety of factors. Here is a guideline for choosing the best basketball nets to suit your exact needs.
Our Top Picks
- Best Heavy Duty: Spalding Basketball Net
- Best Night Glow: LEADTEAM Nightlight Basketball Net
- Best with Polyester: BETTERLINE Basketball Net Replacement
- Best Official: ProSlam Heavy Duty Basketball Net Replacement
- Best Chain Net: Cannon Sports Standard Chain Basketball Net
- Budget Chain Net: Crown Sporting Goods Steel Chain Basketball Net
- Best Chain Net: Champion Sports Heavy Duty Chain Basketball Net
Types of the Basketball Nets
When it comes to basketball nets, there are numerous options to choose from. Each type of best basketball net varies in terms of material, durability, and quality. While some are great for outdoor use, others are only appropriate for indoor use. It is therefore vital to consider the pros and cons of each type of basketball net before you make any buying decision. Here are some types of basketball nets in the market.
1. Basketball Chain Net
The chain basketball nets are common on most street courts and are more for the street style game. It is the best option for outdoors since it is made from metal which could mean better durability. They outperform other types of nets, especially for outdoor purposes.
Although chain nets have a longer lifespan compared to other types of basketball nets, they are prone to rust if left out in wet weather. For this reason, it is important to choose metal chains that feature zinc coating in order to protect it from rusting.
Besides, you can protect the surface of the chain using water-repellant and spray. When purchasing this type of net, it is recommended to ensure that it is a galvanized chain. A galvanized steel chain will look good on any color rim. However, chain nets can deteriorate the grip on your ball and even hurt your hands if you are not careful. Other people also complain of its rattling sounds when you make a shot.
2. Official On-court Game Net
The official NBA on-court net is used on NBA arenas and is constructed from 100% polyester with polypropylene. This gives extra strength to the tips. The official NBA game net is anti-whip which stops the net from whipping on the rim. Because of the quality of this net, it is trusted and used by most pro basketball players.
3. Nylon and Polyester Nets
These two materials are the most popularly used in the making of basketball nets. They are a great choice for an indoor basketball game and portable basketball hoops nets. They also offer quality and durability although not as much as what chain nets offer.
In fact, cheap rim nets made from nylon and polyester are not as durable and they tend to fray and shrink. Also, cheap ones tend to root when used in rainy conditions. If you prefer nylon nets, consider those that are made with heavy- duty nylon as they will last longer.
4. Glow in the Dark Basketball Net
The glow in dark net is probably one of the most outstanding basketball nets in the market. With this net, you can shoot on your basketball hoop at night without any problems. These nets absorb the sun’s energy during the day and give light at night for up to 7 hours.
Therefore, you can clearly see the hoop, rim, and the backboard as you play at night. Besides, it looks very beautiful when it glows at night, making your hoop standout from other hoops in your neighborhood.
Basketball Chain Vs Net
These two do the same job just fine, but they do have major differences.
- Chain basketball nets are mostly used on playgrounds or street courts because of their high-quality construction while nets are great for residential use.
- While nets can withstand harsh weather including wet conditions, chains are prone to rust if exposed to rain.
- Unlike the nets, the chain is able to attach to any style goal through the “S” hooks.
- While nets produce a swish sound when you shot the ball, chains produce a rattling sound.
- An advantage of chain basketball nets is that they can be attached to any style of rim. This is not the case with nets.
How to Put on a Basketball Net onto a Rim
The rim is probably one of the most important accessories when making a shot. The basketball net is usually attached to the rim. Unlike what many believe, placing a basketball net into a rim is easy. It takes less than 5 minutes, and you will only require a step ladder. Here are some steps for attaching the basketball net to the rim.
Step 1: Attaching Net to the Rim
Begin by determining which end of the net should be attached to the rim. Basically, the end of the net with a larger diameter is the one that should be attached to the rim. Usually, the top end that is attached to the rim since it is wider than the bottom end. Also, to help you identify the wider end and establish the top end from the bottom end, place the net flat on the floor.
Step 2: Setup the Ladder
After you have identified the top end, use a ladder to reach the rim. Set up the ladder beneath the basketball hoop. See to it that the ladder is balanced and placed on a level surface. If the rim is attached to weighted and supported bases, you can bring it the ground level by tilting it.
Step 3: Hold a Strand by Using Both Hand
The next step is to hold a strand of the netting using both hands, such that they are two inches apart. Take a stand at the end of the net and fit into one of the rim’s curled metal loops on the rim’s underside. The net strand should go around the loop on the basketball rim and through the center of the curl.
Step 4: Inserted in the Circular
Then, follow through with the strand of netting that you just inserted in a circular motion in order to reach to the next strand of netting. Insert the strands into the metal loops and ensure that all hooks have loops. It is vital to ensure that you do not miss a hook or a loop. Make sure to pull the net tightly to the rim. Burn the tips to avoid fraying.
Step 5: Final Step and Enjoy the Game
Once the metal loops are filled with net strands, adjust the net by pulling it down on the bottom of the net. This also helps remove any wrinkles. You are now ready to play and enjoy basketball.
How to Make a Basketball Net
It is possible to make a basketball net from the comfort of your home. Contrary to popular beliefs, making a basketball net is not daunting and requires very little weaving experience. The best thing about making your own basketball net is that you can customize it to match your style and requirements. With all the right tools at hand, you can weave the net in a matter of hours without any help. In this article, we look at some steps that will guide you make a basketball net effortlessly.
1. Obtain the Necessary Materials
The first step is to gather all the necessary materials that you will need in order to make your basketball net. For this project, you will need:
- Scissors
- 50mm nylon rope
- Marking Tape
- Markers or paint
- Glue stick
2. Making the Nets
Use your measuring tape and scissors to cut 12 lengths of rope of 80 inches each. An important tip is to immediately seal the ends of each string so as to prevent the strings from unraveling. Fold the first section in half and use a market to mark spots that are 8 inches from the center that is folded. Then, repeat the same process and measure 15.5 inches, 23 inches and 30. 5 inches mark. Mark each measurement with a marker.
At the 8 inches mark, tie two tie lengths of rope using the overhand knot method. Repeat the process for the 8 inches mark and all the other marks on the rope till the ropes are closed into a loop. You can also seal the knots with super glue in order to tighten them. You will notice that the net will go from wide to narrow, forming something like a triangle.
After you have finished, you can now customize the net the way you want it. Weave the net into the metal brackets of the rim.
3. Building Brackets
It is also important to know how to build brackets when making your basketball net. For this procedure, take a flat piece of metal, bend it into half and weld it to the edge. Then, take 12 pieces of 90-millimeter wire and cut them to 3.5 inches long. The next thing is to bend them into the half.
Take a clamp and place it in front of the straight metal rods you made. Bend each piece of the metal rod over until the ring is fitted over. Then, space the brackets in equal distances along the ring.
To help you with this project, make sure you watch this YouTube video tutorial to guide you through the details of forming a basketball net:
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Nets best for Basketball?
Most nets have twelve loops around the top and are 21 inches in length. They generally measure 13 inches x 5.5 inches x 1 inch.
What Nets do the NBA use?
The standard net used in NBA is the Spalding on court replacement net. It is anti-whip and it is 100% polyester that is tipped with Polypropolene for added strength. This I the official basketball net in 3 of the major NBA arenas.
Can you wash a basketball net?
The ability to wash the net is going to be determined by the materials the net is made from and whether or not the ends of the net are tipped in Polypropolene to make the net hand straighter. Check your manufacturer’s instructions to see if the net you have can be laundered.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there are numerous basketball nets available in the market that can make your hoop stand out from the rest. When choosing top basketball nets, it is vital to consider the material used and make sure that it will be appropriate for the conditions you will use it for. While nylon is the most common choice, chain nets are great for heavy outdoor use as they last longer.
Also as you have seen above, making your own basketball is not difficult and anyone even with just minimal weaving experience can do it. You just need to follow the above guidelines and in no time, you will be enjoying the game with your very own trusty basketball net.