The basketball rim is an important piece of playing equipment. It is an eighteen inch in diameter metal object that you shoot the ball into to make a basket. It is the score maker for the game and it must be the right size, the right shape, and the right height off of the ground.
The best basketball rim is one designed to withstand continuous play and possibly hitting with a ball. Sometimes the rim has to be strong enough to withstand a player jumping up and grabbing it. The following rims were recommended by coaches, players, and our panel of experts.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall : Lifetime Basketball Rim
- Best High-end : Pro Slam Professional Breakaway Rim
- Best by Budget : Spalding Slam Jam Basketball Rim
Best Basketball Rims in 2021
1. Pro Slam Professional Heavy Duty Breakaway Basketball Rim
This is a heavy-duty rim that is designed to be used in outdoor conditions, but can also be used indoors. It is the regulation size, and is designed so that it takes the punishment of the game without being damaged. Whenever you do a jump and grab the rim you can rest assured that when you let go the rim will snap back into position ready for you to play some more.
What we like:
- This rim has a positive lock break-away mechanism that allows it to return to the original position even after it has been under pressure of a heavy load
- The breakaway rim is solid steel and it has a single spring action flex mechanism that reduces the pressure felt by the backboard and allows the rim to spring back into position
- The rim is a full 18” in diameter and is made of 5/8” solid steel that is colored orange
What we don’t like:
- Only fits backboards with 5” x 5”, 5” x 4”, 5” x 3”, and 4” x 3” hole patterns
2. PROGOAL Breakaway Basketball Rim
This basketball rim is designed to spring back into shape and position even after it is hit by the ball, or grabbed during a jump. It is a steel product that can withstand outdoor playing or indoor playing. It is regulation size so your basketball will fit through it perfectly.
What we like:
- 5/8” steel rim that has ½” steel braces holding it in place. It is coated in a classic orange color.
- This rim has a solid steel breakaway mechanism that causes the rim to return to the original position it was in even after it has been stressed by a heavy load
- This rim comes with the solid steel rim, an all-weather nylon net and the hardware required to install it on the majority of backboards with bolt patterns of 5” x 5”, 5” x 4”, 5” x 3”, 5” x 3.5”, and 4” x 3”
What we don’t like:
- This rim is a rim only and does not come with a backboard
3. Spalding Slam Jam Basketball Rim
Spalding is a recognized name in sporting equipment. This Spalding basketball rim is designed to be compatible with the majority of all backboards. It is great for outdoor play, and it can also be used inside a gym. This is a complete rim that includes the net. It is regulation size and shape.
What we like:
- Made of a heavy-duty steel, is 18” in diameter and it comes with an all-weather net
- The rim has mounting brackets that measure 2 7/8” x 2 ½” and is compatible with the majority of backboards
- Perfect for use outdoors and has been powder coated to protect it from the elements of the sun, wind, and rain
What we don’t like:
- Comes only as a rim and net and does not include the backboard. Backboards must be purchased separately.
4. Lifetime Basketball Rim
This basketball rim does come with a new net that is designed to be used outdoors. It is regulation size and width and all of the hardware you need to install this device is included with the rim.
What we like:
- This is a complete rim set that comes with a 50g net that can be used indoors or outdoors
- All of the necessary hardware to mount the rim to your existing backboard is included with the rim. The rim is compatible with most standard backboards.
- The rim has ½” steel braces that hold it firmly in position and the hardware to mount the braces is included
What we don’t like:
- This unit is not compatible with Lifetime basketball products
5. Spalding Standard Rim
This Spalding basketball rim is a solid steel piece that comes with a new all-weather net. It is regulation size and can be used outdoors or indoors according to your preferences. It is a break-away rim.
What we like:
- Solid steel and comes with an all-weather white net that allows you to use the item indoors or outdoors
- Powder coated to protect it from the elements. It can withstand the brutality of outdoor elements for many years. It has a spring back mechanism to allow it to take a heavy load and then pop right back into position
- The steel rim is 5/8” and mounts with a 2 7/8” x 2 ½” mounting pattern
What we don’t like:
- Made in China
6. Dunnrite Poola Hoop Stainless Steel Pool Basketball Rim
This basketball rim is designed for use in a swimming pool. It is regulation size and will allow you to play pool-ball competitively. It is designed for outdoor play and the stainless steel will prevent corrosion or damage from outdoor elements.
What we like:
- This basketball rim is the standard 18” diameter rim that is used in regulation basketball equipment
- It is stainless steel so the water and outdoor elements will not cause it to rust or corrode. It is painted with a navy-blue hue
- Ready to quickly replace an existing pool basketball hoop using the existing hardware
What we don’t like:
- This is actually a back-up rim so the mounting hardware is not included with the rim
7. Dunnrite Splash & Shoot Stainless Steel Pool Basketball Rim
This is a rim for use on a swimming pool. It is made of stainless steel and designed to replace an existing rim so you will not receive new hardware in the package.
What we like:
- This is a standard replacement pool hoop that measures 18” diameter
- This is easily installed on your existing pool backboard and does not come with hardware but uses the hardware you already have in place
- This rim is designed to be used in conjunction with the Splash and Shoot Basketball Set. It is made of stainless steel to increase durability of service
What we don’t like:
- This rim is meant to be used in pools and does not mount to standard backboards
Best Basketball Rims: What to Consider
Before buying a basketball rim you should educate yourself on the features and particulars of these items. You want to get the best possible rim for the best possible price. You also want a rim that is going to withstand the test of time as your player uses it for many years into the future.
Durability
You want to make sure that you are purchasing a rim that is made from high-quality materials so it will be durable and long-lasting. This is especially true if you are setting up a basketball area outside where the rim will be subjected to changing weather patterns, extreme heat or cold, or rain and dampness.
Installation
You want a rim that is easy to install. Most of these items require minimal tools and you simply attach brackets to your backboard, and then attach the rim to the brackets.
Indoor or outdoor
Some rims will not be acceptable for mounting outside. You want to read the label carefully so you are sure to get equipment that can be used outside or inside, depending on where you are making your court.
Size
The rim you purchase should be 18 inches in diameter. If it is not 18 inches in diameter a regulation basketball will not go through it in the same manner that it does when you are playing at a school or official stadium. Make sure the rim is the proper size.
Double Rims
Double rims are usually the right diameter, but they are more difficult to shoot a ball into. Most people who play on a double rim are better shooters because of this, but it does change the shooting dynamics and can make you shoot differently when you play on a regulation single rim hoop. Make sure you understand that regulation hoops are single rim.
Color
The actual color of the rim only matters to you as a personal preference. These items can be red, black, white, silver, or any other color and they will play exactly the same.
Backboard Included
Some basketball rims are only sold with the backboard. If you do not need a backboard make sure that the rim you are selecting does not come with one. Without a backboard the rim should cost less.
Net Included
Some basketball rims do not come with a basketball net. Some of them come with an extra net. You have to read the description of the item to ascertain whether or not the item will have a net included.
How to change a basketball rim
At some point in the life of your basketball rim you are going to have to change it out. Things wear out with age, weather, and extensive use.
If you have to replace the entire rim you should first remove the existing one. You will need a screw driver and a pair of pliers to help you remove the existing rim from the existing bracket. If the bracket is also damaged you will need to unbolt the bracket from the backboard.
The new rim you just purchased came with all of the mounting hardware you need to install it safely and securely. Read your instructions carefully so you can see exactly what size screws, nuts, and bolts you are going to be inserting and tightening while you are replacing the rim.
Once the old rim is removed you can put the new one in its place. Be sure to tighten the screws and bolts very snug so they stay in place.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does a NBA rim cost?
You can buy an NBA official size basketball rim for as little as $119.00. The price will partially be determined by where the rim is designed to be used. Rims that can be mounted outdoors on a pole or on the side of the garage are less expensive than the ones designed to be used indoors only.
Is the NBA rim bigger than college?
NBA basketball rims are 18” in diameter. College teams play with official NBA size basketballs, rims and backboards. The college rims are 18” in diameter. There are rumors that the NBA plays with larger hoops and that is why the players are able to make shots so easily. The truth is that those are just rumors. NBA players make shots look easy because they work to earn the ability to make the shots repeatedly.
Are NBA hoops double rim?
NBA hoops are the standard single rim hoops. Double rim hoops are 18” in diameter like the NBA hoops but the double rim hoops are normally seen on playgrounds and in outdoor playing areas. It is actually more difficult to make a shot using a double rim hoop so if you have the opportunity to play on one of these hoops take it. Use every opportunity to increase your prowess as a player.
How wide is a basketball rim?
A regulation basketball blackboard is six feet wide by three- and one-half feet tall. The rims on these backboards are 18 inches in diameter. The inner rectangle of the backboard will measure twenty-four inches wide and 18 inches in height. The height of the basketball goal changes for younger players but the rim they play with remains the standard 18 inches.
Last word
Basketball is an exciting sport that provides ample physical activity and can be played alone or with a team of players. Having the proper basketball equipment set up at the proper height can help players practice and develop more skills.
The basketball rim size is important because the regulation balls are going to fit through this size rim the same on every court. If your rim is larger or smaller than regulation then when you play on a regulation court your shots will not be as accurate.