Since I was a kid, I wanted an adjustable basketball hoop. Now that I have three kids of my own (ages 6, 4, and 2), I wanted to make sure I did everything to keep them active and outside.
When I started my research on the hoops that were available, I started at my local "Big Box" sporting good retailer. I was familiar with hoops that would be considered "upscale" from the hoops available from the sporting good stores (typically sold by playground equipment retailers), but knew they would come at a cost.
When I discovered the Mega Slam system, I watched this video and it was really the best (and only) side-by-side comparison video that explained WHY investing in the Mega Slam Hoop was the right choice for me and my family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoRmhMetVOY
It has the thickest-gauge steel construction and backboard available out there. It makes a difference during game play when there is no wobbling/rocking following a missed shot. Its heavy construction ensures that I can hang on the rim without concern that it will all come crashing down on me (I am 235 lb.). I even sprung for the "upgraded" pro-style rim and I am very glad I did. Not only is it sturdy and well-made, but this hoop utilizes a wire inside the rim to hold the net up, in lieu of more "standard" hook-and-loop style of net hanger. Why is this important? Because when you are throwing down monster dunks when the hoop is lowered to 8', you don't want to injure a finger if you grab the hoop in the wrong spot.
I like that the hoop adjusts all the way down to 5'-6", because my four year old isn't quite strong enough to reach a 7'-6" goal found in many lower-quality competitors. This is a hoop that all ages can enjoy, and that was very important to me.
One of the things that I read online was other people's apprehension about purchasing a hoop that isn't "brand name" or not carried in retail outlets. The fear is that customer service will not be there to help when you need it. I can say from experience that CUSTOMER SERVICE IS FANTASTIC. Like many, my plan was to install the hoop on a Saturday. When I had a question about the installation of the hoop and called the customer service number at 6:30pm on Saturday, I did not expect anyone to be there, but left a message that I had a question. Within 5 minutes I received a call back from customer service who was willing/able to help and asked that I send an email with photos describing my problem. AGAIN. THIS IS 6:30 PM... ON A SATURDAY!!! I sent the email off and while I was on the phone, the representative was able to see the problem and get me back on track (it was something wrong that I did... NOT a problem on THEIR end).
Another concern I had was with the freight delivery. Everything went smoothly and everything was packaged neatly and completely.
When it comes down to it, you CAN spend less on a basketball hoop, but the reality is that none will look, feel, play as beautifully as this one. When I decided to get a basketball hoop, I committed to one that I knew would last for the next 2+ decades with my kids because I only wanted to pay for a hoop one time and install only ONE hoop in my yard for the rest of my life. I can truly say that this hoop will NOT disappoint.