Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)When you buy this, the biggest challenge (outside of actually playing basketball with some level of skill) will be the assembly. Thus, I'll start right in on the assembly...For me, this took 3 hours to complete - from walking into my garage, unpacking the boxes (there are two), collecting the right tools, full assembly and clean-up. This is not a "one man job", though my helper was my 12 yr old son and my wife (both at times and neither fully committed). I did have one problem, which added about 45 minutes of bactrack to my 3hr assembly time. I discuss the problem below to help you avoid the same. It required contacting Spalding, but they were very helpful.
Here is what you need to assemble:
1)The right tools - socket set with extender, wrenches in teh same sizes as the sockets, blade to open boxes, saw horse, hammer (very small taps), lots of space to assemble.
2)Patience - read the directions!! AND use the right parts
3)Mechanical ability - You have to like this sort of challenge.
The directions are good, but you must follow them. The number of parts may seem overwhelming at the beginning, but I found the diagrams and labels very helpful.
Here is the one assembly problem to avoid. On pg 20, step #3 of the directions "installing screw jack assembly to lower evelvator tube". Pay attention to this because the directions are unclear. And this must be assembled correctly in order to raise and lower the backboard.
I didn't fit the screw jack properly so when I was finished, the backboard did not raise and simply rested in the lowest position. I called Spalding. I had to Google search to find the right number so here it is: toll-free 800-558-5234 (8am-5pm CST Mon-Fri).
Spalding was very helpful and told me to make sure to fit the lower bolt through both parts of the screw jack assembly. I just fitted the bolt through the upper pc. There are holes to line-up for both pcs as well as through the elevator tubes, which connect to the backboard. When I called, Spalding apologized and said the directions here do not contain this (very helpful and required) information. They were getting lots of calls for this issue.
Otherwise, make sure someone sticks around to help with the actual hoop install. My son grew bored and abandoned me by this point. I fitted the hoop myself but not without several attempts and finally carefully resting/balancing the hoop on my head while I fitted/tightened the bolts all while standing on a ladder. A 2nd pair of hands would have been very helpful, almost required really.
I gave a four star because the finished product is terrific. The raising/lowering crank mechanism is great and beats our neighbor's hoop where they push up with a broom. Also, this looks terrific. I was worried about having an eyesore in front of my house, but it looks good. This is a substantial pc of equipment, safety need not be a concern (as long as you assemble and weight it properly).
No five star because - the directions are a challenge. If you are not patient during assembly or don't easily turn a wrench you will be frustrated. And remember the screw jack thing. Well, because the directions weren't correct, I did have to backtrack after I thought I was finished - that wasn't fun.
Also, I'm not impressed with the IPod speakers. Ultimately, the kids will use it and they think the IPod speakers are just fine. Perhaps I'm a bit more requiring. But the sound is muffled and sort of crackly. And you have to run a cord to a power source. That part is a little inconvenient.
Good luck and have fun!
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Spalding iHoop Portable Basketball SystemListen to music while you shoot hoops with Spalding's iHoop, designed to work with any iPod (with a 30 pin port) or non-iPod MP3 player. Officially licensed by Apple and Made for iPod certified, Spalding's iHoop features a full-glass backboard for maximum playing performance and true ball rebound. The iHoop offers a 54- by 1/4-inch full tempered glass backboard enclosed in a steel backboard frame while square poles feature a two-piece, 4-inch design to maximize backboard rigidity and stability. Meanwhile, Spalding's exclusive ScrewJack lift system makes rim height adjustments easy with a simple turn of a handle; the rim height is infinitely adjustable from 7 to 10 feet for all skill levels. The adjustment handle can also be removed for storage during play and to prevent tampering.
To listen to tunes, just place your iPod in the Suspension Cradle and connect using Apple's standard 30 pin connecter. The iHoop also features a 1/8-inch mini plug connector for use with the iPod shuffle or any non-iPod MP3 players. Then, just hit play--and you are ready to play.
Backboard Details:
Backboard Size: 54 inches
Backboard Material: 1/4-inch tempered glass with steel frame
Backboard Offset: 2 feet
Rim Style: Arena Slam
Lift System: ScrewJack
Lift Handle: Removable
Pole Size: 2-piece, 4-inch square
Pole Material: Steel
Pole Angle: 20°
Audio Details:
The iHoop connects to most iPods (30 pin port) or non-iPod MP3 players. Officially licensed by Apple and Made for iPod certified.
Spalding's exclusive mesh Suspension Cradle will suspend your iPod/MP3 player in mid air. Made from a soft mesh fabric and attached via stretchable cords, your iPod/MP3 player will sit securely while the cords absorb shock, and the mesh fabric prevents scratches.
Pushing 30 watts of total power through a fully integrated 2.1 stereo sound system, the iHoop is powered to play. Two 3-inch full range speakers are mounted near ear level on the backstop for optimum sound performance. The premium speakers provide superior audio clarity `with a rich, clean tone and stay protected behind high impact ABS grills. The iHoop also pounds the pavement with a 5-inch subwoofer, keeping the low-tones detailed and defined.
The iPod/MP3 player storage compartment is located in the center of the backstop for easy access during game play. The access panel door is made using an impact-resistant ABS material for its strength and rigidity. Five easy-access buttons allow easy control of your iPod when connected via Apple’s 30 pin cable. Play, stop, skip, and volume can all be controlled without having to physically handle the iPod/MP3 player during game play.
With insight from industry leaders in the Marine and Audio industries, Spalding has included only premium Marine Grade outdoor audio components that will hold up to the elements
iHoop Audio System Details:
Compatibility: Most iPod models and MP3 players
System Power: 120v with GFI protection
Speakers: Two 3-inch full range premium speakers
Subwoofer: One 5-inch subwoofer
Speaker Grade: Marine-grade, weather resistant
Inputs: iPod 30 pin, 1/8-inch mini plug
Construction: Impact-resistant ABS material
Other: Player suspension cradle design for protection
Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What exactly is the Spalding iHoop? A:The Spalding iHoop is the world's first basketball system with a fully integrated docking station for iPod. The iHoop has a 30 watt 2.1 sound system and marine-grade speakers for premium sound, a 54" inch glass backboard and 4" square pole for top level playability, a multi wheel portable bass with tip and roll mechanism for easy mobility.
Q: Do all iPod models work with the Spalding iHoop system? A: The Spalding iHoop system is 30 pin compatible, which means that most iPod models will work on the iHoop.
Q: I don't own an iPod, but I do own an MP3 player from another manufacturer. Will other MP3 players work in the Spalding iHoop? A: Yes. The Spalding iHoop has both a 30 pin connector for iPod models as well as an auxiliary cord connector for all other MP3 players.
Q: Does the Spalding iHoop require an electrical hook up? A: Yes. The Spalding iHoop requires a plug into an electrical outlet (120V) in order to activate the music. The system is both GFI protected and UL approved.
Q: Is the Spalding iHoop weather and water resistant? A: Yes. The Spalding iHoop has been engineered to withstand all types of weather, including rain and snow. The speakers are marine-grade quality and are water resistant.
Note: Contact Spalding at 1-800-558-5234 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST Monday to Friday) for questions or assistance.
About Spalding As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner.
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