I get it—you want a legit, gym-quality basketball hoop in your driveway or backyard, but you don’t want to spend $1,500 on a high-end Goalrilla or MegaSlam. That’s where the Spalding 60” Glass Screw Jack In-Ground Basketball Hoop comes in.
I’ve been through this decision myself, comparing backboards, poles, and rims, trying to find a durable, pro-style hoop without the insane price tag. If you’re like me, you don’t just want a hoop—you want a real basketball experience: solid rebounds, a sturdy pole, and a rim that can handle some dunks.
So, does the Spalding 60” Glass Screw Jack deliver? Let’s dive in.
First Impressions – A Pro-Style Hoop at a Mid-Range Price
Right out of the box, this thing looks like a serious hoop. The 60-inch tempered glass backboard is the same size as what you see in high school and college gyms, and the steel pole is thick and sturdy.
I immediately noticed that the Screw Jack height adjustment system is smoother than most budget hoops. It lets you easily move the hoop between 7.5 and 10 feet, which is perfect if you have kids who want to grow into the game.
At first glance, this feels like a perfect mix of affordability and pro-level quality. But does it hold up?
Key Features – What Stands Out?
1. 60” Tempered Glass Backboard – Pro-Level Rebounds
✔ Why it matters: If you’ve ever played on a cheap acrylic or polycarbonate backboard, you know the difference. Tempered glass gives a true, crisp rebound—just like the hoops at the gym.
💡 My take: The Spalding 60” backboard is fantastic—the ball comes off clean and responsive, making it great for bank shots and jumpers.
2. 4” Square Steel Pole – Strong, But Not the Best
✔ Why it matters: A one-piece pole is ideal for stability, but most hoops in this price range use two-piece poles.
💡 My take: The 4” steel pole is solid but has a slight shake after hard shots. It’s definitely stronger than a three-piece system, but if stability is your #1 concern, a Goalrilla or MegaSlam will be sturdier.
3. Screw Jack Height Adjustment – Smooth & Easy
✔ Why it matters: A bad height adjustment system can make it frustrating to lower or raise your hoop, especially if kids are using it.
💡 My take: The Screw Jack system is one of the easiest adjustments I’ve used. It’s smooth, precise, and doesn’t feel flimsy like some cheap crank systems.
4. Pro-Style Breakaway Rim – Great for Dunking
✔ Why it matters: A breakaway rim absorbs impact, so if you dunk, the rim won’t snap or damage the backboard.
💡 My take: The rim has good flex and holds up well to moderate dunking. However, if you’re planning to throw down serious slams every day, a heavier-duty rim (like on a Goalrilla GS60C) would be better.
Performance – How Does It Play?
🏀 Shooting Feel – The tempered glass makes a huge difference. Rebounds are true, and the ball doesn’t die on the backboard like it does with cheaper materials.
🏀 Stability – There’s some minor movement after deep shots, but it settles quickly. Definitely more stable than budget hoops but not as rock-solid as a one-piece system.
🏀 Dunking – The breakaway rim can handle dunks, but it’s not designed for aggressive hanging.
🏀 Height Adjustment – Super smooth, making it great for families with kids of different ages.
🏀 Driveway Fit – The 60-inch size is perfect—big enough for a real game feel without overwhelming your driveway.
Installation – What You Need to Know
Installing an in-ground hoop is always a project, and the Spalding 60” Glass Screw Jack Hoop is no different. Here’s what I learned:
🛠 You’ll need at least 2-3 people – The backboard is HEAVY (over 80 lbs.), so get help lifting it.
⛏ Digging is the hardest part – You need a 2-3 foot deep hole, and if your ground is rocky, it’s a grind.
🧱 Use at least 800-1,000 lbs. of concrete – More concrete = better stability. Don’t skimp!
⏳ Plan for a weekend project – Day 1: Dig the hole and pour concrete. Day 2: Mount the hoop and set up the backboard.
Pros & Cons – Is It Worth the Money?
✅ Pros
✔ 60” tempered glass backboard – Feels like a pro hoop
✔ Good bounce and rebound quality – Big upgrade over acrylic hoops
✔ Breakaway rim – Can handle casual dunking
✔ Screw Jack height adjustment – Easy to use, perfect for kids and adults
✔ Sturdy 4” square steel pole – Stronger than budget three-piece poles
✔ Great price for a 60” glass hoop – Best value in this range
❌ Cons
❌ Two-piece pole – Some minor wobble on hard shots
❌ Not for hardcore dunkers – Great for casual dunks, but not built for aggressive rim hanging
❌ Installation is a workout – Be ready to dig deep and mix concrete
Who Should Buy the Spalding 60” Glass Screw Jack?
💪 Get this hoop if:
✅ You want a real 60” tempered glass hoop without spending $1,500+
✅ You need smooth height adjustment for kids & adults
✅ You want a solid hoop for casual dunking and serious play
🚫 Skip this hoop if:
❌ You want zero wobble – A one-piece pole (like a Goalrilla GS60C) will be more stable
❌ You dunk aggressively – You need a heavier-duty breakaway rim
❌ You don’t want to deal with installation – Consider a portable hoop instead
Final Verdict – Is the Spalding 60” Glass Screw Jack Worth It?
✔ YES – If you’re looking for a high-quality, 60” tempered glass hoop at a mid-range price, this is one of the best options.
🏀 The backboard feels great, the rim is solid, and the height adjustment is smooth. While it’s not as sturdy as a high-end Goalrilla, it’s an amazing hoop for driveway or backyard games.
🔥 My Rating: 9/10 – One of the best 60” hoops you can get for under $1,000!
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