The main difference between a tempered glass backboard and a clear acrylic backboard is performance versus durability. Tempered glass is the professional choice because it gives the best ball bounce, while clear acrylic is a tough plastic that is great for casual play and resisting vandalism. Having said that, the quality of commercial acrylic these days is so good that most people wouldn’t know a backboard was a acrylic unless someone told them. Bounce difference is marginal. A traditionalist will know the sound is a little softer but playability is not compromised. It’s durability. If a knucklehead wanted to throw a brick at a backboard to damage it, tempered glass will break first, which makes acrylic the desired material for public spaces where baseballs, rocks and other non-basketball related activity might occur.
Tempered Glass Backboards
Tempered glass is the actual material used in the NBA, college, and high school gyms.
- Pro Performance: Real glass is very stiff. Because it does not bend when the ball hits it, you get a true, competitive rebound every time.
- Stays Beautiful: Glass is very hard and resists scratches. It will not fade, turn yellow, or get cloudy from the sun.
- The Downside: It is heavy and can shatter if hit by a rock, a stray baseball, or a BB gun. Because of this, it is not ideal for unmonitored public spaces.
Clear Acrylic Backboards
Acrylic is a lightweight plastic material often known by the brand name Plexiglass.
- Vandal Resistant: Acrylic is soft and flexible. If someone throws a rock at it, the rock will usually just bounce right off without breaking the board.
- Lightweight and Affordable: It weighs much less than glass, making it easier to install on portable driveway hoops. It also usually costs less money upfront.
- The Downside: Because the plastic bends slightly under pressure, it absorbs some energy from the ball. This creates a slightly “dead” bounce. It also scratches easily from the ball and the elements, which can make it look dull over time.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose tempered glass if you want to practice for team sports, want the absolute best performance, and can protect the hoop from vandalism.
- Choose clear acrylic if you are buying a hoop for casual backyard family play, need something lightweight, or live in an area where neighborhood kids might throw rocks at it.
I can help you narrow down your search if you want to share how much you want to spend or if you are looking for a wall mounted, in-ground or portable hoop system.
Tom Nicotera, cell 858-692-1532