Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

they brag about the goal and another thing is it only cost [$] compared to the other goals like one goal that cost 1999.99 holy cow!!!!!!!!

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I'm in the process of putting this up now. For those who say you can't get the 2-part pole to side down a full 6-inches, use some muscle. It can be done.

Dug the hole to the specs they gave. It said I would need 9 80lbs bags of concrete. No way! I could only get 500lbs to fit in the hole, not 720 lbs

it seems very well made! so far I'm very happy

I will report back when get to play on it.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

in other reviews i have heard about a flimsy base. That depends on how well you put the anchor system inground. I dug 4 foot deep and a 16 inches wide at the top and 23 inches wide on bottom and it helped but there is still a little shaking. The light is difficult because you need a long extention cord to stretch all the way back to the hoop. But overall it is still a great hoop.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Great product for the back yard athlete. Some earlier reviews talk about difficulty in joining 2 piece pole--probably because the directions call for an overlap of 6 inches---but in truth after using the technique called for in instructions I got the overlap to 5 1/2 inches which is more than sufficient.
Other reviews talked about vibrations/lack of stability once installed. I did dig hole to 40 inches with 20 inch diameter and followed instructions regarding rebar and anchor system. I also filled the hollow pole system (after installing on concrete base) with about 35-40 lbs of play sand and find the system to be very solid---NO complaints about stability/vibrations.
The most difficult aspect of the entire process is attaching the backboard to the pole. The backboard weighs at least 50lbs and takes at least 3 people to install---unless you have some sort of scaffolding available that allows you to lift it to approx height where 1 person can steady the backboard while the 2nd person adjust the arm height and attaches the backboard to the arms.
Would definitely buy this again and recommend to others.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I was concerned about the "flimsy" reviews I had read about the GB54 but was convinced it was okay by my 11 year when he took me to see one installed at neighbor's yard. They had someone install it for them. I figured I could do it myself.

The price at DicksSportingGoods was very attractive. I read the other reviews and used the guidance they provided.

Digging the hole: We live in the Northeast. I could only get the hole 32" deep. 16" wide at the top/20" at the bottom . After digging through soil, sand/rocks and clay, I just couldn't break the ground up any further. I even tried using a drill. I left to get the concrete and returned with 10 bags. At the hardware store I saw these heavy duty 36" rebars and got 2 of them. 4 would have been even better. Anyway I used a 3lb sledge to drive them into the soil about 1 foot deep. It took some pounding. The 4 supplied rebars seemed puny in comparison but I used them too. Also after returning from the store, I had water seeping into the hole, so, I didn't need to add water to the concrete. I poured in about 1/2 a bag of concrete mixed it up in the hole and added more and mixed at similar intervals till I reached the top of the hole. I leveled and set the pole base as instructed. I used about 8 1/2 bags. I removed any of the standing water that was left from the seepage and smoothed it out. My son added his initials in the concrete when it started to set. Over the next few days I kept the top of the concrete moist with a watering can. I let the concrete set up for 4 days. I think the type of soil you have may dictate how much shake you get in your basket. If you encounter a lot of sand, you may want to consider going deeper and wider. I see shake but no more than the high end outdoor hoop at the youth center.

The base poles : I measured 6" and marked the bottom base pole with a marker. I used the recommendation of one review and used some w-d 40 after about 4 1/2" of banging the base pole on some cobblestones/with a board on the stones protecting the base. I got the top pole about 5 3/4 on the base pole and had to call it quits. Be careful, I could see you end up denting your driveway with all the banging.

The rest went together pretty well. I set the base a day before I installed the backboard. I had purchased some large washers at the hardware store to level the pole in case the pole wasn't straight enough to my liking. Make sure you check the level straightness of your post before you install your backboard. When I installed the backboard, I cranked the backboard setting low and I used a stepladder to rest the backboard on while we prepared to secure it to the backboard brackets. The directions were good overall. The screws and bolts are separated into bags that apply to the part of the basket/pole you are installing ...base nuts and bolts in one bag, basket hoop bolts and gasket in another bag, overhead light and pole screws in another bag, etc. We did end up throwing out the adhesive strip that indicates basket height (It was taped to the side of a box we recycled).

Again, I think it's worth the investment. The reaction of the ball off the glass is very good. Plan ahead, take your time.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I bought this system on the recommendation of the staff at DicksSportingGoods. You really get an awful lot of extras for a reasonable price. I was concerned about the sturdiness of the system (based on some of the reviews), but I get very little shake with it. I weigh 200 pounds and can dunk hard (and hang) and the standard shakes very minimally and about as much as a professional hoop in a gym does. I laid a lot of cement and had a professional installer assemble the hoop and it was well worth the money. The neighbors think it's awesome (aesthetically and functionally) and so do I.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

It took a while to get this setup due to the two poles would not slide down to 6 inches. We were able to get them to 5 inches. The pole shakes due to the poor design of the pole when we shoot baskets. It is not engineered very well. I wish we would have purchased another system that was more heavy duty. This system doesn't look like it is going to last much more than a couple seasons.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I use it for practice and during my free time. It is very sturdy and good looking. The only problem is that it does not go all the way down to 7' and goes down to only 7'8". I am only 5'2" and was told that it went down to 7. But overall it is a pretty good hoop.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

The 2-pole system IS NOT a good system as it makes the base and entire pole un-stable and the Backboard shakes every time the ball hits it.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Great system. Lowers down for the kids - crank it up for the grown-ups. It's a fairly involved project, but this is a really nice system now that it's up. Solid as a rock - no shaking issues. Dig an extra large hole -24" instead of 16". Spend a little more on concrete and you'll be thrilled.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

For the price, this is a great system. I had trouble with set up initially. I was wailing on the two piece pole to get it to fit, before I finally took the pole back and got replacement pieces. Those fit together perfectly. The first must have been defective.In any case, as mentioned by others the goal does shake a little bit, but much less than the cheap round pole driveway systems. I filled the pole with sand, so this helps, too. As long as you realize that you are buying a less-expensive system, rather than one that costs [$] or more, you will be completely satisfied.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Great for play at night. Sturdy enough to hold me when i jam and im 6'7''. Beautiful system and great buy for the money. Anyone who says it shakes to much is a dummy head and needs to get smart. only bad thing was it was difficult to set up

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Well first off its a great looking hoop! Be sure to dig the hole the 3 and a half deep and 24 wide having the bottom being wider then top.I went a little deeper so had to add about 12 bags of 80 pound bags which was fine for 3.80 a bag I wanted this to be solid. Im glad I did it is solid I ve had now 2 months and I think is very good! [...]Im just hoping it does not get rusty in a couple of years.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

The hoop is good for playing outside and of course there is some movement like any other hoop. Plus we love all the extra things it came with which was over 200 dollars separate. We originally bought the lifetime for 500 but later we went back to the store and found out the lifetime was not suppose to be sold so they gave us this instead. My friends each have one and they still work brand new except for the shaking. The hoop is good in general and if your looking for a nice 10 year plus hoop buy this or a mammoth/goalrilla. Bottom line 4 stars because of all the shaking.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

We dug a hole about 3 1/2- 4 ft deep by 5 ft wide and put about 20 bags of 80 pound concrete in the hole, with about 3 wheel barrels of rocks and the base turned out very, very sturdy. We also used an additional 8 re bars to connect the old and new concrete together. After letting the concrete cure for about five days we began construction on the actual system. The system was not as hard as some made it out to be, and the review about connecting the poles was very beneficial. I suggest holding the pole straight up and dropping it to the ground rather than hitting with sledge hammer. Also we put the back board on the pole rather then putting the pole up then attaching the back board. There is very little vibration after dunks, and the light kit is solid also. It's a great buy and will turn out great as long as you take your time in building a good base for the pole to sit on.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Everything is great about it. The light is AWESOME. It is very bright. This system is great for practicing your shot.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

the product is solid. Thickest 4 inch 2 piece pole out there Dont buy the Lifetime for 100 more dollars its heavier construction all the way around, Best construction for rim dunking. [...] This system is solid love the glass backboard. Dont get acrylic. Now the negative. The system does shake as most have said. After a dunk it shakes for about 20 seconds. I watched the installer and he did everything right.I weigh 150 pounds. However I cant see anyway around the shaking as there has to be some give or everything would bend or snap off. Maybe a one piece 5 inch steel pole would be better However now your talking more money so where do you stop. But all the neighbors are over here as this is the best system on the block. Most have the portable or the cheap 399 acrylic inground

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Ok-I installed it yesterday- First & only install problem although a big one- They tell you that you need to slide the top piece of the two piece pole 6 in over the bottom. Got it to five after beating the heck out of it & damaging the top of the post. Could go no further. Maybe a coating of liquid wrench would have helped.
Played the first pick-up game- will admit had some vibration. But I think tolerable. We have 10 hoops in the neighborhood- One has a 5-6" 1 piece post & it is SOLID- The others all shake- Bottom line- for the money- not bad at all- looks great & let's face, you'll look at it more than you will play. Buddy & I got beat by 2 12 year olds & had a blast- We all thought the hoop was fine. You will need to spend at least a grand or more to get that soild base that these reviews talk about. Overall- this is what we wanted to spend & we are happy with it. Would not think the light kit will hold up very long. Does not look very well built, but we will see. Enjoy.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

As for setup, it said to dig a 3 ft hole. We already had a 2 ft from the old hoop that we dug out so that wasn't a problem for us. However, putting the two poles together the instructions were to "tap" them together a minimum of 7 times. Well, with a sledge hammer it took forever just to get it down the 4 out of 6 inches it needed to go. It took a 6'4'' man with a 12 lb sledge hammer 20-30 times to "tap" it in the rest of the way. Maybe it was just a defect on our system. As for the backboard shaking, it does some, but not nearly as bad as I have read with other reviews. We barely notice it, mayb it's all in the set up! We're enjoyingi this very much

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Great Product.

After reading several reviews, this unit was by far the best dollar for dollar system out there. To stop the pole shake many reviewers experienced I simply filled the pole with concrete. If you do this just remember to grease the bolts that go through the pole. If you dont use the grease on the bolts the system may not raise and lower properly once the concrete cures. After doing this the system does not shake at all, even under extreme play. It did require a little more effort but the results are incredible for the money invested in the system.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

i love to dunk on it and the rim is great

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

good hoop

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Took a hole about 2' deep by 18 inches across and about 7 bags of cement. After about a year the glass shattered due to an idiot neighbor and his bb gun. When I went to Goaliath to get a replacement piece of glass I was told it was a complete backboard unit. [...] Rediculous! Why they can't make something that is repairable for a fair price is beyond me. Come on stupidity happens...But why make it dumber? What a waste of steel. Anyone need a good frame?

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

This system is overpriced for the shaky result you get. The backboard is too heavy for the rest of the system. As a result, it shakes and shakes and shakes and is still shaking after you finish taking a break. Needs to be redesigned!

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

This goal sucks and is not very sturdy

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

It's awesome it doesn't shake like every1 else says it does. The backboard works awesome, it doesn't make a loud thump when u bank it. It's extremely easy 2 adjust from different heights.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Have had to replace the light fixture because it is not made for the normal vibration from shooting a ball to the goal. This is a major defect. The new light fixture was not any better than the first.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

This goal was an upgrade for us from a pretty cheap portable system, so we are very happy with it so far. Adjusting the goal height is very easy. I realize a [$] system would be better, but for [$], this seems like a decent deal.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I thought the Basketball System was good for the money and didn't notice any of the shaking issues refered to by other reviewers. Granted I have young children and they are growing into it, but it is good for them. The problem is that the 2 top support brackets are rusting horribly after only 4 months of summer weather. I am trying to work with Goaliath, but they want a laundry list of things to get the pole replaced/ serviced. I can't imagine what will happen after the winter.My wife is telling me we should have bought the Goalrilla and I am thinking she was right...

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Although properly installed, this unit sways for 30-40 seconds after a shot. It seems as if it was originally designed for an acrylic backboard and then they switched to a glass. The unit can't support it. I spoke with a national installation company and the supervisor said they call this unit the "Tuning Fork". I spoke to [...] and they indicated tha they had never had a complaint on this unit. Spend the extra money for a one-piece pole and skip this one..

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Great all around basketball system. Easy to play; great rebounds. It's much better than the old Lifetime system that we had.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

this is a great bball hoop for any level player the light lights up the whole court for max nighttime playing, built very good occasional sturdiness's problems but a good overall hoop

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

Good quality for the price. The glass backboard is very good but base does shake. For this reason I would not recommend until they change to a sturdier single pole construction.

Comments about Goaliath - Dicks Goaliath GB54 54 Inch In-Ground Basketball System Package:

I recently purchased this and do not recommend it. The backboard shakes and wobbles way too much. The backboard will still be shaking five minutes after the last shot. The shaking wasn't too bad at first, but 2 weeks after installing it, the shaking has gotten significantly worse. Spend the extra money and buy a system with a larger one piece pole.