---
product_id: 2027368
title: "71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard"
brand: "lifetime"
price: "€ 1514.34"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Lifetime"
url: https://www.desertcart.sk/products/2027368-71281-in-ground-power-lift-basketball-system-52-inch-shatterproof
store_origin: SK
region: Slovakia
---

# 52" shatterproof polycarbonate backboard Power Lift height adjustment 7.5-10 ft 5-year limited warranty & weatherproof steel 71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard

**Brand:** lifetime
**Price:** € 1514.34
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🏀 Elevate your game with pro-grade durability and effortless adjustability!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard by lifetime
- **How much does it cost?** € 1514.34 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sk](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/2027368-71281-in-ground-power-lift-basketball-system-52-inch-shatterproof)

## Best For

- lifetime enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted lifetime brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Trusted Longevity:** Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, this system is designed to be the centerpiece of your driveway for years to come.
- • **Pro-Level Durability:** 52-inch steel-framed, shatterproof polycarbonate backboard built to withstand intense play and harsh weather.
- • **Rock-Solid Stability:** 3-piece 3.5" round pole with friction-weld joint ensures zero wobble and long-lasting sturdiness.
- • **Effortless Height Control:** Power Lift mechanism lets you smoothly adjust hoop height from 7.5 to 10 feet—perfect for all skill levels and ages.
- • **Weatherproof & Fade Resistant:** UV-protected, powder-coated steel resists rust and discoloration, keeping your court looking sharp season after season.

## Overview

The Lifetime 71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System features a 52-inch steel-framed shatterproof polycarbonate backboard, adjustable height from 7.5 to 10 feet via a smooth Power Lift mechanism, and a sturdy 3-piece 3.5" round pole with friction-weld joints for stability. Designed for outdoor use, it includes UV protection and powder-coated steel to resist rust and fading, all backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

## Description

Lifetime Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop (52-Inch Polycarbonate)

Review: Great value, quality materials, take your time for assembly and ground sleeve prep, watch for carton damage at arrival - I'm surprised this came shipped via fedex ground to my door... I get a LOT of freight shipments via all carriers (UPS/Fedex/DHS, freight trucks, etc..) and this item I think is really too heavy for the carton and way it is packaged... The box was in 'average' but OK condition as I recall and had some evidence of handling (crushed corners, tears in the cardboard, etc..) but still had most of the poly strapping intact. Although nothing was damaged inside, some of the parts had shifted inside as they were no longer in their correct areas of the carton... Maybe if you live further from the shipping point you might not be so lucky... You will likely need help moving the carton inside as it's almost too large/bulky for one person to move- we used a flat dolly to roll it into storage until ready for assembly. Installed this using the optional ground sleeve. I dug the hole a bit smaller than recommended, probably 24" diameter at the bottom, sloping inward to about 18" at the top) and only used about 3 80lb bags of cement (they recommend about 6-8 bags, around 600 lbs if I recall...) I set a couple of bricks and some gravel in the bottom to help with support/drainage and I filled the bottom post with concrete also. Keep in mind placement of the ground sleeve in the center of the hole you dig vs. how far back from the edge of the playing surface, as the hoop will be about 24" or so from the center of the pole... Might be an issue if you have tall delivery trucks driving close to the goal as I do with my driveway. Don't compromise this step- dig the hole wide and deep enough, use a good level to check the sleeve in both front and side orientations as the concrete sets, checking several times during the first couple of hours. You get one shot at this, since if the sleeve isn't perfectly plumb in both directions, you won't be able to fix it later without digging another hole. Assembly of everything else was fairly easy- the instructions are VERY detailed, however I seem to recall some issue trying to determine length of the appropriate bolts based on their item code in the instructions. The parts are bagged with 3 digit codes that correspond with each step of the process, but some steps involve bolts that are almost the same length, so it can be a bit confusing.. nothing that someone with mechanical skills couldn't quickly figure out, but someone who isn't handy might have trouble... There were a couple of tricky steps to complete since I was working alone, but I used the shipping carton to help during assembly (to lay the parts on to prevent damage) and I think I used a tall box to support the pole during the last steps. You absolutely need a ratchet socket set and extension and a crescent or open end/box end wrenches as there are nylock nuts involved and assembly clearance is tight in some places as I recall. Dropping the completed assembly into the ground sleeve absolutely requires additional people to assist... I found that using an 8 foot ladder placed behind the sleeve and a short 4 foot ladder in front that I was able to help guide the entire assembly as 3 people together lifted it into place and dropped into the sleeve. My son loves it and is always shooting hoops! I hope the 1/8" acrylic backboard holds up better than the previous portable model (from a different manufacturer) that ended up cracking/breaking due to heat & UV exposure. Overall the performance is adequate- there's a bit of vibration when hitting the backboard and the entire goal wobbles a tiny bit... but I don't think this is due to the concrete footing- more to the thin wall pipe and slip-joint sleeve type assembly... The goal assembly only took about 2-3 hours working alone, but just take your time, read through the instructions first... you'll have plenty of time since you need to let the concrete cure for a few days anyway... The whole time they'll be asking you 'when will it be ready'!
Review: Sturdy, Well-made and Looks Great - I found the instructions to be clear and easy to understand. Follow them and everything will come out great. It will definitely take you days to complete the installation but it was well worth the effort and wait. It has already weathered 3 hurricanes here in Florida and came through each one without a scratch. All I did was bring it down to its lowest height

## Features

- 52" Steel Framed Shatterproof backboard is constructed with a polycarbonate surface for strength and durability
- Features Power Lift height adjustment mechanism; easily adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet
- 3 Piece 3.5" round pole features a friction-weld joint that safeguards against unwanted movement
- Backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty. Adjust the height of the backboard with just a squeeze of the handle
- UV protection and powder-coated steel. Weather resistance to discoloration and rusting

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B000V09FPA |
| Additional Features | Adjustable Height, Fade Resistant, Rust Resistant, Shatterproof |
| Best Sellers Rank | #106,114 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #8 in Basketball In-Ground Hoops & Goals |
| Brand | LIFETIME |
| Brand Name | LIFETIME |
| Color | Clear |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 653 Reviews |
| Frame Material Type | Polycarbonate, Steel |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00081483000657 |
| Included Components | 71281 Lifetime Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop (52-Inch Polycarbonate) |
| Indoor Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Is Assembly Required | Yes |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 59.5"D x 148"W x 52"H |
| Item Height | 5.5 inches |
| Item Type Name | 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard |
| Item Weight | 84 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Lifetime Products Sporting Goods |
| Material | Alloy Steel , Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Material Type | Alloy Steel, Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Maximum Height Recommendation | 10 Feet |
| Minimum Height | 7.5 Feet |
| Model Name | 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard |
| Mount Type | Surface |
| Product Dimensions | 59.5"D x 148"W x 52"H |
| Style Name | 71281 |
| Target Audience | Parents |
| Team Name | lifetime |
| UPC | 714547187109 081483000657 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** LIFETIME
- **Color:** Clear
- **Indoor/Outdoor Usage:** Outdoor
- **Item Weight:** 84 Pounds
- **Material:** Alloy Steel, Polycarbonate (PC)
- **Model Name:** 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
- **Mounting Type:** Surface
- **Product Dimensions:** 59.5"D x 148"W x 52"H
- **Special Feature:** Adjustable Height, Fade Resistant, Rust Resistant, Shatterproof
- **Target Audience:** Parents

## Images

![71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aTKDvK3kL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Number Of Items, Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: This doesn't look very sturdy when I watch the video.  Is there anything to make it more sturdy than what it shows?**
A: I haven't had any problems with mine it's been great

**Q: I see Amazon says I should also buy an in-ground sleeve. Does it not come with one? TIA**
A: You would need to purchase one, it does not come with it.

**Q: Did anybody use the sleeve for this but did NOT pour concrete into 1st pole section? (so, totally portable) How'd that work for you?**
A: I used the sleeve and poured concrete for it, but did not add it into the bottom pole as shown in the instructions. It is still working fine after 6 months with no adverse effects. That way if the bottom poles start to rust, I can replace them. The only thing left in the ground is the sleeve. I ran across that issue in a previous house I owned. Unbeknownst to me, the prior owner had done that very thing. After living in that house for 20 years, the pole and backboard were worn out so I decided to take it down when we were trying to sell the house. I had to use a sawzall to cut it at the base and  ruined a couple blades in the process. I wondered why the previous owner had put concrete in the bottom pole. After buying this for my grandsons, I now know why and I deliberately skipped that step as a result of my experience.

**Q: I live in Florida.  Any idea what kind of winds this can handle in case of a hurricane?**
A: This basketball hoop is extremely sturdy and well engineered. If installed properly in the ground, it should be able to withstand very strong winds. The category of hurricane would make a difference, as well as the length of time you experience the sustained high wind speeds, and the wind direction in relation to the backboard orientation would also effect its ability to withstand those winds. It is possible to remove the backboard in the case of anticipated hurricane force winds, so to be safe, I would recommend that.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great value, quality materials, take your time for assembly and ground sleeve prep, watch for carton damage at arrival
*by M***N on February 4, 2018*

I'm surprised this came shipped via fedex ground to my door... I get a LOT of freight shipments via all carriers (UPS/Fedex/DHS, freight trucks, etc..) and this item I think is really too heavy for the carton and way it is packaged... The box was in 'average' but OK condition as I recall and had some evidence of handling (crushed corners, tears in the cardboard, etc..) but still had most of the poly strapping intact. Although nothing was damaged inside, some of the parts had shifted inside as they were no longer in their correct areas of the carton... Maybe if you live further from the shipping point you might not be so lucky... You will likely need help moving the carton inside as it's almost too large/bulky for one person to move- we used a flat dolly to roll it into storage until ready for assembly. Installed this using the optional ground sleeve. I dug the hole a bit smaller than recommended, probably 24" diameter at the bottom, sloping inward to about 18" at the top) and only used about 3 80lb bags of cement (they recommend about 6-8 bags, around 600 lbs if I recall...) I set a couple of bricks and some gravel in the bottom to help with support/drainage and I filled the bottom post with concrete also. Keep in mind placement of the ground sleeve in the center of the hole you dig vs. how far back from the edge of the playing surface, as the hoop will be about 24" or so from the center of the pole... Might be an issue if you have tall delivery trucks driving close to the goal as I do with my driveway. Don't compromise this step- dig the hole wide and deep enough, use a good level to check the sleeve in both front and side orientations as the concrete sets, checking several times during the first couple of hours. You get one shot at this, since if the sleeve isn't perfectly plumb in both directions, you won't be able to fix it later without digging another hole. Assembly of everything else was fairly easy- the instructions are VERY detailed, however I seem to recall some issue trying to determine length of the appropriate bolts based on their item code in the instructions. The parts are bagged with 3 digit codes that correspond with each step of the process, but some steps involve bolts that are almost the same length, so it can be a bit confusing.. nothing that someone with mechanical skills couldn't quickly figure out, but someone who isn't handy might have trouble... There were a couple of tricky steps to complete since I was working alone, but I used the shipping carton to help during assembly (to lay the parts on to prevent damage) and I think I used a tall box to support the pole during the last steps. You absolutely need a ratchet socket set and extension and a crescent or open end/box end wrenches as there are nylock nuts involved and assembly clearance is tight in some places as I recall. Dropping the completed assembly into the ground sleeve absolutely requires additional people to assist... I found that using an 8 foot ladder placed behind the sleeve and a short 4 foot ladder in front that I was able to help guide the entire assembly as 3 people together lifted it into place and dropped into the sleeve. My son loves it and is always shooting hoops! I hope the 1/8" acrylic backboard holds up better than the previous portable model (from a different manufacturer) that ended up cracking/breaking due to heat & UV exposure. Overall the performance is adequate- there's a bit of vibration when hitting the backboard and the entire goal wobbles a tiny bit... but I don't think this is due to the concrete footing- more to the thin wall pipe and slip-joint sleeve type assembly... The goal assembly only took about 2-3 hours working alone, but just take your time, read through the instructions first... you'll have plenty of time since you need to let the concrete cure for a few days anyway... The whole time they'll be asking you 'when will it be ready'!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sturdy, Well-made and Looks Great
*by S***B on January 24, 2025*

I found the instructions to be clear and easy to understand. Follow them and everything will come out great. It will definitely take you days to complete the installation but it was well worth the effort and wait. It has already weathered 3 hurricanes here in Florida and came through each one without a scratch. All I did was bring it down to its lowest height

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rock solid construction and quality materials
*by P***5 on April 10, 2023*

First, the negatives, which are very minor. I dislike the way the instructions integrate three languages and found it cumbersome and made it easy to miss things. I much prefer separate manuals for each language, or at least separate sections. The other negative involved connecting the pole sections. You are supposed to align the slot on one piece with the screw hole in other section and then connect them together. I found it impossible to keep them aligned while pushing the sections together, and once they are together, I found it impossible to separate them again -- they fit very snugly (which is a good thing.) My solution, when the slot was not under the screw hole, was to simply drill a new hole in the slotted section through the existing hole in the other section and insert the screw through the new hole. Problem solved. Those are the only issues I had. The positives far outweigh the negatives. I purchased the ground sleeve and installed that in the concrete so I can move the goal in the future if necessary. The instructions for setting the ground sleeve are a bit different from the ones that come with the goal, so if you go that route be sure to follow the right instructions. Assembling the goal was straightforward and accomplished mostly by myself. Once assembled and mounted in the ground sleeve, the goal feels very solid. The materials are high quality and I love the fact that it is made in the USA. The best feature of this goal is the ease of changing heights. My 8-year-old grandson can do it himself, and he likes to lower it when he plays. I highly recommend this goal.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Lifetime 71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
- Spalding Street Performance All Surface Outdoor Basketballs - 29.5", 28.5", 27.5"
- Lifetime 0023 Basketball In-Ground Sleeve for Existing 3.5" Round Pole

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*Product available on Desertcart Slovakia*
*Store origin: SK*
*Last updated: 2026-01-27*