Basketball is a popular sport with a massive 500 million fans worldwide. Like most sports, it requires players to use the best gear and equipment to perform exceptionally. The blackboard is a fundamental part of the game, and it’s made of materials like polycarbonate and tempered glass
Tempered glass backboards are made from a hardened form of safety glass; while polycarbonate backboards are constructed from durable clear plastic. Polycarbonate blackboards are generally cheaper and shatter-resistant; while tempered glass offers the best bounce.
Considering which one is perfect for your home court or training sessions? This article will explain the main differences between polycarbonate and tempered glass basketball backboards so you can make a fully informed purchase.
Key Features: Polycarbonate vs Tempered Glass
| Polycarbonate Blackboards | Tempered Glass Blackboards | |
| Affordability | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Durability | Lasts longer | Durable but doesn’t last as long as polycarbonate |
| UV Resistance | Diffuses more UV | Diffuses less UV |
| Shatter Resistance | More resistant | Less resistant |
| Application | Most games, though it doesn’t match tempered glass in professional games | Better all-round, especially in professional games |
| Best For | Beginners | Experts |
Are Tempered Glass and Polycarbonate Backboards the Same?
Although polycarbonate and tempered glass backboards perform the same role, they differ significantly in terms of lifespan, performance ability, price point, and indoor or outdoor preferences.
Here is a list of important pros and cons of both to consider before deciding which one is best for you:
Polycarbonate Backboards
Pros
- Much cheaper than tempered glass
- Known for being bulletproof when new
- Better UV resistance than glass
Cons
- May deteriorate quickly with excess sunlight
- Provides less ball bounce than tempered glass
Tempered Glass Backboards
Pros
- The official standard used for high schools, colleges, and professional games
- Long lifespan
- Ideal ball bounce
Cons
- The most expensive option
- Not as durable as polycarbonate
Which Backboard Is Better for Outdoor Use
In general, polycarbonate backboards are more suitable for outdoor applications than tempered glass backboards. To put things into perspective, here are a few points to remember when deciding between the two for your outdoor courts.
Polycarbonate Resists UV Damage Better
A fascinating fact about polycarbonate is that it blocks most UVA and UVB rays. On the contrary, tempered glass only diffuses 70% of UVB and 0% of UVA, meaning it absorbs all UVA. As a result, the glass is more susceptible to UV damage and may be more expensive to maintain outdoors than polycarbonate.
However, that doesn’t mean the material is maintenance-free. A poorly maintained polycarbonate blackboard can deteriorate and become yellow quickly when installed outdoors, hurting its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, you must ensure you never skimp on maintenance whichever option you pick!
Caveat: Although polycarbonate blackboards beat tempered glass in outdoor basketball courts, the latter is generally preferred in professional leagues and tournaments due to its decent bounce and aesthetics.
Polycarbonate Resists Impact Better
In general, polycarbonate provides bulletproof resistance to impact. These backboards feature a flexible construction, allowing them to flex under pressure without shattering. Besides, their steel frames provide extra strength and stability, which are crucial when you need a material that can withstand harsh elements outdoors.
On the other hand, tempered glass is more likely to shatter when hit. Because of that, I recommend polycarbonate if you play in an outdoor environment with occasional extreme weather, especially intense rainfall and hailstorms.
Conclusion
Polycarbonate and tempered glass backboards differ significantly in various areas, so
determining which is best ultimately depends on your standard and preferences.
A polycarbonate backboard might be perfect if you want something affordable, extremely tough, and easier for newer players. If you want more quality in make and performance and have the money to invest, nothing will beat the classic tempered glass backboards.
However, Whichever you choose, ensure you have a solid understanding of their drawbacks and preferred settings.