Re: Hoops
 

Its a tough question to answer. FIRST has spent time to specify not only a different spring for the hoop, but a different net as well. I recall reading somewhere in the drawings that the additions would be fine for practice, but the real field would be using the substitutions theyve implemented. A regulation size basketball hoop is a regulation size basketball hoop. Functionally it SHOULD be the same, but theres really no guarantees unless you got them side by side.

It seems that changing out the springs and netting on whatever hoop you get would be worthwhile simply to make sure you are designing to what the field will offer.

-Brando

Re: Hoops
 

Thanks for the Walmart tip! Ordered 3 today. Would be nice if at least one was in the KOP.

Edit. Most home use nets are very cheap. I have a hunch that the nets provided are closer to an NBA model where it's a heavier nylon cord. Unfortunately our midwest kickoff was the team field, Not the FIRST field.

Re: Hoops
 

Sorry to spam this thread.
for those who haven't seen the game specific drawings, the notes below are on drawing GE-12013.

"Notes:
1. Remove stock net. It will not be used for competitions. It if fine for practice, but the
length may not be compatible for the rest of the field components.
2. Remove stock spring from the backboard and replace with the specified spring from
McMaster. Once again, the stock spring is probably good enough for practice, but the
McMaster spring has more give to it. "

Re: Hoops
 

As for practice reason, we talked to our schools basketball coach and got some old rims that were laying around. Although not the "actual" rim, they are regulation and meet the same dimensions so for practice reasons will work. Biggest benefit, did not cost us a thing.

Re: Hoops
 

We've been slowly bringing them in from people who have hoops at home and never use them. It's 4 nuts to undo and you have your hoop, and then plywood makes a fine backboard.

Re: Hoops
 

While trying to make your field parts as close to official parts is nice, it really isn't necessary for something like hoops. An 18" hoop is an 18" hoop. If seems to me that if whatever you're working on is so absolutely reliant on a certain spring stiffness in the hoops (hoops that you're never even going to touch), then you'reg going to have trouble no matter what.

Just take a look at the difference between the low cost ramp, and the official ramp. It sure is nice to have that built to spec perfect field, but it really isn't necessary.

Re: Hoops
 

G10 as modified by team update on 1/10.

Robots may not push or react against the top of the Fender.

Re: Hoops
 

The soft springs in the official competition hoops are likely to make the basketballs bounce less when they hit the rim. I suspect it will be easier for them to go in.

Re: Hoops
 

Same for us in Honolulu.... Shipping was $37.00 for each rim!
::ouch::

Re: Hoops
 

In my mind, it either goes in without bending the hoop at all or it's pure luck and we can't change our design to compensate for it. What's the point?

Anyway, wouldn't the springs only kick in if the ball hit the top of the rim, in which case you missed anyway?

Re: Hoops
 

I found them online at sports authority. For Hawaii teachers, I used the 15% off from my HSTA card. Shipping was still close to $50 but The total was closer to $150 for three. I'm looking forward to replacing my 15 year old rim at home when the season is over.

Re: Hoops
 

Ordered these a while back and have they arrived yesterday. They arrived as Spalding hoops, so they must be the same. They ship in their original boxes separately.

Re: Hoops
 

Big 5 carries Lifetime Slam II Rims at 39.99. I called the closest store which had 2 in stock. They had 2 more by the next day.