The Goalrilla GS54 and the Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable-Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Breakaway Rim (Silverback SB60) are both quality goals manufactured by Escalade Sports, but they do have several notable differences. As we begin to make some comparisons, it’s important to keep in mind that the Goalrilla system is designed to be a higher end goal, so in general, it is bigger and stronger. Goalrilla goals are intended to provide a regulation-like playing experience. Let’s examine some of the main differences when comparing the Goalrilla GS54 vs Silverback SB60.

Differences in the Basketball Goal Pole

When comparing these two goals, the first major difference to consider is the pole. The Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable-Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Breakaway Rim (Silverback SB60) utilizes a two-piece, 4” x 4”, 14 gauge steel pole. When it comes to in-ground goals a 4” x 4” pole is not desirable, as it is too small to properly and safely support a goal of any size. This small pole causes excessive movement in the goal. More importantly, the 4” x 4” two-piece pole on the Silverback is swedged together. That basically means that one piece of the pole is pushed into the other, using force. This presents a few problems. A two-piece pole does not allow for dunking or hanging on the rim. Over a short period of normal play, the swedged connection becomes loose and the goal will lean; there is no correction for this problem. Many times, this will result in the entire Silverback system needing to be replaced.

All Goalrilla systems use a one-piece pole. The one-piece pole gives you the ability to dunk on the goal and provides solid play for the lifetime of the goal. A Goalrilla goal is a one time purchase; a Silverback goal will likely need to be replaced in a couple of years.

Goalrilla GS54 Backboard vs Silverback SB60 Backboard

Next up, let’s take a look at the backboard. The Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable-Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Breakaway Rim (Silverback SB60) has a 60” x 33” 5/16” tempered glass backboard. Taking a look at the GS54, it uses a 54” x 34” ⅜” tempered glass backboard. Although you are getting a wider board with the SB60, it is an inch shorter. The SB60 also uses a thinner glass. The GS54 provides a more proportionate backboard and better play. 33” is quite short for a 60” backboard.

Comparing the Backboard Arms

Moving along, we can take a look at the board arms that attach the backboard to the pole. The big difference you will see here is the construction of the arms. The Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable-Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Breakaway Rim (Silverback SB60) uses a bent yoke arm. The Goalrilla GS54 features mitered and welded arms. The mitered and welded arms provide a stronger connection. A bent board arm is more likely to continue to bend out of shape and cause the backboard to hang crookedly.

Goal Warranty Differences

There is a considerable difference in warranty between the two goals as well. The Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop with Adjustable-Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Breakaway Rim (Silverback SB60) offers a 7 year warranty and replacement parts that are not covered under warranty and are next to impossible to find. The Goalrilla goal carries a lifetime warranty, making it the last goal you will ever need to purchase.

So, which basketball goal is better when comparing the Goalrilla GS54 vs Silverback SB60? Taking all of these points into consideration, if you are looking for a high quality goal that will last more that just a few years, the Goalrilla GS54 from BasketballGoalStore.com is the way to go.