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Bison 5-9/16" Polycarbonate 54" x 42" Rectangular Playground Basketball Hoop System PR78
$4,899.00$5,199.00
Bison 5-9/16" Mega Duty Unbreakable Polycarbonate 54" x 42" Rectangular Playground Basketball Hoop System PR78
The Bison 5-9/16" Mega Duty Unbreakable Polycarbonate Rectangular Playground Basketball System PR78 is a permanent fixed height outdoor basketball system engineered specifically for the demands of public playground courts. At its core is a BA407U 42" x 54" bulletproof polycarbonate backboard with a heavy extruded aluminum framework, mounted on a BA780 Mega-Duty 5-9/16" O.D. hot dip galvanized steel gooseneck pipe buried 48" into the ground. A fixed 72" safe play area. A BA32 outdoor flex goal mounted directly through the backboard to the pole to virtually eliminate backboard stress during play. No height adjustment. No moving parts. Just a structurally complete, purpose-built outdoor basketball installation that is ready to absorb decades of daily playground use from the day it goes in the ground.
BA407U Backboard: Bulletproof Polycarbonate That Repels Vandalism
The defining component of the PR78 is the BA407U 42" x 54" clear polycarbonate backboard, built from 1/2" thick bulletproof polycarbonate enclosed in a heavy extruded aluminum framework. Bison's own confirmed language for this backboard uses two specific phrases: bulletproof and repels vandalism. At 1/2" thickness, this polycarbonate panel sits in the same material class as bullet-resistant glazing applications. It is engineered to absorb and deflect impact forces that would shatter tempered glass outright. On a public playground court where deliberate impacts, thrown objects, and the sustained cumulative stress of heavy outdoor use by players of all ages are daily operating conditions rather than edge cases, a 1/2" thick bulletproof polycarbonate backboard is the correct material specification. The heavy extruded aluminum framework is the same construction Bison uses on its premium competition glass backboards, bringing competition-grade structural framing to an outdoor playground installation without the corrosion, cracking, or warping risk of steel or plastic framing. The official white shooter's square and border are applied to the clear polycarbonate surface for clear visual targeting during play. The BA407U backboard carries a Lifetime limited warranty.
BA780 Mega-Duty Gooseneck Pipe: Hot Dip Galvanized for Permanent Outdoor Installation
The PR78 is built on Bison's BA780 Mega-Duty 5-9/16" O.D. round steel gooseneck pipe finished with a hot dip galvanized coating. Hot dip galvanizing immerses the entire steel pipe in molten zinc, bonding a uniform protective layer to every surface inside and out. The result is corrosion protection that is specifically engineered for the long-term outdoor exposure conditions of public parks, school yards, and recreational facilities. Where powder coated surfaces can chip and expose raw steel to corrosion over time, a hot dip galvanized pipe maintains its protective zinc layer under the sustained weather exposure and physical contact that a public playground installation accumulates across decades of daily use. The gooseneck profile of the pipe is the structural and visual signature of purpose-built outdoor playground basketball equipment, a design that has proven itself across many decades of real institutional outdoor use.
48" In-Ground Bury with Heavy 1-5/8" Backboard Braces
The PR78's gooseneck pipe is buried a full 48" into the ground in a permanent concrete anchor. The additional depth beyond what lighter residential systems require is specifically engineered for the lateral load demands of a heavy outdoor gooseneck system carrying a full rectangular backboard on a public playground court. Heavy 1-5/8" backboard braces provide structural rigidity between the extension arm and the backboard mount, stabilizing the BA407U panel against the constant lateral forces of wind load and player contact across the full life of the installation. Proper concrete anchor preparation to the full 48" depth before the pole is set is essential for the system to perform as Bison has engineered it.
72" Safe Play Area: Built Into the Standard Specification
Every PR78 ships with a fixed 72" safe play area from the pole to the active playing zone as a standard part of the system specification. For public playground courts where player safety clearance is a non-negotiable baseline requirement rather than an optional upgrade, the PR78's 72" setback provides meaningful separation between the structural gooseneck pole and the players driving toward the basket across every session the court is in use. No extension upgrade is needed. No additional hardware is required. The 72" safe play area is built into the PR78 as delivered.
BA32 Outdoor Flex Goal: Designed for Playground Abuse
Every PR78 ships with the BA32 outdoor flex goal, which Bison specifically describes as designed to withstand playground abuse. The flex mechanism absorbs rim impact from dunks and hard plays without transferring the full shock load into the mounting hardware or the BA407U backboard panel. This is the correct goal specification for a public outdoor court where rim impacts are frequent, sustained, and delivered by players of all sizes and ages across the full life of the installation.
Goal warranty note: The BA32 outdoor flex goal carries a 1-year limited warranty. The pole structure and BA407U backboard each carry a Lifetime limited warranty.
Optional Pole Padding: BA700PP
The PR78 is available with optional BA700PP pole padding as an add-on at the time of purchase. For public playground courts with active daily use by children of all ages, pole padding protects players from direct contact with the gooseneck pipe during live play. Ordering the BA700PP at the time of purchase is significantly easier than sourcing and fitting it after the system is permanently installed in concrete.
Padding recommendation: For any public playground installation we strongly recommend adding the BA700PP pole padding to your order. Pole contact during live play is common on outdoor courts and padding is the simplest, most effective way to reduce that risk from day one of the installation.
One Configuration, Clearly Specified
The PR78 is available in a single configuration: a BA407U 42" x 54" bulletproof polycarbonate backboard with extruded aluminum framework on the BA780 Mega-Duty 5-9/16" O.D. hot dip galvanized gooseneck pipe with 72" safe play area, 48" in-ground bury, heavy 1-5/8" backboard braces, and BA32 outdoor flex goal included standard. There are no backboard size or material choices to navigate. If this specification fits your court, the PR78 is a fully specified, ready-to-order playground basketball system.
PR78
42" x 54" Bulletproof PolycarbonateHot Dip Galvanized Gooseneck Pipe
BA780 Mega-Duty 5-9/16" O.D. hot dip galvanized gooseneck pipe with 72" safe play area and 48" in-ground bury. Heavy 1-5/8" backboard braces. BA407U 42" x 54" bulletproof 1/2" thick polycarbonate backboard with extruded aluminum framework and official white shooter's square and border (Lifetime limited warranty). BA32 outdoor flex goal designed to withstand playground abuse (1-year limited warranty). Optional BA700PP pole padding available. 440 lbs. Ships by truck. Best for public playground courts, parks, and school yards where bulletproof polycarbonate backboard durability, hot dip galvanized corrosion protection, a 72" safe play area standard, and a 48" in-ground bury are the required specifications for a fixed height permanent outdoor installation.
Also Available: Wider Backboard and Other Configurations
If your court requires a larger backboard surface, Bison's Mega Duty outdoor playground lineup also includes systems with a 42" x 72" regulation-width backboard and other fixed height configurations. Contact our team to discuss the full range of Bison outdoor playground basketball systems and find the right specification for your court.
Installation note: The PR78 requires a permanent concrete anchor with the 5-9/16" gooseneck pipe buried 48" below the playing surface. At 440 lbs, professional installation with appropriate excavation equipment is strongly recommended. The full 48" bury depth must be achieved in properly prepared concrete for the system to perform as specified. Contact our team for installation guidance and to connect with a qualified installer in your area.
Warranty
The BA780 pole structure and BA407U backboard each carry a Lifetime limited warranty. The BA32 outdoor flex goal carries a 1-year limited warranty. All warranties cover damage during normal and intended use as determined by Bison. Bison residential basketball equipment is not warranted for commercial or institutional use. For facilities where players pay an individual or group fee to use the equipment, Bison products carry no warranty except for obvious manufacturing defects. Vandalism damage is excluded from all Bison warranty coverage. Contact our team before purchasing if your installation is for a pay-to-play facility.
By the Numbers
- Model number: PR78
- System type: Single-sided, fixed height, regulation 10' rim height
- Pole: BA780 Mega-Duty 5-9/16" O.D. hot dip galvanized round gooseneck steel pipe
- Ground bury depth: 48"
- Safe play area setback: 72" standard
- Backboard braces: Heavy 1-5/8" backboard braces
- Backboard: BA407U 42" x 54" bulletproof 1/2" thick polycarbonate, extruded aluminum framework, official white shooter's square and border
- Backboard warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
- Goal: BA32 outdoor flex goal, designed to withstand playground abuse
- Goal warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Optional padding: BA700PP pole padding available separately
- Approx. weight: 440 lbs
- Shipping: Ships by truck
Who Is This System For?
- Public parks and playground courts that need a permanent fixed height outdoor basketball system with a bulletproof polycarbonate backboard that will not shatter, crack, or require replacement under any impact condition a public playground environment can produce
- Schools and recreational facilities that require the long-term corrosion resistance of a hot dip galvanized gooseneck pipe, a 48" in-ground bury depth, and a 72" safe play area on a fixed height outdoor court installation
- Facilities managers specifying a purpose-built outdoor playground basketball system with proven galvanized gooseneck pipe construction, competition-grade extruded aluminum backboard framework, and direct-through-pole goal mounting that protects the backboard from stress accumulation during heavy daily use
- Courts where vandalism resistance is a primary specification and the BA407U's confirmed bulletproof and vandalism-repelling construction with 1/2" thick polycarbonate is the decisive material advantage over glass, acrylic, or thinner polycarbonate backboards on competing systems
- Procurement teams and facilities managers who need a single fully specified, ready-to-order outdoor basketball system backed by a Lifetime limited warranty on the pole structure and backboard and a clear installation specification that professional installers can execute without custom engineering
About Bison
Bison has been engineering sports equipment for courts, parks, and athletic facilities since 1985. The PR78 Mega Duty system reflects four decades of outdoor playground engineering: a hot dip galvanized pipe that resists corrosion for the life of the installation, a bulletproof polycarbonate backboard that repels vandalism and absorbs impact without shattering, and a 48" bury that provides the structural permanence that daily public playground use demands. As an authorized Bison dealer, Top Sports Tech provides direct expert support, competitive pricing, and logistics coordination on every PR78 order. Our team can help you confirm the PR78 is the right specification for your court and coordinate truck delivery and professional installation.
Sources: Bison Inc.: https://bisoninc.com | ASTM F08 Committee Safety Standards: https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-f08
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Warranty
Lifetime limited warranty on wall mount structures.
All Bison products are warranted against manufacturing defects at the time of delivery. In addition, most products are covered by warranty periods stated in the description of the product. Where listed as “limited”, warranties cover damage or failure that occurs during the course of “normal or intended use” of the warranted product. Normal or intended use is described as activity that is necessary for the participation in the sport for which the equipment is designed.
Bison Limited Warranties do not cover any damage or failure that is the direct or indirect result of any use that is not deemed in the sole discretion of Bison to be “normal and intended use”. When warranties are stated as “unconditional” or “unconditional replacement”, the above stated limitations do not normally apply except in cases where damage was obviously the result of a malicious act of vandalism.
Where no specific length or type of warranty is listed in the catalog, the product is warranted to be free from manufacturer’s defects and for the intended purpose at the time of shipment. Whether or not stated as such, all Bison warranties allow Bison to repair or replace warranted products at Bison’s sole option. Normal deterioration of products due to weather, wear and tear, or other causes that do not affect functional use are not covered by Bison warranties, regardless of type of stated warranty.
All warranties are valid only when product is used in the intended application as outlined in Bison’s printed literature, when installed according to Bison’s instructions and when matched with compatible components as described in Bison’s literature. Under no circumstances will Bison Residential Basketball Equipment be warranted for commercial or institutional use.
Due to the abusive nature of pay-to-play facilities, unless specifically agreed to in writing, Bison products carry no warranty except for obvious manufacturing defects when used in a facility where players pay an individual or group fee to use Bison equipment.
Bison will pay ground freight only to repair or replace defective merchandise. Unless otherwise stated, Bison will not assume any liability for labor costs incurred for removal or replacement of product replaced or repaired under warranty.
Return Policy
No merchandise may be returned without prior authorization by calling 800-247-7668. Merchandise returned without a return authorization number will be held for no more than 10 days at which time all return credit is forfeited. Upon receipt of request for return, an authorization number will be issued by Bison and must appear on all return shipping labels. All returns must be shipped prepaid (UPS, FedEx or truck only) to 1100 SW 6th Street, Lincoln NE 68522. DO NOT RETURN BY U.S. POSTAL SERVICE. Collect returns will not be accepted.
Credit for defective merchandise will be issued only when Bison Inc inspection department determines the merchandise to be covered by Bison Inc warranty. All salable merchandise returned is subject to a minimum 35% restocking charge and all freight costs with a minimum restocking charge of $100. Due to their custom design, scoring tables and wall padding are not returnable. Sports nets are not returnable once opened.
These conditions and terms supersede any that may appear on a purchase order. Possession of price list or catalog does not constitute an offer to sell.