This is my official review based on my personal experience using the SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop. This is not a paid review and is my opinions only.
Background: I have been using the SKLZ XL basketball hoop for around a year, almost daily. I have been using the SKLZ ball that comes standard with the hoop. The time I spend per session shooting, playing against someone else, or just messing around is anywhere from 20-60 minutes on average.
The SKLZ basketball hoop is one of my favorite mini basketball hoops I have ever used. The hoop has many likable features, most notably its increased size and shatterproof backboard.
SIZE: The SKLZ hoop measures 23"x 16", a noticeable difference when compared to its smaller brother that measures just 18"x 12". I am going to compare both hoops so you get an idea how the bigger version compares to other hoops of smaller size. I have used both the standard SKLZ hoop and the SKLZ XL hoop for substantial amounts of time, switching them out every few weeks to get a general feel for which one I prefer more. In my opinion the XL version is easier to shoot on and perform moves around the rim due to its increased size. The smaller version, while still good, I find it harder to land shots on due to the rim being raised more and the smaller backboard size. The XL hoop offers more freedom to finish around the rim, whether it be dunks or reverse layups, the XL hoop offers that freedom. The smaller version, perfect for smaller spaces, has the same diameter of rim as the XL version but the smaller backboard restricts some potential for various move combos. Overall given the space, the larger hoop offers a backboard that is hard to give up once you have tried it. The XL may feel awkward at first, being larger than a traditional mini hoop, but offers precious backboard real estate that a serious hooper will find hard to give up.
Verdict: For a serious hooper that is going to put on the hours, the extra backboard space is critical to developing your game and moves. The extra backboard space is a big positive and adds value to the hoop.
Durability: The SKLZ XL hoop boasts a shatterproof backboard and breakaway rim for awesome dunk sessions without the risk of breaking the rim or shattering glass all over the floor. I began using the SKLZ XL hoop about a year ago, and let me tell you has the hoop held up. I have noticed very little wear and tear from everyday use and the rim hasn't sagged. The hoop is made out of quality material and I am satisfied to how it has stood the test of time. In the past I have used hoops that after months of use began to chip off the graphics and logos on the backboard. So far I have noticed no such thing. The inner white rectangle on the hoop hasn't lost even a tiny bit of its color and is still in near perfect condition. Overall the hoop is in still near perfect condition, despite being shot and played on daily. I will note that I do not dunk a lot on the hoop. When I do have an occasional dunk session I dunk pretty hard on the hoop but I do not hang on the rim. I do know that hanging on the rim will cause damage to the hoop, but holding down for a second or two with light enough pressure will not damage the rim. The rim is one of the sturdiest I have ever used and can handle a good amount of dunks, tricks, and moves but is not a full sized hoop so it can not support anywhere near a full human.
Verdict: Like all SKLZ mini hoops the hoop has great durability and can withstand a lot. Don't worry about this hoop breaking on you.
Feel: This may be the most difficult thing to review about the hoop, as it's a great hoop but takes some getting used to. The standard version of the hoop is what most people use, so going from the smaller hoop to a bigger hoop with the same diameter rim can be a challenge, at first. I know from my personal experience that my first shots were suddenly off when I first set up the hoop. This was because the rim is lower than on the standard size. The lower rim caused me to tweak my shooting form, but it wasn't long until this is what I preferred. I realized now that with the larger backboard, moves off the glass were a dream. I could try more moves with the extra space and it felt great. Shooting from deep was also better as I knew I more clearance form the ceiling and the extra backboard space made bank shots easier as well.
Verdict: It's going to feel weird at first, trust me. Your shot may be off and the lower rim may rock your rhythm a bit, but after a small amount of time your not going to want to go back.
Price: Finally, we get to the price, is it really worth the extra $20? The answer is, it depends on how your going to use the hoop. If your going to use the hoop to shoot in an office setting or placing on a door to take occasional sporadic shots on, than the standard hoop is for you. There is no need to spend $20 more dollars for extra backboard space if your going to use it minimally. However, with that being said, if you plan on using the hoop daily, or a few times a week for extended periods of time than I would recommend the XL version. The XL version was made for the more serious/intermediate hooper that wants to put the time in. If you plan on using the hoop regularly and have the space to put on the door or wall than the extra $20 can go a long way to increasing your fun and game.
Conclusion: The SKLZ XL hoop is the larger version of the SKLZ standard hoop and offers more backboard space for $20 extra. This backboard space is precious and almost needed for more serious hoopers. Casual office space settings, or occasional shots from your bed have no need for the XL hoop and should pocket the extra $20.