susieq112's Full Review: Little Tikes Adjust Jam Basketball
The Little Tikes Adjust 'N Jam Basketball hoop was one of my sons gifts, around Christmas time, from my parents. The purchase had been discussed prior to the "gift giving," and seeing that my son was coming up on the three year mark that following May, we figured this basketball hoop was better suited to my sons needs, rather than the toddler version Little Tikes also makes.
The Little Tikes Adjust 'N Jam Basketball hoop is recommended for children 3 years and up and differs from the toddler version most notably because of its height. This basketball hoop can go from 4 to 6 feet tall with 5 settings total. The rim also features a "breakaway" action where if a child pulls down on it, it will fold downward.
Another notable difference from this version is the coloring. Unlike the brightly colored toddler version, this hoop features primarily gray and black with a few splashes of color added with decals. My son loves to tear stickers off, so we opted to not put these on.
The assembly of the hoop is simple enough. The pole is made of two pieces of plastic that you must slide together and a plastic "catch" that will lock in the preferred setting. The backboard simply slides on and the assembly requires no special tools. The net top is fished through individual holes to "secure" it. I say "secure," because if you will have one problem with this toy, it will be with the net, which will not stay on the rim. For those that have fixed the problem, they are most often happy with the toy, for those that have not, they (like myself) are a bit put out with Little Tikes (which is common, with me anyway).
The problem with the net is the simple fact that the looped nylon net refuses to stay on the holes on the rim and each ball that goes through the net makes the net come off even further. For me this is a problem that should be addressed by the seller of the product and not the purchaser. When the hoop itself retails for $40-$50 the buyer should not have to make any improvisations to make the toy work properly.
Another issue we have faced is the base. The base is made (and recommended by Little Tikes) to be filled with sand for weighting. This posses a problem when the toy is purchased for indoor use. There aren't many options for indoor use, but we have considered using small rocks. The only problem with this, is that if you don't weigh it down sufficiently it will tip over. If you weigh it down sufficiently, you won't be able to move it. So, the hoop has remained in my sons toy room at Grandma's and it frequently tips over (often with his assistance).
Now, if you asked my son about the basketball hoop he probably wouldn't have a complaint that went past the net. The net does bother him, due to his "perfectionist" attitude that crosses every once in awhile. He loves to shot the ball that comes with the net. The ball is textured like a basketball, but is made of a soft, bouncer plastic material better suited for children. The ball is also notably smaller than a standard basketball. My son will also throw numerous other toys and stuffed animals through the net.
Overall, I would have to say if you are planning on using this toy outside, it may be okay. You will still have to address the issue of the net, but many have overcome that problem. If your looking for something to go inside, this is definitely not for you.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): Gift Type of Toy: Sports
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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