So I've had the Pro for a few days now, and I'm pretty impressed. It's not chintzy at all, and it's pretty solid. There's very little wobble at all with this thing and it catches really well. Basically, it's exactly what I wanted and expected for a practice basket at home that won't be left outside.
I was debating between this and the Recruit and I'm glad I chose to save the extra money. I haven't seen a Recruit in person, but I just don't see how it could be $60 better as the materials have to be very similar.
My only concern is the paint/powdercoating. I'm nervous about durability there. The chains are marking up the pole quite a bit already. In fact, that's my only complaint, and I would like to see MVP add a little more protection for the shipping. There was some chipping from things banging around inside the box because the only packing materials are plastic bags and a few zip ties.
Now, that said, I'm not really complaining. Overall, for the price, I'm more than satisfied. A little paint chipping isn't going to be an issue to me as this will live indoors and I can touch it up if I feel like it.
I did mod it a bit though. In an effort to keep noise down I used some of that grippy/rubbery shelf liner and black duct tape around the post. It's thin enough that the chain rings can still slide over it, and it totally deadens the ringing. I already had the duct tape, so for $5 (and I can use the leftover in my tool cabinet) I like it. Pipe insulation/pool noodle is too big and hideous to me.
TL;DR: I like the basket a lot, especially for the price. I'd recommend it for sure.
