Hoop-Buying How-To!
In this long post, you'll find the low-down on buying your own hoop, plus other random tips! If you are on the fence about which hoop to get, feel free to reach out with any questions.
The "Santa Barbara Hoop Collective" page is another great resources for finding information on hoops, hoopers, and upcoming flow events around SB! https://www.facebook.com/SantaBarbaraHoopCollective/
The "Santa Barbara Hoop Collective" page is another great resources for finding information on hoops, hoopers, and upcoming flow events around SB! https://www.facebook.com/SantaBarbaraHoopCollective/
Your Guide to Hula Hoop Purchasing:
Whether you're buying your first hoop or ready for a downsize, picking out your perfect hoop can be almost as challenging as nailing chest hooping!
Tubing Size/Weight:
There are two main types of tubing when it comes to hula hoops, HDPE and PolyPro. Both types are AWESOME, but awesome for different things.
HDPE tends to be a little thicker and a little more rigid. That's to say that HDPE tubing will hold it's shape better, which can make it easier for newer hoopers. HDPE can come in different "PSI"s or weights. The larger the PSI (i.e.160-200) the heavier the hoop will be. The less the PSI (i.e. 100-120) the lighter the hoop will be. Heavier HDPE hoops are usually 3/4" thick. Lighter HDPE hoopers are usually 1/2" thick.
PolyPro tubing is much lighter and has more of a bounce. PolyPro is often associated with more advanced moves, as it is lighter on the arm. Polypro tubing is usually 3/4" thick tubing. Polypro also comes in 5/8" tubing, which is extremely slim and therefore extremely light.
Hold the phone! How can heavier, HDPE hoops and lighter, Polypro tubing both be 3/4" thick?!
The tubing size is measured by the INTERIOR of the tube, not the exterior. Silly plumbers weren't thinking of the hula hoopers when they made these names.
Diameters:
Most hoop makers measure the diameter of your hoop by Outside Diameter (OD). But look closely on easy shops, as some hoop makers will go by Inside Diameter (ID). Make sure to account for this when ordering your hoop! A Hoop that is 36" OD will be 35" or 34" ID.
A nice rule of thumb for ordering your first hoop is to measure from the ground to your belly button.
Beyond that, here's my advice on small, medium, and large hoop diameters:
*TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT*
These are just general recommendations! No one knows what hoop feels best for you better than you!
There you go!
There's literally all the information I could think to fit in this e-mail guide! My brain has officially been picked!
And remember, Etsy is your friend!
Tubing Size/Weight:
There are two main types of tubing when it comes to hula hoops, HDPE and PolyPro. Both types are AWESOME, but awesome for different things.
HDPE tends to be a little thicker and a little more rigid. That's to say that HDPE tubing will hold it's shape better, which can make it easier for newer hoopers. HDPE can come in different "PSI"s or weights. The larger the PSI (i.e.160-200) the heavier the hoop will be. The less the PSI (i.e. 100-120) the lighter the hoop will be. Heavier HDPE hoops are usually 3/4" thick. Lighter HDPE hoopers are usually 1/2" thick.
PolyPro tubing is much lighter and has more of a bounce. PolyPro is often associated with more advanced moves, as it is lighter on the arm. Polypro tubing is usually 3/4" thick tubing. Polypro also comes in 5/8" tubing, which is extremely slim and therefore extremely light.
Hold the phone! How can heavier, HDPE hoops and lighter, Polypro tubing both be 3/4" thick?!
The tubing size is measured by the INTERIOR of the tube, not the exterior. Silly plumbers weren't thinking of the hula hoopers when they made these names.
Diameters:
Most hoop makers measure the diameter of your hoop by Outside Diameter (OD). But look closely on easy shops, as some hoop makers will go by Inside Diameter (ID). Make sure to account for this when ordering your hoop! A Hoop that is 36" OD will be 35" or 34" ID.
A nice rule of thumb for ordering your first hoop is to measure from the ground to your belly button.
Beyond that, here's my advice on small, medium, and large hoop diameters:
- Large < 38"
- Medium - 36"
- Small - 32-34"
- Extra Small > 30"
*TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT*
These are just general recommendations! No one knows what hoop feels best for you better than you!
There you go!
There's literally all the information I could think to fit in this e-mail guide! My brain has officially been picked!
And remember, Etsy is your friend!