Did you discover the beautiful world of hooping and in need of understanding all things to do with hoop sizing? Or maybe you need to brush up as you decide to advance your hooping journey. Either way this quick guide will help you get a grasp on it!
Hoop Tubing Types
There is more than one type of hoop tubing but don't fret it's pretty simple! We use irrigation tubing to create hoops, we used to have very limited choices, but now we get to manufacture them in all kinds of new ways and colors!
Irrigation tubing comes in various PSI sizes (pressure per inch) this refers to the amount of water pressure it can withstand. Generally, the higher PSI the thicker the wall of the tubing which equals more weight and higher resistance to kinking.
Next up is the type of plastic we use.:
HDPE it's sturdier and slower to react to movements.
Polyethylene most widely known as Polypro/Poly has a bouncy, quicker and more reactive feel.
Goldilocks is new on the block! But she's just a Polypro tubing with a thicker wall making her sturdier, a great mix between HDPE and poly feel.
2. Hoop Tubing Size
There are two sizes to take into consideration for your hoop, the actual size of the hoop and the diameter of the tubing (or grip size) Both of these can be measured in either:
OD = Outer diameter
ID = Inner diameter
Tubing (Grip) diameters can range anywhere from 3/8" to 1 inch.
1 inch is for the bigger beginner and on body hoops.
3/4 is the most common size used by beginners through advanced.
5/8 loved by more intermediate to advanced hoopers.
11/16 Goldilocks tubing, great for on body and off body
All the other sizes are generally used for insert material, multi/juggling hoops or just someone's personal preference. Want to know more about tubing visit https://www.hoopologie.com/hdpe-polypro-tube-sizing-guide for the total lowdown!
3. Hoop sizing
I want to make it clear that these are all general ideas for sizing and the best way to really figure out what works for you is by trying different hoops. You can do this at your local hoop/flow jam or class. If you were like me, a closet hooper, and want to wait before going public. You can follow these general guidelines.
Beginners: Simply take a tape measure and starting from the floor measure to your belly button and add two inches. Sizes can range anywhere from 36 inches OD and up. You'll likely end up with a HDPE tubing, keep the tape basic as the first hoop gets knocked around a lot!
Intermediate: So you are ready to size down from your beginner hoop? You can cut down anywhere between 2-4 inches from your beginner diameter depending on your learning curve and what you want to achieve.
Feeling ready to try polypro or a smaller hoop grip diameter?
Keep in mind that poly is lighter, and a lot more bouncy, it will easily kink anywhere above 35inches OD. A smaller grip diameter means your hand needs to close more to catch the hoop. It also affects the weight, but this is great if you are ready for doing tricks faster or multi hooping.
General use of the different sizes.
36 OD and up! Beginner and on body hooping
24-36 OD Intermediate - Advanced, doubles, multi hooping and juggling.
HOT TIP Have new shiny tape? Don't hoop on cement or gravel, instead choose grass, carpet or tile floor.
I hope this helped to get you a quick understanding or refresher on all things hoop sizing. If you need more help or unsure what you need, I'm always a message away.
Happy Hooping!
Otillia Hoops