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StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on March 21, 2010 at 9:57am

You're talking about two hoops on the body, right? It's hard for me to say about the weight, since I prefer light hoops anyway, but as to diameter I first started doubles with a hoop that exactly matched my favorite in size. At the time this was a fairly large hoop, about 40". It's hard enough to learn to keep both hoops going without downsizing at the same time. However I did soon find I wanted to keep going smaller a bit at a time, & now my favorite pair are ~36". All my hoops are 1/2" 100-125 psi, so that never changed. You can always cut a hoop down, remember, so I'd go with a larger diameter to start with...

Now if you are talking off-body mini-type moves like weaves, &c., I would downsize a little, especially in weight. Easier on the wrists & shoulders... they take a beating if you're not used to it! My favorite hoops for all off-body twin moves including buzzsaw are 20" minis, but I often use a 30" pair for weaves, chasing the sun & such. They're still a little too small for me for twin hooping on the body though. I think when you start out it's best to work your way in from both directions... I'm hoping soon the twain will meet!

Don't write off minis though, they're fun as all get out! And learn to make your own... I can tell you're going to want more!

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Permalink Reply by Rosy Glow on March 22, 2010 at 9:11am

So should I start out w/ larger minis to get the hang of it? I just made my first pair and am afraid they are too small 18"... Also made them out of 160 psi is 100/125 better?
Thanks

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StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on March 22, 2010 at 12:19pm

Actually I'd just try the little ones for a while... they may suit you fine. I use my 20's all the time & even though I have long arms they still feel just barely small enough for a centered buzzsaw. The weight may slow yours down just a bit but unless they are causing hand, wrist or shoulder pain, that may be fine. If you find they're still just too fast for your taste, I'd make a pair of light-gauge 24"ers-- but hold on to the 18's 'cause you'll want them eventually if you have any interest in buzzsaw!

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StudentPermalink Reply by Helfirey on March 22, 2010 at 9:42am

Making my own is definitely on the to-do list!

I think I'd like to be able to hoop mainly on the body but be able to do some weaves as well - not just hand hooping though.

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StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on March 22, 2010 at 12:30pm

So long as you have enough vertical space you can do pretty much everything but buzzsaw with body-size hoops, say 33-36" or even bigger if you are tall. I use my minis more because I don't have high ceilings, & because my arms & joints get tired faster with the larger hoops so I can't practice the moves as much. In some ways though the larger ones are nice because they move more slowly & I find it's actually easier to keep the angles cleaner... I think this has to do with their momentum, or maybe it's just the extra time they allow to steady them. They're also more graceful-looking & allow more attention to dance elements, so they definitely have their advantages over minis.

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