What diameter/size should I buy?
If I get more LEDs will my hoop be brighter?
What kind of switch is the best?
How small do coil down hoops collapse?
What kind of tubing is best for what tricks?
What is the best method for having good grip on an LED Hoop?
What does it mean when an LED hoop is balanced or evenly weighted?
Why does it matter if the LEDs rattle?

What diameter/size should I buy?
Since you'll be using your LED hoop long-term and they aren't easy to quickly replace it is often recommended that you buy a size that is smaller than your regular practice hoop. This will of course make the hoop harder to work with at first and you'll have to practice with it a bit more to feel comfortable but this will prevent you from purchasing a hoop and then 6 months later feeling like your LED hoop is HUGE and bulky if you've downsized since purchasing. I personally held out for over a year before investing in my PSI hoops because I wanted to wait until I was sure about the smallest size I'd be comfortable with. Keep in mind you can also buy a larger size now and gift or sell that hoop to a friend later to purchase a newer, smaller hoop for yourself!

If I get more LEDs will my hoop be brighter?
The number of LEDs is not an indicator of brightness and all LEDs are not created equal. Red LEDs take up the least amount of energy, this is why when your battery is dying the red LEDs will remain longer than any other colour. Also consider that the more LEDs you have in your hoop the more energy will be drained from the battery, making for shorter lit up times.

What kind of switch is the best?
A good switch is one that is recessed, meaning it does not stick out far from the tubing. The reason for this is that larger buttons can break off if the hoop hits something. Internal and recessed switches also reduce the likely hood of your hoop turning on and off while hooping. Please note that internal switches are only recommended for hoops that have a secure, quick release method of opening and closing that allow for quick access to the switch. As well, switches located on the side of the hoop (as apposed to the inside or outside edge) are least likely to break or switch on or off while hooping.

How small do coil down hoops collapse?
Depending on the thickness of the tubing a coil down style collapsible hoop will shrink down to almost half its size. This also depends on overall size, for example a 40" hoop might be collapse around to 25" but a 33" hoop will still likely only collapse to around 23" because anything more would stress the tubing.

What kind of tubing is best for what tricks?
Thinner tubing is often preferred by more advanced hoopers because it results in a lighter hoop that is easy to throw and manipulate with high speed. Flexible tubing can be more forgiving when making mistakes while rigid, solid tubing is great for moves like breaks and reversals.

What is the best method for having good grip on an LED Hoop?
Sanding an LED hoop is a great method to get full coverage and grip along the entire interior side of the hoop while allowed the LEDs to brightly shine through without the tape obstructing the light. If given the option sanding is recommended because you can always easily add tape at a later date. Of course you could also sand a hoop later too but you would need to first remove the tape before sanding.

What does it mean when an LED hoop is balanced or evenly weighted?
Because a portion of the hoop must contain a battery and switch this sometimes results in the hoop being unbalanced and heavier on one side. This is not a crucial element of an LED hoop as the weight difference is minimal but to some hoopers and for certain moves having a well-balanced hoop is important. LED hoop makers achieve this by distributing multiple batteries around the hoop or by adding counter weights.

Why does it matter if the LEDs rattle?
There are several reasons why a quiet hoop with no rattling LEDs is important. Imagine you are hooping, having fun and then oops... you make a "mistake." What a great experience to have the LEDs of your hoop rattle at you to remind you that you've lost your Flow. Rattling and noisy LEDs can be very disheartening, discouraging and distracting. Also, if you perform and use a quiet song for your routine the rattling LEDs will be distracting to your audience. If you primarily hoop at festivals with large sound systems, then rattling LEDs will not be a problem.

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