Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allyssa on September 3, 2012 at 8:15am

I only recommend downsizing by an inch or two just so you are able to get used to the smaller size. Try a 38 inch hoop in the 1/2 tubing and see if you like it!

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Permalink Reply by Asmara Rose on September 3, 2012 at 8:49am

I played around with a smaller hoop at a hoop jam yesterday. I think it was 36 in 1/2 or 5/8 tubing. It wasn't PolyPro. It felt too light to me though. I make this complicated xD. I think it was 1/2. I was considering a 36 or 38 in 5/8 PolyPro hoop but I worry it'll be too light.

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Permalink Reply by Asmara Rose on September 3, 2012 at 9:15am

Is there a major difference between 3/4 OD PolyPro and what I currently have (3/4 OD PolyFlex 160 psi)?

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Permalink Reply by Carly Roseanne on September 3, 2012 at 12:00pm

I would assume that if the hoop you used the other day was too light and it WASN'T polypro that a polypro hoop, even 3/4 inch tubing diameter will feel too light because that's mainly why people like that tubing is for its lightness and responsiveness. Not at all saying I don't recommend polypro, that's all hoop with, but if you're looking for something that still has some weight to it poly pro isn't that.

 

I can't recommend what might be a good fit though because all I've ever really hooped with is a Walmart hoop wrapped in duct tape then moved to poly pro when I wanted to start expirimenting with breaks. I'm sure someone does have a great suggestion, all I know is polypro is very light!

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ModPermalink Reply by Martika* of MartikasMysticDesign on September 3, 2012 at 12:17pm

I agree polypro is not really a good next step unless you really need a very responsive light weight hoop. In your stage of learning you still need that weight to slow down the hoops rotation givign you more timing/time to learn the trick. Going to a polypro hoop would only make your hoop journey frustrating. In my opinion and experience I feel the steps or transitions of tubing would be the following.

Beginner tubing & tubing sizes:

160 psi, pvc tubing-1OD and 3/4 OD.

125 psi, pvc tubing-1OD and 3/4OD

Intermediate tubing & tubing sizes:

125psi, pvc tubing- 1/2OD

100psi, pvc tubing-3/4OD and 1/2OD

(Note hdpe and polypro tubing sizes are actually a HALF size SMALLER than the average pvc or pex tubing so a 3/4OD is actually comparable to a 1/2OD pvc tubing.) 

hdpe tubing-1OD and 3/4OD

Advanced tubing & tubing sizes:

hdpe tubing-5/8OD

polypro tubing-3/4OD and 5/8OD

Tubing Terminology:

*OD- the outside diameter of the tubing. Meaning measured from the outer most edge to the other outer most edge.

*ID-Inside diameter of the tubing. Meaning measured from the inner most to the other inner most edge.

*psi= pounds per square inch.

*pvc= black or solid white irrigation pipe also called Polyethylene. Can be found at ACE Hardware, Lowe's, HomeDepot

*HDPE=High Density Polyethylene, normally is a slightly see through white in color but can be purchased in different colors. Not normally found in local or specialized hardware stores, must be purchased online.

*polypro= Polypropylene, also called polypropene. Normally appears "clear" or see through tubing, can be purchased in colored tubing.

Not normally found in local or specialized hardware stores, must be purchased online.

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Permalink Reply by cassandra thomas on September 3, 2012 at 12:36pm

totally agree! this is great information martika. it's not good to jump the gun with polypro... i've noticed beginner hoopers who rush into polypro end up skipping the basics of hooping and have a 'different' style than some may prefer...

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Permalink Reply by Carly Roseanne on September 3, 2012 at 6:33pm

Eh, I think it doesn't have so much to do with polypro and more to do with the learning process itself. Some people just want to rush to be 'good' and polypro is a symbol to them of being an advanced hooper. I switched to polypro after 2 months but that was because I felt like I had progressed to the point where I wanted something light to play with beaks and off body and I feel like my flow flourished because of the switch, it made it easier to dance with the hoop. As far as my style I don't know if people prefer it and don't really care, I'm happy where I am and don't believe I'd be where I am in my journey had I not switched. It's what my body personally wanted. I know people think weight is important to train the muscles, and I agree as I have been picking up the old duct taped hoop to practice my second current, but I also think repetition plays an important role too so you don't necessarily need a heavier hoop to build muscle memory. 

So yeah I don't think there's really a certain time a person should switch to polypro as long as you listen to your body.

Persephone though probably shouldn't if she doesn't want something too light.

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Permalink Reply by Asmara Rose on September 3, 2012 at 7:42pm

Yeah, after reading all this, I think I will hold off on getting a polypro hoop and find a PVC hoop with slightly smaller tubing. My teacher is going to make me a set of 38 in. hoops, not sure about the OD. Looked like maybe 5/8, I should have asked. Thanks a lot, this was a lot of help :)

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Permalink Reply by Carly Roseanne on September 3, 2012 at 9:02pm

Yay, good! I'm glad you downsized a little, even if the tubing diameter is the same I think it will feel nice. Keep us updated though, tell us how you like it!

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StudentPermalink Reply by Tilly Whirls on September 3, 2012 at 10:22pm

Great info Martika! I'd definitely suggest a 100psi 3/4" polyethylene (PVC) hoop. It's a really great size/weight. Even though I mostly use polypro and skinnier hoops, that size and weight is my go to hoop for body rocking. 

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StudentPermalink Reply by Niky on September 4, 2012 at 9:34am

That is about what I started on, and once I began to move down in size, I switched to 39" @ 3/4" pvc....then I switched to the 1/2" pvc tubing at a 39 then 36"...then polypro at 33"

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Permalink Reply by Lauren Tapp on September 4, 2012 at 9:36am

I'd go down 2-3" in diameter. 

I'm a very new hooper and I felt like I was ready to go down in size as well...and I was scared to lol.

I finally just did it and I'm very happy I did. It's a lot different but it's a good different :]

What motivated me to go down in size was a post I found online that talked about sizing. It said "If you are asking yourself if you should downsize, then the answer is probably yes..." lol

I still use my larger hoop to practice!

Good luck!

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