Someone on Facebook asked me what size hoop I use, and if it is smooth. Here is my response:
I make all the hoops I use except for my fire hoops. For personal use I have 4 sizes. My primary hoop is approx. 35" diameter, 1/2" 125 psi tubing (I actually have 5 of these that I use for multiple-hoops hooping). My small twins hoops (for hands) are the same tubing, but approx. 28" diameter. When I need to get the foundations of a move (like chest hooping in my second direction) I practice with a beginner size hoop, approx. 40" diameter, 3/4" 160 psi tubing. I also have an intermediate size that's 36" diameter, 3/4" 100 psi tubing, which I use to learn second direction moves AFTER I've gotten the move with the beginner hoop, and before I downsize to my 35" hoop.
For beginners I recommend 40-42", 3/4" 160 psi tubing, in addition to one Mini hoop for learning hand technique (it's much easier to learn hand technique with the small hoops).
The larger the hoop, the slower it will move, and the "smoother" it will feel to a beginner. Eventually most, if not all, hoopers find that heavier hoops limit the range of expression available to them. You're simply able to do more with a lighter hoop, however it's necessary to get the basics down with a heavy hoop FIRST. Jumping to a lighter advanced hoop will limit a beginner's progress because it's too fast to learn the basics.
