Introduction
Hula hoops are more than just a beloved childhood toy—they’ve evolved into a tool for exercise, creativity, and artistic expression. However, not all hula hoops are created equal, and much of what makes a hula hoop functional and enjoyable boils down to the type of tubing used to create it. If you’re dabbling in hoop-making or simply curious about the materials involved, this guide will introduce everything you need to know about tubing for hula hoops.
What Is Tubing for Hula Hoops?
At its core, the tubing used for hula hoops is the base material that determines key factors such as weight, durability, flexibility, and overall performance. The tubing is often made from plastic materials like polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene (PP), each bringing unique characteristics to the hoop.
Whether you’re crafting your own hoop for fitness, dance, or fun, choosing the right tubing isn’t just about aesthetics—it affects how the hoop feels in your hands, its resistance, and how it moves around your body during use. Let’s take a deeper look into the options.
Types of Tubing for Hula Hoops
1. Polyethylene (PE) Tubing
Polyethylene is one of the most common options for tubing for hula hoops. Its popularity stems from its availability, affordability, and ease of use. PE tubing is often used for beginner and intermediate hoops for several reasons:
- Weight: PE tubing tends to be heavier than other types like polypropylene. This added weight can make the hoop easier to control, especially for beginners still perfecting their moves.
- Durability: It’s tough and long-lasting, which is particularly useful for outdoor hooping or travel hoops.
- Cost: PE tubing is generally cost-effective, making it accessible for hoopers on a budget or those just starting out.
However, the downside is that PE tubing can lack flexibility compared to lighter materials, making it less suitable for advanced tricks that require quick movement or a lighter touch.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Tubing
PVC tubing is another widely used option for tubing for hula hoops. Known for its sturdiness and rigidity, PVC is frequently used for fitness or weighted hoops.
- Weight: It’s heavier than polypropylene and even some PE tubing, which makes it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a hoop that provides a solid workout.
- Grip: PVC hoops often have a naturally grippy texture, making it great for maintaining stability while hooping.
- Customization: PVC is easy to cut, join, and decorate, which is a big plus for DIY enthusiasts crafting custom hoops at home.
The major downside of PVC tubing is its lack of flexibility and lighter feel, which may not suit advanced or performance hoopers.
3. Polypropylene (PP) Tubing
Polypropylene tubing is considered the gold standard for experienced and professional hoopers, especially for those focused on tricks and flow arts.
- Lightweight: PP tubing is significantly lighter than PE and PVC. The reduced weight allows for faster spins, dynamic transitions, and complex tricks.
- Flexibility: It’s also more flexible, making it easier to execute tight turns and quick movement.
- Aesthetic Appeal: PP tubing lends itself to being thinner, which often appeals to performance artists and those who prioritize the hoop’s appearance during shows or videos.
That said, PP tubing can be fragile compared to other types. It’s less durable and may not be the best choice for outdoor use or rugged playtime.
Determining the Right Size and Thickness
The type of tubing isn’t the only factor to consider—you also need to pick the appropriate size and thickness for your purpose. Hula hoop tubing comes in various diameters, from small and thin to large and hefty. Here’s how size and thickness affect your hoop:
1. Outer Diameter (OD)
The outer diameter impacts how the hoop feels during use. Larger outer diameters (e.g., ¾ inch) are suitable for beginners or fitness enthusiasts because they provide more weight and a steadier motion. Smaller diameters (e.g., 5/8 inch) are favored by performers and those focusing on speed or intricate tricks.
2. Wall Thickness
Wall thickness is another factor that influences the weight and rigidity of the tubing. Thick-walled tubing is more durable and gives a hoop additional heft, which is ideal for those looking to burn extra calories with weighted hoops. Conversely, thinner walls create lighter hoops, better for flow and performance hooping.
How to Select Tubing for Different Types of Hula Hoops
1. Fitness Hoops
For fitness-based hula hooping, the goal is usually to maximize resistance and calorie burn. A heavier tubing, like PE or PVC, with a large outer diameter (¾ inch or more) and thick walls will provide the weight and resistance needed for a full-body workout.
2. Dance and Flow Hoops
If your focus is on dance and flow movement, lightweight and flexible tubing should be your priority. Polypropylene tubing with a smaller outer diameter (e.g., 5/8 inch) is typically the best choice here, as it allows for swift spins and fluid movement.
3. Kids’ Hoops
Children’s hula hoops need to be lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle. PE tubing is a popular choice because it’s durable yet manageable, and it can stand up to various levels of wear and tear.
4. LED Hoops
For LED hula hoops, where lighting and aesthetics are essential, polypropylene or lightweight PE is often preferred. The lighter tubing ensures the LEDs can shine brightly without adding unnecessary weight that hampers movement.
Where Can You Buy Tubing for Hula Hoops?
Tubing for hula hoops is widely available both online and at local hardware stores. If you’re opting for a DIY project, it’s common to purchase bulk rolls of PE, PVC, or PP tubing. Look for sellers who specify that the tubing is suitable for hoop-making; this ensures you’re getting the right weight and flexibility. Many specialty stores also offer pre-cut tubing specifically designed for hula hoop construction.
Tips for Customizing Your Hoop
Once you’ve selected the right tubing, here’s how you can take your hula hoop to the next level:
- Adding Tape: Decorate your hoop with colorful grip tapes or reflective tapes for better aesthetics and practicality.
- Joining Tubes: Use a heat gun to soften the ends of the tubing before connecting them with couplers for a seamless join.
- Sanding: Lightly sand the exterior of the tubing to increase grip, especially for slick materials like polypropylene.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing tubing for hula hoops, it’s easy to make errors if you’re new to hoop-making. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Choosing the Wrong Diameter: If the hoop diameter is too small or the tubing too thin, it might feel uncontrollable or too light for effective use.
- Overlooking Grip: A hoop that’s too smooth can slip out of your hands or off your waist more easily. Always account for grip options.
- Ignoring Durability: Be mindful of where you’ll use the hoop. Polypropylene may not fare well outdoors or in rugged conditions, unlike PE tubing.
Why Does Tubing Matter?
The tubing you choose directly influences your experience and the hoop’s performance. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics, an advanced hooper focusing on tricks, or an artist crafting a visually stunning prop, the tubing dictates the weight, balance, and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
Crafting or selecting the perfect hula hoop boils down to understanding your goals and matching those to the right tubing for hula hoops. Think about how you intend to use the hoop—be it for fitness, dance, or recreation—and explore the options available in materials, size, and weight. By making an informed choice, you’ll ensure a hooping experience that is both enjoyable and perfectly tailored to your needs.
Happy hooping!
