Buying an aerial hoop?

There can be a lot of questions when buying an aerial hoop, ‘what size should I get’, ‘aluminium or steel, which ones best’ and ‘can I hang it from a tree in my garden?’ In most cases, I find myself replying with the same question: what do you want to use it for? Selecting the best hoop often comes down to how you intend to use it.

Aerial hoop performances can range as widely as the materials used to manufacture them. This in mind, one shoe does not fit all. As an instructor in a busy studio my equipment needs differ completely to when I am performing with a doubles partner.

So, how do you want to use your apparatus?


Remember aerial hoop routines can be:
Solo Performances involving one acrobat
Double which enables two performers to simultaneously perform on the same apparatus
Synchronised routines are performed in synch on separate pieces of equipment.

Once you have answered this, you can start to think about the size and structure of your hoop.

Size:
Aerial hoops are available in a variety of sizes, starting at 90cm in diameter they increase incrementally at 5 cm to a maximum of 110cm. The most popular size commonly used in training studios measure mid-way through the range at 95cm.However, a reputable school will have a variety of sizes available to accommodate the different heights and sizes of their students.

 Performers can select the most appropriate size by sitting on the floor with their back flush against a wall. The distance from the floor to the top of the head + 10cm represents the a reliable indicator as to which size to select. Always check with your supplier whether their measurements correspond to internal or external diameters as this can affect which one you order.

Typically, hoops that show case double routines do not need to be wider or larger- however they do need to be fabricated out of a material that is strong enough to sustain the weight of two people.

Material:

Aerial hoops are produced in a variety of materials:

 

The advantage of aluminium sourced aerial hoops are that they are lighter. This is something to consider not only when calculating your working load but also when deciding upon your intended use. Aluminium hoops are perfect for solo performances, however, most have a maximum working load limit of 92-95kg which renders them unsuitable for doubles work.  Most teaching studios prefer to use aluminium hoops for teaching as they reduce the damage caused to an individual who may accidently crash into them whilst learning.

Steel hoops can  be produced from either hollow or solid steel tubing. If a thick enough hollow tube is used then a doubles routine is easily achieved if the working load limit is less than the combined weight of both performers. Solid steel hoops are often preferred for multi performer use, however, the additional weight will require extra consideration when selecting a suitable rigging point.

 

Typically, aerial hoops made from steel will strain before they break or snap. By comparison aluminium frames can break without any prior warning.

Coatings:

Manufactured hoops are often covered with an epoxy resin powder coating that has been baked on. An additional coat of lacquer is often applied as a top coat.

Coatings are very important in protecting the integrity of the raw material used to produce the hoop. In particular these coatings aid in reinforcing the external structure in addition to protecting it from climatic conditions and water ingress which can cause the base material to rust, which in turn effects both the integrity and robustness of the apparatus.

When purchasing a hoop always request certification of compliance: these should highlight the:

• Weight
• Working Load Limit
• Breaking Load limit

This information is useful when securing insurance, consulting with structural engineers and developing particular acts.

A practice log should be kept as a record of how many hours has been spent on the equipment, this should be inclusive of both rehearsal and performance time. As a guideline it is recommended that tensile or pressure testing is carried out every 300 hours on aluminium hoops to ensure that they have not been compromised by use.

How many tabs?

Tabs are attached to each aerial hoop during manufacturing. Most options can include a uni or singular tab, however duo-tabs or multi-point tabs are also available.

Multi-point tabbed hoop usually feature attachment fittings which enable the performer to flit between using a uni-point, popular for spinning routines and duo points which are stabilised for swinging routine or moves which are performed on the top of the apparatus.

Uni-point hoops can be rigged with a swivel, a device installed with two steel bearings which enables the hoop to spin freely, without becoming tangled. As with all aerial arts equipment these are usually supplied with a certificate of compliance. Always ensure that the equipment weight is included in your rigging calculations, and that you select a product that will take the correct weight for the acrobats performing in

Good quality aerial equipment is expensive, reflecting the time, knowledge, materials and testing required to make it safe for use. Always use a reputable stockist, but be aware of their policies which may be specific to the purchasing of aerial equipment.

If you are approaching a local fabricator to commission manufacturing of your own hoop, ensure that:

1.  the welders are suitably qualified,
2. the material used is a suitable grade of metal
3. all joints are adequately prepped
4. the end result is tensile tested
5. you get your finished product coated in a material that will not peel or become compromised with the use of tape.

a well produced aerial hoop will not only last a long time but will help to keep you safe when training and performing.