Doh!

Of course... I took math once.

Hmm..I'm pretty.. lol. Thanks for your help!

Hi Hadria, I live in the Uk and I think we use a different rating system. I know that my hoops are considerably lighter than many of those that I have come across that have been imported from the states. This is also the same for my friend Diana who also buys her pipe in the Uk. Both of us wrap plenty of tape on our piping as well. So I'm guessing the bar rating is similar to the psi rating, they are just different types of pressure rating. (shall I say rating one more time...rating! lol)

Hadria,

There are several ways to rate tubing. The ratings are relative and not an absolute. I have attempted to find a chart to convert PSI to Schedule 20,40 etc. I did not find what I was looking for, but the Schedule 40 is thicker than 160PSI. So 160PSI would be like Schedule 20.

I don't know if that helps. I did find this chart that gives some details.

TABLE OF PIPE SIZES USING THE “SCHEDULE” SYSTEM
SCHEDULE 40 PVC PIPE
NOMINAL SIZE O.D.
(Inches) I.D.(Inches) WALL THICKNESS(Inches) MAXIMUM WORKINGPRESSURE (23

Actually the 1" 100psi is the exact same weight as the 3/4" 160 psi. Doesn't seem logical, but I've shipped many rolls of each kind of tubing to Hawaii over the past year and the weight is always within an ounce or two. The only difference is the width which gives each a different feel.

Some people think that it's easier to do tricks with the 3/4" and some like the 1" better - it's all a matter of personal preference. Personally, I like playing with all different sizes of hoops. And it's made me a much more versatile hooper.;))

I have 2 fire hoops - 3/4" 160psi & 36" dia and 1" 100psi & 40" dia (bigger hoop is slower, smaller hoop is better for off the body or vertical tricks) - I like both just depends on the speed of the music, the type of party, the performance space, and my mood.

I have furry hoops made w/ 3/4" 160psi in sizes from 38" - 44" dia all weighted w/ water so they are heavy and have a totally different feel.

My standard hoops are 3/4" and 1" ranging in size from 36" up to 46" dia. Seems that the bigger hoops get used more but that could be cause I encourage beginners to try them first.

I also have some 1 1/4" hoops that are almost 5 feet in diameter. They are really big and really heavy; WAY slower and easier for brand new hoopers or those struggling to keep the hoop up. They don't take much energy to use and the feel is a lot more meditative almost like getting a back and tummy massage.

I encourage everyone to try different sizes/weights/etc. Diversify your hooping experience.

happy hooping!!!!!!!!

My first hoop was one I bought online so I had no idea about diameter or PSI when I ordered it. I later learned it was a 1" 100psi. I struggled with learning how to do the corkscrew/beam me up because it was so heavy. I thought I was going to give myself carpal tunnel syndrome when I tried hand hooping with it. I also had a really hard time shoulder hooping with it. Heh, but I'm a wuss!

Once I started making my own 3/4" 160psi hoops, I never looked back. The old 1" 100psi hoop is gathering dust. I get it out every once in a while when I want a nice belly massage. I also have a 1/2" 125psi hoop that I really like - nice and light!

If you are incredibly tall, but not incredibly wide, you can probably size that down quite a bit... the mid-chest size is a generalization, designed to be as big as possible (for most non-tall people) and yet still be functional for vertical hand hooping and other things that would put the hoop too low to the ground if it was much larger.

My workshop hoops and the ones I haul around to share are between 40" and 44" - the 44" are the ones I swap people onto if they are having difficulty, and that size works for most beginners, aside from the folks who are XXL or larger, who are often happier with something 46-48" instead.

If you ordered a roll of tubing, you'll have enough for some variation - so the 49" one can be a Teacher - the giant, slow hoops that many of us use when we're trying to master a new trick. Make a few more, maybe 45" and 42" and 39".. and start playing! Having multiple hoops means you'll always have enough to share, and having them in different sizes means that you'll be able to find the best one suited for whatever you are doing at a given time :)

X.

Yup, they sell the connectors too. One stop hoop supply shopping! Just be forewarned that you will get a little booklet about Christianity with your order. No joke.