Materials

PE (polyethylene)

• Most common plastic
• found for cheap at pacific hardware in cap hill
• generally used for irrigation lines found at Home Depot or Lowes
• used for beginner hula hoops
• generally solid black but not always
• material is connected by using barbed connectors

The most common thicknesses for hoops:

• 3/4" 160psi (heaviest)
• 3/4" 100psi (lighter)
• 1/2" 125psi (lightest)
• the diameter refers to the inner diameter
• the outer diameter is around 1/8" - 1/4" larger depending on the psi

HDPE (high density polyethylene)

• rigid and lighter weight plastic than the standard PE
• experienced hoopers seem to prefer it to PE, though they aren't that different
• It is not available at stores
• Unlike PE the diameter refers to the outer diameter with this material
• 7/8" was a nice size for a big beginner hoop, and 3/4" is nice for smaller hoops
• connected by inserting a short piece of tubing that just perfectly fits inside it
• pop-riveting it together

Polypro (polypropylene)

• Second most common plastic
• lightest and most advanced material for hula hoops
• fast and springy, hard to learn on
• slightly harder and more heat-resistant

Attachment:

• You will need tubing, a piece of tubing 1/8" smaller as insert material, a riveter, and two pop rivets. If you order tubing from hoopologie they will include insert material for you.

Decorating:

• 1/2" or 1" gaffer tape for grip

Citations:

• https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-Hula-Hoop/
• insert: https://www.hoopologie.com/insert-material-4-inches