Children’s hoops, different dance hoops and folding models each place different demands on the material, connection and surface. That is why our production process does not begin with a standard solution, but with one question: Which construction best suits the hoop’s intended use?
Hoopomania has been making children’s and dance hoops in its own workshop since 2014. Our retail and practical experience with Hula Hoops dates back to 2007. Multi-part massage hoops and foam-covered Hoopomania hoops, by contrast, are not made in our workshop.
1. Which Hoopomania Hula Hoops are made in our workshop?
We make children’s hoops and a range of dance hoops ourselves: beginner hoops, undecorated hoops, designer hoops, arm and isolation hoops, circus hoops and fire hoops. The “Profi Hoop” model is not made in the Hoopomania workshop.
An undecorated hoop is already a fully constructed, usable hoop. It simply has no decorative tape or grip tape and can therefore be used as it is.
What we deliberately do not explain here: This page presents our manufacturing principles; it is not an assembly or repair guide. We intentionally do not publish technical dimensions, tools or complete working instructions here.
2. The starting point: choosing the right tubing
The tubing material, outside diameter and wall thickness affect weight, flexibility and shape retention. We therefore do not combine them arbitrarily, but select them to suit the respective product group.
| Tubing group | Typical use at Hoopomania | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mm black PE | Selected beginner hoops, the Blue Sky, Snake and Poison models, and undecorated hoops | More weight and a stable basis for larger hoops |
| 25 mm white HDPE | Undecorated hoops only | Stiffer material behaviour than black PE tubing |
| 20 mm HDPE | Designer, isolation, folding and fire hoops, as well as undecorated hoops | A shape-retaining, versatile basis for many dance hoops |
| 16 mm HDPE | Children’s hoops, circus hoops, selected fire hoops and undecorated hoops | Lighter and more flexible at larger diameters |
| Transparent PP | Detachable and folding undecorated hoops | Used for clearly defined undecorated-hoop versions |
“Better shape retention” refers here to the movement and material behaviour. It is not a promise of service life or resistance to breakage.
3. Why we use different connection systems
The connection is selected according to size, product group, transport requirements and intended use. The descriptions below explain the choice; they are not assembly or repair instructions.
Fixed riveted connection
Children’s hoops are permanently riveted regardless of their diameter. Non-folding dance hoops with a diameter below 80 cm also have a fixed connection. An internal connector and a countersunk aluminium blind rivet form the joint. Every fixed connection is checked visually and by touch; the strength of the connection is also checked manually on a sample basis.
Dual snap-button connection
Non-folding dance hoops with a diameter of 80 cm or more are made with a detachable connection. Since 2014, Hoopomania has used a two-sided detachable connection with two separate snap buttons on its own models. This allows each side to be opened and checked separately for engagement, spring-back, hole position and countersink depth. Both sides of every completed detachable hoop are opened and closed during inspection.
Folding connection
Folding connections are used on selected larger models when a more compact transport size is desired. The hoop remains permanently joined and folds at two opposite points. Not every type of tubing or diameter is suitable for this construction.
Once the connections have been fitted in a controlled process, they are cooled and inspected visually, and each hoop is folded several times. If the hoop then shows conspicuous or lasting deformation, it is rejected.
4. Decorative tape adds the design; grip tape changes the surface grip
On taped hoops, the decorative tape is applied first, followed by the grip tape. Spacing and overlap are determined by the specific product and design.
| Type of tape | Main purpose | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative tape | Visual design using metallic, holographic, glitter or star effects | Primarily intended for visual design; protection and grip are not its main functions |
| Grip tape | Provides a grippier surface and can therefore aid grip during body contact and control with the hands and arms | It can also define the design, as on Hoopomania Die Welle and Hoopomania Rainbow |
Tapes are not designed as a protective layer against asphalt, sharp edges or heavy impacts. Grip tape does not provide a guarantee against slipping, and we do not make blanket promises regarding resistance to abrasion, weather or UV exposure.
5. Handwork and wrapping machine complement each other
Individual pieces and frequently changing designs are mainly taped by hand. For larger series of identical hoops, Hoopomania has used a wrapping machine since 2016 that was specially developed on our behalf for this wrapping process.
Even when the machine is used, setup, starting the tape application, monitoring, cutting to length, finishing the ends and carrying out the checks all remain manual tasks. Working templates and physical reference samples help us keep the tape layout and spacing consistent with the respective version.
6. Checks are built into several stages of the process
The first check takes place directly during production or taping. Before packing and dispatch, the hoop receives another brief visual check and order check. We inspect the connection, surface and conformity with the ordered version.
If a technically sound correction is possible, it is carried out. Otherwise, the hoop is rejected. Rejected hoops are not sold as seconds and are not dispatched to customers. These checks reduce the risk of errors, but cannot eliminate it completely.
7. How this differs from our test machine
The separate test machine is used exclusively for externally manufactured multi-part massage hoops and foam-covered Hoopomania hoops. Its results are not transferred to the children’s and dance hoops we make ourselves. A separate future article, “How Hoopomania tests Hula Hoops”, is intended to explain this in more detail.
8. Every product has a defined set of versions
Diameter, tubing, connection, colour and tape layout result in many different versions. However, not every feature can be freely combined with every other feature. The technically and visually suitable options are defined for each product.
This keeps the choice transparent: the aim is not to offer the largest possible number of combinations, but a construction that suits the intended use.
Frequently asked questions about Hoopomania production
Are multi-part massage hoops also made in your own workshop?
No. Multi-part massage hoops and foam-covered Hoopomania hoops are manufactured for Hoopomania, but they are not made in our workshop.
Why aren’t all Hoopomania Hula Hoops foldable?
Not every combination of tubing and diameter is technically suitable for a folding connection. A folding connection also requires more work and is handled differently. Only models designed for this purpose therefore receive two folding connectors; depending on the product group, other models are permanently riveted or made with a detachable connection.
Can an undecorated hoop be used without tape?
Yes. An undecorated hoop is already fully constructed and ready to use. It has no decorative tape or grip tape, so it can be used immediately or decorated later to suit your preferences.
Why does this page not include complete construction instructions?
This page explains construction decisions and manufacturing principles. Separate, technically reviewed guides are planned but have not yet been published. This overview therefore does not include drilling dimensions, rivet lengths or complete assembly sequences.
In-depth technical articles
This page remains the overview of our in-house production. More detailed articles on materials, the wrapping machine, quality checks and the test machine are in preparation. We will link to them only once they have been completed, reviewed and made publicly accessible.
Our aim
The Hula Hoops made in our workshop are not produced according to one standard design, but to suit their intended use. Material, connection, surface and quality checks therefore form one coherent production process.