How to check the condition of your aerial hoop?
Safety in aerial acrobatics training is essential. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How do I assess if my circus hoop is still fit for use?”
In this article, we present a practical guide that will help you quickly and effectively evaluate the state of your apparatus.
Why is a well-made hoop safe?
Our aerial hoops are made from a single piece of steel tubing with a 3 mm wall thickness. Why is this so important? Steel is a very “predictable” material, which has several key advantages:
- No brittle cracking: The steel we use to make our aerial hoops, unlike aluminum, does not crack suddenly under load. Instead, if the load is too high, it may simply deform, giving you time to react.
- No joints: A hoop made from a single piece of tubing has no weak connection points. In the case of any weld, it is additionally reinforced. There are not two separate joints – no section of the hoop can break off, and the only tubing connection is additionally secured in a way that prevents the weld from tearing.
- Resistance to wear: Steel wears down more slowly than aluminum, which extends the life of the apparatus.
- Precise welds: TIG welding ensures proper material fusion.
A WELL-MADE aerial hoop is a very safe piece of equipment and in practice cannot suddenly break, even under excessive load (of course, we are not talking about loads above 14kN – which may cause sudden breakage; we are referring to loads under normal conditions of use with a human on the apparatus).
How to carry out an aerial hoop inspection?
Before each training session, it’s worth spending a moment checking a few key elements. As for the construction – you don’t need to worry about it, but it’s still good to check critical spots such as:
- The tubing joint
This is the point where the tubing was joined. In our hoops, it is located under the handle. If you notice:
- holes,
- cracks,
you should stop training immediately and contact the manufacturer.
- The connection between the handle and the tubing
Check the spot where the handle meets the tubing. Any cracks are a sign that the hoop needs repair or replacement. Stop training immediately and contact the manufacturer.
- The hoop’s suspension point (the handle’s eyelet)
Pay attention to the handle’s eyelet. If you notice material wear deeper than 1 mm into the surface, you should stop exercising and report it to the manufacturer.
These three key indicators show that your aerial hoop needs replacing.
What if my aerial hoop has changed shape and turned into an “egg”?
If your hoop has changed shape and become more oval, it also indicates a serious defect that requires replacing the apparatus with a new one.
However, this is a less urgent defect than the three above, because steel can undergo deformation (of course, we are talking about a slight change in shape, not the hoop becoming completely “straightened out”).
Regular inspection of your aerial hoop is crucial for safety. Always check:
- welds and connection points,
- the condition of the handle and suspension point,
- the overall shape of the hoop.
Remember to use equipment only from trusted suppliers who specialize in manufacturing aerial acrobatics apparatus.
Train wisely and safely!