http://firehooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#3774a25e-7c23-4f34-b82d-13f940578d02 eagerly awaiting my tax return :D Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:17:51 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#3774a25e-7c23-4f34-b82d-13f940578d02 Diane 2009-04-20T14:17:51Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#4f325ba5-74ee-4eb0-97e5-3188a546b0b6 I'm so happy with my fire hoop from Cosmic Fire!! I don't have a lot of upper body strength, so being able to find a lighter hoop which could be custom made to any size (mine is 35" in diameter) helped immensely for my first burn! I highly recommend Shakti's fire hoops!! Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:07:02 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#4f325ba5-74ee-4eb0-97e5-3188a546b0b6 LP 2009-04-17T21:07:02Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#f70cf960-cac5-4ddb-b687-53cb419bebd9 So, I couldn't find this thread when I was originally looking for it, but I did manage to build a thin walled hoop, even with short spines, that survived burning quite nicely. So, I'd like to retract my trepidations about them. They seem a little fragile, but I'm something of a lug, so most cars feel fragile to me, too. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:54:28 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#f70cf960-cac5-4ddb-b687-53cb419bebd9 Tedward 2009-04-16T01:54:28Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#397abcef-56b6-46d7-9e2d-b74b3d9f0c32 Mine came in as well, and I am completely blown away by this hoop. It's opened up a whole new range for me. Breaks/ reverses/ tosses/ elbow passes/ behind the back pass/ step outs... I didn't do any of this with my heavy fire hoop. In the past week, I've added all of these tricks to my fire repitoire because of Shakti's Superlight hoop. I already want to get another one for double fire. What a terrific hoop! I wouldn't change a thing about it. Like G. Megzz said, the bobbling wicks in the beginning of your fire dance are FUN FUN FUN! You can bounce around with them and make them do cool fire trails. Once the hoop is in motion, it doesn't seem to bobble at all. This is, by far, the best fire hoop I've ever used. I'm so happy that I got it. A friend of mine fire hooped for the first time the other night. Before she lit up, I had her try the new Cosmic Fire hoop and I also let her try the Spinsterz hoop - so she could decide which one she felt most comfortable with. She opted for the lighter one, and did just fine with it. For me, learning with the heavier hoop enabled me to ease into it and become more comfortable with fire. But I guess it's just a matter of personal preference. If you use a heavy hoop normally (160 psi, 3/4-inch or 1-inch 100 psi), then the Spinsterz/ Iron Gypsy/ Trick Concepts/ (insert name here) would probably work best to start off with, and then you could eventually move into a Superlight hoop, like I did. But if you're already using lighter hoops, then Shakti's hoops are the way to go. Within the last 6 months, I've sized my hoops down in weight and diameter, so Shakti's fire hoop feels pretty comparible - in terms of size and weight - to my normal practice hoop. I would recommend this hoop, for sure. I love it so much! I just posted a vid in the hooping videos tribe too, if you want to see it in action. Title is 'Halloween Hooping' Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:33:02 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#397abcef-56b6-46d7-9e2d-b74b3d9f0c32 Hoola Monster 2008-10-29T20:33:02Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#4ce33bc3-2137-465c-b6c4-5bd7327903b2 I just lit mine for the first time this weekend and I lovelovelove it! The flames were big, the wobble not an issue, and I did touch a spoke and it wasn't hot at all. Also Shakti was wonderfully responsive to my emails and answered all my questions. I had my hoop in no time at all. yay! Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:10:10 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#4ce33bc3-2137-465c-b6c4-5bd7327903b2 mumblebump 2008-10-21T01:10:10Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#c23497b8-d10a-44a9-b71d-9a7756dac57a Wow! Hello Everyone. I'm not usually very active on Tribe but the lovely Spiral turned me onto this thread and I'm glad she did. Since the Superlight hoop has been brought up here I thought I'd chime in. So my background...I started like many of you with an Iron Gypsy hoop which I rocked through my 'beginner' fire hooping phase. It was nice at the beginning, the weight and the stiffness of the wicks made me feel comfortable with such a transformational and powerful element! That soon grew old when I became comfortable around fire...once I learned the boundaries, the dos and don'ts of fire safety. It was around that time when I met my partner Rainbow Michael who has a lot of experience crafting fire equipment - staffs, poi, nun-chucks etc. Our goal at first was to create a fire hoop that would behave much like a regular hoop, so fire hoop performance/play would no longer feel frustratingly limiting. After a number of design trials we settled on the hoop we now have for sale - previously on the Kaivalya website but now available on CosmicFireDance.com. It's not explicitly stated but the SuperLight hoop was created (although many beginners have bought the hoop) for use by people who have had some previous experience with fire. This is not because they are unsafe, let me stress that - out of all the fire hoops I've sold I haven't yet had a problem with melting or any other sort of safety concern to date, but more the nature of the thinking that went into the hoop during it's creation process. Therefore, I assume people know not to statically hold the hoop in a vertical position for a long time - you wouldn't want to do that with ANY fire hoop. Because of the small amount of metal involved in the design (in fact no metal is used on the inside) I saw and have seen no problem with using 100 psi. Again, the goal was LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT. This may not be for everyone...in fact Tedward, I appreciate your focus on safety and encourage anyone considering a fire prop to always question and check in with your own ability/comfort level. Now, the wicks. The wicks are cut a 6.5 inches - about .5 inches of that goes into the hoop. The kevlar that I use is 2 inches wide. Therefore spacing each flame approx. 4 inches away from the tubing. The metal I use DOES NOT conduct heat. My wicks on my personal hoop are smaller and stand about 3 inches off the tubing. I grab (even toward the end of a burn) slipping my fingers in between the cable all the time. In fact, I don't think about hand placement on my fire hoop while spinning at all. The cable we use is super flexi which goes back to comfort level. Not much I can say there except that they are time-tested and safe...like Meggz says, the give a bit of a different effect - and are key for airplane travel. Flame size. I too like big flames and with 2 feet of 2 inch kevlar on each wick I feel like I'm getting a nice size flame. Check out some videos on my website or on my youtube page (lbsunfire) for visuals. I am open to customizing each hoop too - pretty much anything except the following: I will NOT make a Superlight fire hoop with a diameter larger than a 40". At 100 psi I feel much larger than 40 encourages miss-shaping. **side note here: I usually recommend that people get a smaller diameter by one or two inches than their regular hoop size - the added weight of fire hoop makes it easy to go smaller - for example, I currently use a 33 or 34 regular hoop size. My fire hoops are 31.5. Kind of depends what you are going for... Ok, back to it; I will also not extend the wick length so they sit off the hoop further. I used to do this up to .5 inches more, but I feel like that request lends itself to comfort level, in which case i would suggest a stiff-wick alternative (FYI Renegade Juggling has a great stiffer-wicked design). The further the wicks are from the hoop the more wobble they have. I'm always happy to go shorter/smaller however. ;-) Alright, that's enough shameless self-promotion for one day. Thanks to all of you who have posted such lovely things about these hoops - they are surely a labor of love from one hooper to another! Stayed tuned for new designs this winter and feel free to contact me with questions. xoxoxo Shakti ;-) Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:30:39 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#c23497b8-d10a-44a9-b71d-9a7756dac57a Shakti SunFire 2008-10-20T05:30:39Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#f0036604-088d-4bbb-8f54-3fdaa4c9d4ef There are a ton of great posts in this thread... I just want to echo some of the things said... I got a Kaivalya super light fire hoop in August and its been rocking my world since! The spokes are wobbly when you are holding it, but I use that to my advantage! I think it looks pretty bad ass when you hold the hoop over your head and just ROCK OUT!! Shaking it all around! BLOOBLE BLOOBLE FIRE MADNESS!!!! The fire trails are unique as well b/c of the loose spokes, they look more like fire waves, so it opens new creative doors for pictures... Very easy to travel with! just tied the spokes down around the hoop, wrapped it in bubble wrap and it arrived safely. not to mention supporting the amazing and sweet Shakti who makes these by hand...is a fabulous idea! She does a beautiful job taping them too! ♥♥♥ Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:50:07 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#f0036604-088d-4bbb-8f54-3fdaa4c9d4ef GroovinMeGzz 2008-10-20T00:50:07Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#e88361b6-c6d7-4d99-8521-f6cbfc47b930 I have been using Shakti's fire hoops for the last 6 months or so and they've been working great, for both single fire hoop manipulation and twins. Light, well-balanced and well-crafted by she and her partner Rainbow Michael. Even before I went with Shakti's hoops, I had been making my own fire hoops with 100 psi tubing (ie: 1/16th wall according to the knowledgable Tedward) for a couple years. I've always (well, for the last 6 years at least) been partial to light hoops, in which case the weight- or lack thereof- is a necessary characteristic to incorporate into a fire hoop if you want to maintain a similar trick repertoire. I do a fair bit of isolating and have not had any problems with the tubing not withstanding heat. So many of the fire hoops still manufactured are clunky, heavy with spines that are too long for ease of manipulation, in my opinion, but to each their own. I recommend her hoops, for sure, and you cant beat the price. Check them at www.cosmicfiredance.com Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:17:08 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#e88361b6-c6d7-4d99-8521-f6cbfc47b930 Spiral 2008-10-20T00:17:08Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#91682707-4ec7-4d2b-9174-7ba60da2cf0d that's why i want one so badly. i want to do jump-throughs in a row! i want to stall without getting giant purple bruises on the inside of my upper arm! Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:04:38 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#91682707-4ec7-4d2b-9174-7ba60da2cf0d Meeeya! 2008-10-06T23:04:38Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#3a0f7906-bc46-42ab-a0bb-df99b8f1f37e IG was my first too... and i took comfort in the weight until my skills improved enough for it to become a problem when trying new things. I got a Spinsterz next, and same thing... it was good until i wanted to do even CRAZIER things, and now look where i am : ) Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:02:35 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#3a0f7906-bc46-42ab-a0bb-df99b8f1f37e Meeeya! 2008-10-06T23:02:35Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#d2ce6fe9-5332-48cd-ac76-ba69dc684bfe i made my own hoop using a similar design as the shakti hoops but made it even lighter using 1/2" tubing. i absolutely love it and there have been no issues with the plastic being damaged. while the spines do wobble when you are holding it, this is pretty much completely minimized once you get spinning. having something lighter has completely changed my fire hooping experience. there are so many more moves i can explore. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:42:40 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#d2ce6fe9-5332-48cd-ac76-ba69dc684bfe mo 2008-10-06T16:42:40Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#ed8e36af-327d-498e-8290-4bf67a8aa2e1 The first hoop I used was an Iron Gyspy, and it was waaaay too heavy for me to feel comfortable with.... I felt like the hoop was hooping me, rather than the other way around. I think some people take comfort in that weight, but I personally wanted a hoop to feel more like my practice hoops I use. I bought the super light weight fire hoop from Shakti and have to say.... it's amazing to dance with. I use white gas and have HUGE flames with that that last for a long time burning. I have no complaints about this hoop, really, and don't see any melting damage from the flames on it, either. It does not feel floppy or out of control with the flexible spines, and I have noticed the spines do conduct a little heat, but not enough to burn if you grab them by mistake. As far as a fire hoop to match a weight of a practice hoop, though, this was the closest match I found. She also uses holographic/mirror tape that catches the light in pictures as you spin - quite lovely. :) From what I understand, tape on any fire hoop that you buy is rare.... Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:13:24 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#ed8e36af-327d-498e-8290-4bf67a8aa2e1 lauren 2008-10-06T15:13:24Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#23248656-edf6-44ba-8a83-a04fed7a923a Hmm, make sure to tell Tobasco that story. I know he's a responsible builder who will want to take that sort of info in mind for future designs. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:58:50 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#23248656-edf6-44ba-8a83-a04fed7a923a Tedward 2008-10-06T08:58:50Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#e1395d8b-659d-4539-ab6b-fde52d39ca6a Thanks Caitlin! I loved the light feel for off-body stuff, I just want to make sure it won't get away from me! Light hoops managed to escape my grip sometimes. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:49:58 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#e1395d8b-659d-4539-ab6b-fde52d39ca6a Meeeya! 2008-10-06T01:49:58Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#fe12141f-0e55-47cf-a1be-96513827f06c Yeah! Let me know! I'm not going to be able to buy one for a little while (I start full-time tomorrow yaaaaay!), but I'd LOVE to hear your opinion! Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:48:11 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#fe12141f-0e55-47cf-a1be-96513827f06c Meeeya! 2008-10-06T01:48:11Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#56a135a0-6045-45c0-9c04-97d56b2fe08a I actually had an incident with my Iron Gypsy where I had to hold it vertically, and it *DID* melt the plastic around the spine and ruined the hoop... not to mention it pretty much became a flame thrower, and I'm lucky I noticed it was melted before the spine flew off and hurt someone. My Iron Gypsy spines were a solid, not-wobbling 7 in. away from the plastic. This is one of the reasons I'm skeptical about the safety of a lightweight hoop with spines that are wobble around very close to the plastic. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:47:20 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#56a135a0-6045-45c0-9c04-97d56b2fe08a Meeeya! 2008-10-06T01:47:20Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#d8194775-e5be-4deb-81c3-ea948b8c951c Shakti's hoops -are- the Kavailya (sp) hoops. They also look a lot like the ones they're selling at renegade. The site advertises 100 psi 3/4" tubing, which pretty much means 1/16th wall. {shakes head} I'm glad people are having good luck with them so far. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:24:26 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#d8194775-e5be-4deb-81c3-ea948b8c951c Tedward 2008-10-05T23:24:26Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#574b167a-2073-4c77-baf2-4c6757f2da2c I just returned from HoopCamp last weekend, and I had a chance to see, use and discuss Shakti's hoops with her. I really liked the feel of the hoop, it is lighter, but the wicks even out the weight so it's not too light. She can customize the hoop anyway you'd like, such as larger wicks, length of the spine, etc. The spine is made out of a kind of cable that doesn't conduct heat, so it won't burn your fingers if you grab them. I would def purchase one of her hoops, they were awesome and so was she! Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:04:36 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#574b167a-2073-4c77-baf2-4c6757f2da2c Caitlin 2008-10-05T23:04:36Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#26afe1c7-b15c-4bb5-bd17-529cdc698fa9 Hi! I'm in the same exact boat as you. I have a Spinsterz hoop with the large wicks, and I think the thing I love most about it is the large/ high flame. But I'm seeking a lighter hoop also. I, too, have seen Shakti's hoops but I haven't had the chance to spin one yet. I love the idea of being able to open up the range for more tricks like tosses, quick reverses and off body movements. Also, I've heard nothing but great things about the Kavailya fire hoop. For a hundred bucks, I don't think you can go wrong. yes, the spines getting hot was a concern of mine too. however, everyone I've talked to who has one of her hoops seems to love it. I'm getting one - hopefully this month. Will post another review when I've had a chance to spin it. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:57:16 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#26afe1c7-b15c-4bb5-bd17-529cdc698fa9 Hoola Monster 2008-10-05T22:57:16Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#ed06701f-b240-4338-aa89-f2871637b6b7 I actually don't know anything about Shakti's hoop, but yes, I have a few concerns about using thin-walled hoops to make fire hoops. I've managed to tweak down a hoop to 2 lbs and that's about as far as I'm willing to go to reduce weight. Beyond that, I think I'd have to switch to tiny wicks or 1/16th wall hoop material. Again, I don't know anyone using this, but the 1/8th inch stock is just barely enough to resist the flame at 9" struts. Half thickness hoops, which I've heard about someone using (but I'm not sure who) may not be able to stand up to the heat of holding the hoop vertically. Not everyone does this, but it is one of the best ways to put out the wicks in a tight place. Also, many folks do it inadvertently in their set-up for isolations. So, yeah, please check. Your safety concerns are valid. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:52:33 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#ed06701f-b240-4338-aa89-f2871637b6b7 Tedward 2008-10-05T22:52:33Z http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#a5d619bc-c10b-41fb-be5e-8e451760a798 Hi everyone! My Spinsterz hoop is lighter than my Iron Gypsy. Shakti's super-light fire hoop is lighter than the Spinsterz hoop. A really light fire hoop would open all kinds of doors for my dancing. I've thought about making my own, but considering I can hardly assemble my own Ikea furniture, it's probably a very bad idea for me to construct a fire tool. I've taken an unlit spin with Shakti's hoop, but the girl had just bought it and didn't know much about fire dancing or the nature of the flame. I was a little concerned: a) with the spines being so floppy against the plastic, b) the spines getting very hot (i'm not sure what the cable was made of) and c) the lightness of the hoop feeling out of control when it's on fire and d) the wicks being too small for a nice looking flame (I like the fire on the big side, and I am a fast hooper so the fire flickers a lot if the wicks are too small, I have the big wicks for my Spinterz hoop, and they are perfect for me). If anyone can lend an opinion on this fire hoop, or help me with a, b, c, or d, I'd be ever so appreciative! Hoop on! Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:55:51 GMT http://FireHooping.tribe.net/thread/ac2ae67c-5fe2-40f1-a300-9b7cf8a8e860#a5d619bc-c10b-41fb-be5e-8e451760a798 Meeeya! 2008-10-05T21:55:51Z