Hi Lindsey!

I highly recommend taking a gander at the fire hooping tribe. firehooping.tribe.net/

I posted on there, once i knew the brand I wanted, to get some logistical info (i.e. wick size, spine length), but they have some discussions on different brands. I just bought my first fire hoop, so I many not be too helpful, but from what I hear, I have the Cadillac of fire hoops. I bought it from trick concepts. fire.trickconcepts.com/hoop.htm. They just started putting padding on the inside of the hoop - this is especially nice, as fire hoops are heavier than standard hoops and have a tendency to bruise. Its collapsible, has rubber where the spine hits the hoop (so you don't burn your little fingers when picking up the hoop) and the spines bounce (rather than break) when you drop it....i mean, if you drop it ;)

Happy hunting!

hooping.org has a lot of good info, including how to make them yourself and how to know what size to start with. also there are links to online suppliers.

i've bought mine locally or made them myself, except for a hoopnotica travel hoop, so i can't really recommend anything unless you're looking for a collapsible hoop.

good luck, and welcome to the addictive world of hooping.

What city do you live in? I make hoops in Austin TX. I have never shopped any before, I am told that shipping can be a bit pricey so you may just ask around if there are hoopers in your town who make hoops. Welcome, Hooping is a wonderful thing.

I looked around and as the universe would have it got connected with a hooping fairy about a mile from where I work! She makes hoops and teaches as well... I ended up purchasing a travel hoop that can be taken a part and used in two different sizes. Its perfect for taking it hikin (which I have done now) and hooping on my lunch at the park... *Im in Love*

Thank you all! =)

Ill let you know when Im ready for fire hooping =)