THE SLACK DROP: These generally begin from the rigging sling above the hoop. The aerialist then drops down from this high position onto the bottom of the lyra. By executing this drop, the aerialist falls through about 2m of vertical space.

THE SURPRISE: We recorded that these movements can generate up to 7.5x the weight of the performer (+ apparatus + rigging). This makes for a MASSIVE dynamic load on the equipment (as well as the participant!). Because of these forces these slack drops have the potential to overload a HOLLOW hoop. Causing deformation and potential failure of the equipment. See our blog about it here.

These slack drops are incredibly spectacular and relatively easy to execute for beginner-intermediate aerialists (easy on a hollow hoop, but hard on a solid hoop).

THE RECOMMENDATION: Slack drops are better suited to a SOLID hoop

THE REALITY: most beginner-intermediate aerialists LOVE HOLLOW hoops. Why?

– the bar is a bit thicker and more comfortable 

– the hoop is light to manipulate

OUR RESPONSE: To meet the changing (ever evolving) needs of new technique, we’ve developed the semi-solid hoop; lighter than the solid hoop (around 6.5kg instead of 9.5kg), with a similar bar thickness to the hollow hoop AND best suited to dynamic drops and movements. 

Trix Circus Aerial Hoops: Size and Weight Comparison Table

Trix Circus Semi-Solid Hoop Strength Information

Trix Circus Aerial Hoops: Strength Comparison Table 

So WOOO HOOOO!!! We are happy to be able to provide you with awesome Semi-Solid Hoops, built for the most daring of aerialists!

The post Semi-Solid Hoops: Built to Withstand the Most Intense Drops appeared first on Trix Circus.

Here at Trix we’ve been seeing one very popular trick (see video below) on aerial hoop which has given us some concern. The trick in question is visually very effective and relatively easy to get into. We have proceeded to do dynamic load testing* of this trick. 

The testing we completed shows that it is loading on average up to 7.5x the weight of the person + apparatus + rigging. 

A lot of beginner aerialists are doing it and beginners generally prefer using hollow hoops. 

This trick should not be executed on a hollow hoop. 

Hollow hoops will deform, weaken and potentially fail under these types of loads.

Notes:

*This test was done on a completely static dyneema line. There was little to no absorption of the forces like one would expect to see on a rope system.

This trick, and this genre of slack drops on hoop, particularly is why we are working on the engineering certification and fabrication of semi solid hoops; with the same size diameter tube but lighter weight for beginners and much stronger for these “easy” but super loading tricks.

The post Overloading Concerns: Aerial Hoop Slack Drops appeared first on Trix Circus.

This blog is going to tackle the first dilemma, which often seems to be the biggest one: solid vs hollow lyra.

Strength

All of our aerial hoop products are manufactured to meet Live Performance Australia Guidelines. We offer two different types of hoops: engineer certified (to AS/NZS 1554.6) and NATA destruction tested only. You can read more about the difference between the hoops here.

The discussion of certification and different ratings is a very long and complicated one, but for the purpose of this article, we are going to approach it from the simplest angle. (If you would like to find out more about the equipment, their ratings and/or certification, please see the above blog and our product information sheets for each product).  The strongest of our lyras are the solid lyras. They have the highest Minimum Breaking Strain (MBS). If you are planning to use your lyra for dynamic work, duos or trios, we recommend purchasing a solid hoop. 

Weight 

The solid lyra is heavier than a hollow lyra. This difference is quite considerable. On average our solid lyras weigh 9.5kg while hollow lyras are only 3.5kg. Weight will most definitely be a factor in your decision if you plan to travel doing aerial performing or training. Carrying an almost 10kg hoop as opposed to a less than 4kg hoop makes a massive difference. Not to mention excess baggage costs for air travel!

That said, if you are going to be using your lyra at home or at your local studio, a solid ring might be a better option. The additional 6kg of weight, makes the solid hoop a far more stable apparatus. Now more than ever, this is an important factor, as we see hoop work shifting away from flexible poses and towards more consistent dynamic work:  spinning, swinging, dropping, releasing and re-catching tricks are becoming standard lyra skills. A solid ring will stay ‘underneath’ you, while a hollow ring may ‘fling away’ as you are trying to re-catch it in mid-air. A hollow ring will definitely make these tricks harder and potentially less safe as well.

Comfort

I won’t lie to you! Solid aerial hoops hurt. Don’t get me wrong, hollow hoops hurt too but the hollow hoop is slightly thicker so it is the more comfortable of the two “torture devices”! Our solid rings are made from 22mm solid stainless bar, while hollow rings are made from, you guessed it, a hollow tube that is 25mm in diameter. And yes, those 3mm make all the difference…

Many aerialists tend to buy the same type of ring that is being used at their studio. And that makes sense, because that’s what you’re used to. Talking with your coach or your studio owner is definitely a good place to start making your decisions.

I will just say one more thing – if you start on a hollow ring and down the road you find you need the stability of a solid one, it is not fun adjusting to that next level of pain. When you begin to transition over, it’s going to feel like your first lesson all over again! And ohhhh, we all remember THAT pain! So, starting on a solid lyra might be the best way to go, get all the pain out of the way in one go so when you advance to dynamic skills, you have nothing holding you back!

Spinning

What’s a lyra routine without a spin? If you love to spin then that’s another reason to go with a solid ring. A solid ring will spin faster and considerably longer than a hollow ring. But if spinning makes you feel green, then maybe the hollow hoop will be your new best friend because the spin is slower and doesn’t last as long.

Age of aerialist

This is definitely something to consider when choosing the right lyra. While we sell both solid and hollow lyras in a variety of sizes for both adults and children, many kids might not love the amount of pain that comes with circus training. Being up in the air can be scary enough, let alone painful. If that’s the case, a hollow ring might make your little one’s circus training a bit more enjoyable.

Price

There is also a price difference between the two types of lyra. The hollow ring is a little cheaper. So if finances are a concern for you or if you want to use part of your circus budget on some of our awesome lyra accessories, our hollow ring might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, price should never, in our opinion, be your main deciding factor when it comes to circus safety. Choose the ring that best suits your needs now and in the future. After all, there’s always Afterpay…

We hope this helps answer some of your questions and we’ll be back soon with more info on lyras and our other awesome aerial gear.

The post Buying Your First Aerial Hoop/Lyra/Aerial Ring appeared first on Trix Circus.