[Milo Dolezal]

I watched the video. Impressive stuff...

There is more involved than asked. The plastic tube has to be continuous and/or have welded seam. Additionally, how do you plan to slip it on the ring since it has no open ends ? Moreover, if this is for the same performance, I am sure it will have to have specific material specifications so the ring "feels" and reacts the same as the old ones.

Armoflex is definitely not the type of material you want to use. I don't think Plumber's trade will be able to offer to you material as delicate as your project requires. As somebody else mentioned here before, best way would be to go the prop manufacturer.

[speedball1]

Milo's correct, Armoflex won't do it. This is just off the topof my head but have you thought of heavy shrink wrap for the hoops? Performer Huh? I live in Sarasota, (Circus City) Years back "The Big One", (Ringling) wintered in Sarasota. I personally knew some of the performers that lived near me. It was a city wide event when the circus train pulled in and unloaded to parade down the street to winter quarters. We,here in Sarasota, will always have a soft spot in our hearts for the circus and its performers. We wish you the best of luck. Get out there and "break a leg"! Regards, Tom

[Henry12]

Milo, no, the plastic doesn't not need to be continuous. The hoop is made in five segments, and each one has a sleeve joint. The plastic/rubber on one part simply butts up against the against segment. Going to the prop manufacturer would be easiest, except that it is so new that the information is still proprietary. I am the new manufacturer, and this is the last little kink I hope to work out.

Speedball, yes, I have tried the heavy walled heat shrink. It is promising, but expensive in that I have not found any source that makes clear (PVC and Polyolefin being the only two in clear) at the diameter I need, and the wall thickness I need. This means layering, which will start to run me into the hundreds of dollars range. I may just have to resort to this thought, given the ease of application.

Thank you all for your many thoughts and ideas! I really appreciate them all. I have enough to try out and work on for the moment, and will post again in the future if I still haven't had any luck. The prop won't be finished until January, if I do find a nice way to cover it, but if I have success, I will be sure to post a photo. Best,
Henry Glick