hula hoop training gear

[C-Chopper]

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone has some instructions in regards to building the training gear with a hula hoop, also some pics would be great to get a visual of the training gear.

Thanks
C_Chopper

[aarinsingh]

I used 2 pcs of 1/4" dowl in an "X" fashion Zip ties for dowl to skids, and Elastic bands for dowel to hoop.

Keep the overhang past the hoop to a min to prevent snags, or add wiffle balls.

[ThBrtmn]

This is the way I have seen them made... I actually went with the wiffle ball and dowel setup when I started. The size dowel is actually whatever size that will be the lightes and most durable. If you can geta small enough hoola hoop...se if you can get some arrow shafts or carbon rod thats big enough.

[aarinsingh]

Wow 4 dowels 3/8 to 1/2, just substitute a 2x4

IMO Light is key, It didn't take me long to drop the hula hoop, but I kept the X shaped dowels with wiffles balls, and just trimmed em back everytime I got cocky. Makes for a nice Transition.

You still feel naked first flight out without the gear

[C-Chopper]

Thanks for the description and drawing i apprechiate it

Thanks
C-Chopper

if there are any more that would be great, just to give me a variety to choose from

[porsche]

The X with wiffle balls is great and it's best to practice on a hard surface like a parking lot to allow the landing gear to slip instead of dig in. Alan

[Citypickle]

I used two old fishing rods in mine it was light and stiff but flexable

[ThBrtmn]

Wow 4 dowels 3/8 to 1/2, just substitute a 2x4


Thats the way I have seen them made...Keep in mind I went with the dowels and balls method. C-Chopper...if it gets too confusing there is a pack you can buy...Here are some examples..the most popular I have seen is the CF rods with the Red balls that plug into the wood block.
http://www.netpackx.com/html/training_gear.html

[Spitfire_mk5]

I started with the X and wiffle balls myself on grass but have flown a heli on the hoop IMO the X'ed sticks fly alot closer to an unladened heli as the hoop weighs a ton!

That said the hoop will not dig in like the wiffle ball setup can -- so its really a personal choice as to whats going to help you to be comfortable learning -- knowing its harder to flip it in an 'oops' or knowing that how your flying at the moment is similar to how it will fly when you work up the courage to cut the gear off (downside you cant land in FF-hover :D on uneven ground without the risk of digging a skid on uneven terrain).

Personnally i like the X sticks cause once your donme for the day they take up less space in the car
:lol: