Give exercise hoops a twirl (Product review)

Hoopalicious Storm Hooper: Mid-size (40-inch-diameter), mid-weight, one-piece hoop.

Likes: Great spin, balance and whip off the hip. At 1 1/2 pounds, it is within the ideal weight range for fast adult hooping.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $40. (323) 369-1494; www.hooprevolution.com.

Hoopnotica Fitness TravelHoop: Large (44-inch-diameter) take-apart hoop that breaks down into six 4-ounce, 23 1/2 -inch-long sections for easy packing or storage.

Likes: Great spin characteristics. Simple, no-tools, male-female snap-in assembly. Feels solid -- indistinguishable from a one-piece hoop. Weighs 1 1/2 pounds.

Dislikes: Though convenient, the tiny, quarter-inch pushpins that disengage the sections tend to hurt your thumb as you push.

Price: $49.95. (877) GO-HOOPN; www.hoopnotica.com.

BodyHoops Infinity Travelhoop: Large (44-inch-diameter) hoop that coils down to 22 1/2 inches via two swivel connectors.

Likes: It seemed to deliver a tougher workout, without giving up speed. You get this one going, it practically gives you a deep-tissue massage.

Dislikes: None -- although it may not pack as easily as the Hoopnotica in some luggage.

Price: $44.99. (805) 640-6813; www.bodyhoops.com.

The Original Hula Hoop by Wham-O: Smaller-sized hoops (maximum 36-inch-diameter) for kids.

Likes: Similar core-shaking workout as that of the adult hoops. In fact, even more effort is required to maintain the momentum of the 36-incher's thin, featherweight (8-ounce) bulk. A little ball inside makes a banging/swishing noise as you spin it.

Dislikes: Not as fun as the adult hoops. Too much work. And the noise gets irritating fast.

Price: $5. www.whamo.com.

Canyon Weighted Hula Hoop: Adjustable-weight, travel-friendly hoop that can be filled with water for a total weight of 4 pounds.

Likes: Best versatility of the bunch. Your abs and back definitely feel the extra weight; if the Infinity is a deep-tissue massage.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $25. (877) 914-6677; www.canyonhoops.com.