Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Guide 2020 (How to Choose)

How to Choose

This is a complete guide to help you choose rhythmic gymnastics apparatus.

In today’s guide you’ll learn:
  • What equipment do you need?
  • How much they cost?
  • The USAG and FIG rules for equipment (if competing)
  • Some bonus info that may help you with your choice
After reading this article you’ll have a good idea of the type of apparatus and attire you’ll need.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Rhythmic Gymnastics Rope

The size of the rope depends on the height of the gymnasts.
Let’s take a closer look at how to measure and a tip for choosing materials.

Rope Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Icon

Most rhythmic gymnastics ropes come in one standard large size and are left up to the consumers to cut to the proper size.

How much can they cost? Prices range from $13.00 to $50.00 depending on brand and material.

Material – Hemp or synthetic fibers (synthetic is more common and preferred for durability)

Weight – according to U.S.A.G. documents weight is not specified, but a heavier rope is usually considered better to help with control when tossing and throwing.

Sizing – Determined by gymnasts height. Middle of rope should be stepped and the ends of the rope should reach the gymnasts underarm. Make sure to tie a knot or double knot before cutting. (Single knot- is the most common and preferred by professionals.)

Rules – must be colored (all or partially), U.S.A.G. states Brightly Preferred. (This is done so that the apparatus is better seen on tv). Must be FIG approved rope.

Customization: There are some specialist that offer dying your rope but this is not recommended as the water can make it fade away. 

Care: Ropes that are dyed are not recommended to be wash as they can remove the color/fade. Ropes made from nylon are preferred and can be washed with cold water. Keep in a bag or covered when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Rope Size Chart

Rhythmic Gymnastics Rope Apparatus Size Chart

How to Choose a Rhythmic Gymnastics Hoop

In this chapter i’ll share an info graphic to help you
understand how to measure your hoop for the right size.
Example of designed hoop.

Hoop Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Icon

A rhythmic gymnastics hoop apparatus is commonly bought in a white color. Adhesive tape is then applied for design and handling purposes. 

Rhythmic Gymnasatics Hoop Size Chart

Rhythmic Gymnastics Hula Hoop Apparatus Size Chart

How much does a professional rhythmic gymnastics hoop cost? Professional hula hoop prices can range from $25.00 to $45.00, brand and material dependent. 

Material – plastic or (wood 1980 😉 )  Must hold shape. (Plastic is considered the modern material)

Weight -Senior and junior gymnasts: minimum of 300 grams.  Children and hope age divisions: a minimum of 225 grams.

Sizing – You choose a hoop based on an individual’s size. Take a ruler and measure the gymnast between the hips and waist (hip bone) and measure down to the bottom of the floor. Interior diameter starts at 51 cm to 90 cm

Senior Gymnasts: The interior diameter of the hoop is from 80 – 90 centimeters. 

Junior Gymnasts: The interior diameter of the hoop is from 70 – 90 centimeters.

Children and Hope age Divisions: the diameter of the hoop may be in proportion to the size of the gymnast. Should be to the gymnasts hip bone.

Rules – Hoop may be all or partially covered with adhesive tape (FIG Logo Must be Exposed). Bright color preferred. Must be FIG approved apparatus. If adding adhesive tape the FIG logo must be physically exposed. 

Customization:  Check out our  how to design hula hoops guide and try to make your own creative designs. If time is of the essence or you want a professional to work on your design we recommend turning to social media to try to find someone’s work you like.

Finished Hula Hoop Taped Design

Care: Recommended to keep in a hoop case or cover with fabric.

How to choose clubs for rhythmic gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics clubs are chosen based on size.

If competing in FIG competitions the FIG logo must stay visible if you decide to design your clubs.

Clubs Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Icon

How much can they cost?

Clubs can get expensive, ranging from $30.00 to $120.00.

Professional Taped Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Silver, Green, and Black Color

Weight:

Senior and Junior Gymnasts: the minimum weight should be 150 grams per club

Children’s and Hope age divisions: the minimum weight should be 75 grams per club

Sizing:

Senior and Junior Gymnasts: 40 – 50 cm from one end to the other.

Children’s and Hope’s age divisions: a minimum of 25 cm and appropriate to the size of the athlete. The perfect length for the club is, when it’s held, the top of the club should not extend beyond the gymnasts mid-bicep. 

Rules: The head must stay at the regulatory 3 cm diameter, even with adhesive tape. Must be FIG approved with logo visible even if taped with design

Customization: Adhesive tape is often added to help with grip and as an added design supplement. Check out our helpful taping and design guide for clubs to try for yourself. 

Care: Recommended to keep in a case or cover with fabric.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Size Chart

Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Apparatus Size Chart

How to choose a rhythmic gymnastics ball

Rhythmic gymnastics balls are chosen according to skill level and size of the gymnast’s hand. If competing in FIG competitions the ball must be FIG approved.

Ball Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Icon

Choosing a Rhythmic Gymnastics Ball

How much can it cost?

Prices start around $30.00 and go up to $100.00.

Material – rubber or synthetic material. (pliable plastic) provided that the latter possesses the same elasticity as rubber.

Weight

Level 9/10: the minimum weight of 400 grams

Level 5-8: the minimum weight of 330 grams

Level 3/4: the minimum weight of 310 grams

Children’s age division: the minimum weight of 200 grams

Sizing: 

Senior and Junior Gymnasts: 18-20 centimeters

Children’s Age Divisions: may be between 14 and 20cm. Ask your coach to help advise you of the size.

Rules: Must be FIG approved

Customization: none

Care: Keep covered with fabric out of use. Soft ball bags are best. 

How to Choose a Ribbon for Rhythmic Gymnastics

Ribbons are separated into 3 parts.
The stick, the ribbon connector, and the actual ribbon.

Ribbon Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus Icon

Ribbon – the ribbon is really made of a few different parts that can individually be bought to match design or preference. The main parts: stick/ribbon, are commonly attached together by a nylon cord, metal ring, or a thread. 

Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus

How much can it cost? Prices can range from $30.00 to $60.00 dollars. 

Material: wood, bamboo, plastic, fiberglass

Weight: Weight is not a factor measured on sticks

Sizing:  maximum diameter of 1 cm at its widest part

Length: 50 – 60 cm including the ring that permits the fastening of the ribbon to the stick

Rules: Shape can be cylindrical or conical, or the combination. May have a rubber handle for a maximum length of 10 cm at the level grip. Must be FIG approved.

Customization: Stick can be taped but it is very uncommon and not recommended. 

Stick: Some gymnasts like to use medical tape to help with grip but again it uncommon practice.  

Care: keep in a case

Rhythmic Gymnastics Ribbon : Measure your ribbon from one end to the other. The length of the gymnast’s ribbon is determined their “ level “ and age.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Rope Apparatus Example

How much does it cost? Prices range from $30.00 to $70.00.

Material: satin or other similar non-starched material. Material that does not get electrically charged is preferred. 

Weight: Size should be more of the determining factor. Weight is not highly factored but according to USAG rules. 

Senior Gymnasts: a minimum of 35 grams

Junior and Hope age Divisions: a minimum of 30 grams

Child Age Divisions: a minimum of 20 grams

Sizing: Width 4-6 cm

Length

Senior Gymnasts: the finished Length of the ribbon is a minimum of 6 meters. (not including stick)

Junior Gymnasts and Hope Divisions (all levels): the finished length of the ribbon is a minimum of 5 meters. (not including stick)

Child age Divisions: the finished length is a minimum of 4.5 meters. (not including stick)

Rules: Fixed to the stick by means of attachment such as thread, nylon cord or a series of articulated rings. 

The end that is attached to the stick is doubled in thickness for a maximum length of 1 meter. This is stitched down both sides. At the top, a very thin reinforcement or rows of machine stitching for a maximum length of 5cm is authorized.

Customization: Ribbons can be painted or dyed. 

Care: Keep in a ribbon roller. If not dyed can be ironed and steamed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Masha Yolinda
    May 24, 2020 at 4:07 am

    I love the rhythmic gymnastics size charts for roop, clubs, and hoop!! So helpful and pretty. Awesome Apparatus Guide!! 😀 Can you make a guide for the type of gymnastics please? 🙂

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