Jake, I think it weighs about twice that much but it was relatively easy and quick to make so there was a tradeoff. I am not too concerned about weight as much as function. I know this hoop would eventually evolve into a 2 piece mold design that would produce a hollow part as im sure others are made in this way and that would cut the weight to almost nothing. As for the epoxy adhering to the plastic you are right in that it did not like to stick but the glass sort of surrounds the plastic in this case so it was not too much of a problem but definately good practice to scratch up the pipe beforehand.

PTP, i would definately like to see pictures of your sock. I just bought some polyester fabric from walmart today that looks like it will work well and closely approximates the material that I have seen on working socks. It is very light and pretty tough. I also bought some 1.5" wide sew on velcro to use to attach it to the pole and hoop. Total cost, about 15 bucks. Hey mom, can I use your sewing machine?