My hoop was bent into 14" diameter circle, out of 1 1/4" aluminum tube, and welded at a 45 degree angle, to a 5" bracket that is hose clamped to the pole. I bought a fairly stiff nylon fabric from Sailrite ($60 including thread, velcro, and webbing), sewed the sock, doubled over the fabric at the entrance and attached it to the outside of the hoop with self tapping screws every inch and a half or so. Found some stamped stainless steel washers that were shaped to provide a recess for the screw head, and flexible enough to conform to the hoop when cinched down. Seems very secure, and all fabric and screws are far enough away from the entry to offer no resistance to the chute. All in all, looks like it'll serve for a number of seasons. I'll try to remember to attach a few pics.

Dave

H16. SC20 DC24