Practical notes on buying and flying advertising balloons and blimps in the USA.
Helium
Each size lists its helium requirement in cubic feet on the price list. A 21 ft polyurethane blimp needs a little over half the helium of a comparable PVC or nylon blimp, which matters every time you refill.
Wind
10 ft blimps are rated to about 20 MPH. From 13 ft up, 25–30 MPH. Round balls at 4.5–6 ft and 9.5 ft shapes are rated to roughly 15 MPH. Bring it down before a storm — no balloon is rated for gusts.
Buy or rent
Compared with a billboard, a balloon you own keeps working every weekend for years at no further media cost. For a single event, renting is usually the better call. If you expect to fly it more than three or four times, buying is normally cheaper.
How long does one last?
Polyurethane holds up to sun and handling far better than PVC. Stored dry and out of direct sunlight between uses, a balloon that is flown for weekend promotions will keep going for years rather than seasons.
Choosing the right format
Use a round advertising balloon when visibility from several directions is the priority. Choose a blimp when you want a larger side profile for lettering or a logo, or a custom inflatable when the product or mascot shape is the message. Compare the available formats and prices before requesting a quote.
Planning an installation
Before choosing a size, check the available open space, nearby trees, power lines and buildings, the tether area, and any local event rules. The person responsible for the display should monitor conditions and lower the balloon whenever wind approaches the rating supplied for that model.
What to include with a quote request
Send the event date and ZIP code, whether you want to buy or rent, the preferred size or display location, and any lettering or logo artwork. Those details make it easier to recommend the appropriate balloon and prepare an accurate quote.
Care between uses
Let the balloon dry completely before storage. Pack it clean, protect it from sharp objects and heat, and keep its tethers and inflation hardware together so the next setup is straightforward.