Thanks for the info JJ - much appreciated - I can certainly understand a company making in house and not selling to competitors. That makes sense.
Since I've compared Rogers and Slingerland hoops - albeit in different sizes - and they seem much the same style and design-wise - I guess they are probably a result of long standing general style for bass drums : rounded outer edge for claws and a flat edge for against the flesh hoop; with mostly only variations of width and inlay groove (both groove width or no groove at all).
It seems that all of the greater variations are more recent.
I purchased a Rogers Holiday 18" hoop off eBoy, so I'll see for sure if it is distinguishable from the Slingy 18" that I already have.
Vintage 18"s seem few and far between and are often pricier. I considered an unfinished new replacement from Drum Maker, but a full d.i.y. + inlay cost was still well over $70. — I could have gotten a finished one, champ inlay included from Classic Drums in England for over $135 U.S. - oy.....
Here's hopin' the vintage Rogers hoop will be what I expect - It needs a little touch up, but ran $50 (s/h included) - I bought some vintage champagne inlay here on VDF for $15 a while back - so $65 and some elbow grease is the best deal I found.
I'll know soon enough.....
Are there any owners of both Rogers AND Slingy kits out there who have compared BD hoops?