Differences Between Bobsleds & Luges

Anyone who has ever watched the winter Olympics is probably aware of the two popular sledding events that entail racing down an icy, mountain course at a high rate of speed. These events are bobsledding and luge, and despite their rapid downhill acceleration, the two events are very different.

  1. Vehicle

    • The most obvious difference between bobsled and luge racing is the weight and aerodynamics of the sleds. Olympic bobsleds weigh in at 384 lbs. maximum for two-man and 463 lbs. maximum for the four man. In contrast, a racing luge weighs between 50 lbs. and 60 lbs., depending on the number of riders. Then, there is the aerodynamic action on the vehicle and riders as they negotiate the course. With bobsleds, the riders crouch hunched together behind the front of the sleigh with little direct airflow hitting the competitor. However, the bodies of luge riders are severely exposed to airflow and so each rider's ability to maintain minimum air resistance plays an important role in determining the winner of the race.

    Number of Racers and Length of Course

    • Although bobsled and luge racers use the same course and are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph, the number of racers for each sport can vary. Bobsledding is always a team sport, while lugers can either compete as an individual or a two-man team. Bobsledders compete in either two- or four-man teams and must exert a large amount of energy at the start of the race. According to the "Seattle Times," the success of luge riders depends on their ability to relax, while hurling downhill over a concrete and ice track.

    Start

    • One of the biggest difference between the two sports, involves the start. Bobsledders partake in a running start before mounting their sleds, while luge sliders begin their race seated on top of the sleds. After pushing their sled down the hill, the bobsledding teams must then mount the moving vehicle, a critical task which often influences the final outcome. In luge, the start is important, but probably has less effect on the final outcome. As with lugers, their ability to stay on the racing course is paramount.

    Control

    • Though critical to a successful race, steering bobsleds and luges in Olympic racing is accomplished in tiny increments. This is because most courses are expertly designed so that only small corrections are necessary. In a bobsled, the driver or first rider controls the vehicle by a pair of rings that pull on the front runners and turn the vehicle. Luges operate in a much different manner, where the rider must apply breaking action against one of the front blades with the appropriate leg. One false move here and the racer can easily lose control of the sled.