Olympic lugers compete with one of the most minimalist yet finely calibrated setups in sport. Their essential gear includes a sleek, fiberglass pod mounted on steel runners and "steels," — the blades that the sled runs on, a tight-fitting aerodynamic race suit, a fiberglass helmet with an integrated face shield, spiked gloves for the start, and lightweight booties. Many athletes, especially those who weigh less than the maximum allowed, also wear customized weight vests to reach the sport’s strict weight regulations. Each piece of this gear is engineered not only for speed but also for precision control, allowing athletes to steer and stabilize while rocketing down icy tracks at over 150 kilometers per hour (93mph).

Luge sleds are made from a combination of fiberglass and steel. The body, or pod, typically is constructed of fiberglass to provide aerodynamic efficiency and a snug fit for the athlete. The structural components include two bridges that connect the pod to the sled’s runners. These runners are fitted with steel blades known as “steels”— the only part of the sled that makes contact with the ice. The sleds don’t have mechanical steering systems; instead, they respond to incredibly subtle body shifts from the athlete. Every component is tuned to millimeter precision to reduce drag, improve glide, and ensure the best line down the track.

The runners arguably are the most important part of the sled. Their shape, polish, and temperature all can impact how efficiently the sled glides over the ice. Athletes spend hours sanding and refining these blades with sanders and fine files, adapting them to the track’s ice conditions. Even a minuscule change in angle or texture can affect the sled’s grip and acceleration. During a run, the athlete controls the direction of the sled by applying pressure with their calves or shoulders, which subtly flexes the runners to initiate steering. The responsiveness of the runners is what allows elite lugers to maintain perfect racing lines at extreme speeds.

Lugers wear streamlined helmets made from fiberglass, with integrated face shields to protect their vision and face from cold, debris, and high-speed impact. The helmets are required to be form-fitting and lightweight, but strong enough to withstand significant force. Athletes also wear custom-fitted, skin-tight race suits designed to minimize air resistance. These suits are made of synthetic materials that are smooth and aerodynamic, helping the luger cut through the air as cleanly as possible. Everything from the helmet’s shape to the texture of the fabric is chosen with speed in mind.

The start of a luge run is explosive and critical, and athletes rely on a unique pair of gloves to get maximum acceleration. These gloves, often made from leather, are embedded with 5mm (less than two tenths of an inch) metal spikes on the index, middle and ring fingertips, allowing lugers to paddle forcefully against the ice during the push-off. The gloves must be light, flexible and durable, enabling precise grip and maximum power without restricting hand movement.

Despite the high speeds and risks, lugers wear surprisingly little padding. The primary safety elements are the helmet and face shield, as well as a neck strap designed to keep the head aligned under extreme G-forces. Beyond that, there’s no additional body armor or traditional padding like might be seen in other sports. Instead, safety in luge is ensured largely through proper training, sled control, and the design of the track itself. After the tragic death of Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili at Vancouver 2010, luge’s governing bodies enhanced safety protocols significantly, including changes to track design and start positions, but the equipment remained unchanged.

Olympic luge equipment is subject to strict international regulations set by the International Luge Federation (FIL). Sled weight carefully is controlled: for singles events, sleds must weigh between 21kg and 25kg (46lbs to 55lbs), and for doubles, between 25kg and 30kg (55lbs to 66lbs). Athletes are weighed with and without their gear, and lighter competitors are allowed to add precise amounts of ballast weight to meet the standards. The runners are checked before every competition to ensure they haven't been heated — warmed steels glide faster, which would be an unfair advantage. Officials also inspect dimensions, sled alignment, spike size on gloves, and the material of the race suit. Every component must conform to precise standards, and noncompliance can lead to disqualification. These regulations help maintain a level playing field, vital for a sport where hundredths of a second can decide Olympic medals.