What are the rules for a luge sled?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 1 of 4A luge sled has two runners, two steels, a seat pod and two bridges, and all steering must come from these parts. A singles sled weighs 21 to 25 kg and a men's doubles sled 25 to 30 kg. A sled lighter than the calculation weight cannot make up the gap with extra body weight.
How it works
- Parts: 2 runners, 2 steels, a seat pod (or sling seat) and 2 bridges.
- Steering: only through those parts; doubles may add foot supports for the back athlete.
- Singles weight: 21 to 25 kg, calculated on 23 kg.
- Doubles weight: 25 to 30 kg for men; 25 to 31 kg for women.
- Heavier sled: weight above 23 kg in singles comes off the athlete's additional weight.
- Lighter sled: the missing weight may not be made up.
- Pod: no further back than the shoulders, no further forward than the kneecaps.
- Steels: outer edges rounded to at least 5 mm for safety.
The glossary has the luge sled parts, the kufen, the steels, the sled weight limit, the sled and the doubles.
Tricky cases
Can a doubles sled have extra steering parts?
Only foot supports for the athlete at the back, no longer than 300 mm.
Can the steel be cut to make it flex?
No. It may be drilled or milled lengthwise, but never cut across.
Do women's doubles use their own sleds?
They must use the standard sleds and parts from the manufacturer the FIL names.
Can springs be fitted between the bridges and runners?
No. Rubber and springs there are banned, apart from the rubber insert over the bridge foot.
Why the rule exists
Weight helps speed on a downhill track, so limits keep the contest about sliding. Tight rules on shape and parts stop athletes gaining from engineering the others cannot match.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 21 to 25 kg | IRO §5 1.2 |
| Men's doubles | 25 to 30 kg | IRO §5 1.2 |
| Youth B and younger | 16.5 kg singles sled | IRO §5 1.2 |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §5 points 1.1 to 1.3.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.