The equipment, gear, and accessories used in the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
Boblsleigh and skeleton are two separate but related winter activities, both considered extreme sports.
Bobsleigh is a high-speed winter sport where teams of two to four slide down an icy track in a specially designed sled, known as a bobsled. Athletes require exceptional coordination and strength to navigate sharp turns and achieve top speeds.
Skeleton is a winter sport where athletes slide down a frozen track head-first on a small, flat sled. Racers lie on their stomachs, steering with subtle shifts in body weight, making for an exhilarating and dangerous ride.
Both sports are governed by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation and share the same icy tracks. Although the equipment and techniques differ, bobsleigh and skeleton athletes alike pursue the thrill of speed, precision, and the challenge of an icy descent.
As this is the shopping portion of our web guide, we will concentrate on the equipment, gear, and accessories used in bobsleigh and skeleton here. The sports are covered in more detail in our Sports & Recreation section.
The bobsleigh (sled) itself is a highly engineered piece of equipment designed for speed and safety. Bobsleighs are made of a lightweight steel or aluminum frame with aerodynamic shells made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The sled has two sets of runners made of polished steel designed for smooth gliding on ice tracks. Modern sleds come in two-man or four-man options.
Helmets are constructed of strong but lightweight materials such as polycarbonate or fiberglass to protect the head from potential crashes during high-speed runs. Helmets often feature aerodynamic designs with visors to shield athletes from ice spray.
Racing suits for bobsleigh are aerodynamic and insulating. Typically made from stretchable, snug-fitting fabrics, these suits reduce air resistance and keep athletes warm. They are padded in key areas.
Bobsleigh shoes are built for warmth and grip. Constructed from insulated materials like neoprene or leather, they provide for dexterity.
Push handles are used to push the sled during the starting phase and are designed for ergonomics and strength, often made from aluminum.
Major manufacturers include BTC Bobsleigh, Dallara, FES, Kausch, and Descente.
The skeleton sled is made of runners, a chassis, an aerodynamic glass-fiber cowling, and a saddle. The runners are the most critical component as the only part in contact with the ice. They are made from solid steel.
Worn to protect the head during high-speed descents, skeleton helmets are lightweight yet sturdy. Skeleton suits are streamlined to reduce air resistance and made from materials like lycra and poly-cotton blends, with features such as silver-ion technology for anti-odor properties and to reduce friction. The suits are padded at the knees and elbows.
Specialized shoes provide grip and stability during the start and while loading onto the sled. Skeleton shoes are also flexible to allow for quick movements.
Skeleton gloves are needed to protect the hands and provide a better grip on the sled. Typically, they are padded and made from durable materials. Additional protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, might be used, as well.
Several companies produce equipment for skeleton, including BoDyn Bobsled Project, Intersport, Lazer Helmets, and Mach 39.
These and any other manufacturers or retailers specializing in providing equipment for the extreme winter sports of bobsleigh and skeleton are appropriate for this category, as are websites offering reviews or comparisons of products for these sports.
Recommended Resources
The bobsled constructor was founded in 1992 by former NASCAR driver and 1986 Daytona 500 winner Geoff Bodine. The organization collaborates on the design, manufacture, and supply of US-built racing sleds for the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. Classified as a non-profit organization, its sleds are built in NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano's race shop in Huntersville, North Carolina. The design and construction of the bobsleds are discussed here.
http://www.bodynbobsled.com/
Bromley Technologies is a company based in Rotherham, United Kingdom, that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-performance sleds for skeleton racing. The company offers a range of sled models, including the X26, X18, V14, and T14, each tailored to different levels of athlete development and competition. Its sled range is highlighted on the company's website, along with an overview of its technology and support services. The address and contacts are included.
https://www.bromleytechnologies.com/
Headquartered in Munich, Germany, iXent Sports GmbH specializes in developing and manufacturing high-performance bobsleighs. They are particularly known for their involvement in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation Monobob sled, which was used in the women's monobob event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. This sled is standardized for all competitors. Additionally, iXent Sports has produced other high-performance bobsleighs. The company and its projects are featured.
https://www.ixent.de/
Qwixskinz Bobsleigh Race Suits
The US-based company was founded by Deanna Panting, who has an extensive background in high-speed sports like skeleton racing. The company produces racing suits for a variety of sports, including bobsleigh and skeleton racing. In business for over twenty years, the company's suits are designed for high performance and are used by bobsleigh and skeleton teams at all levels, from development to World Cup Championships. They also offer options for customization.
https://qwixskinz.com/suits/bobsleigh
