Both a sport and a recreational activity, street luge involves riding a street luge board down a paved road or downhill course at high speeds, sometimes over 100 mph.
In this portion of our web guide, we will focus on the equipment, gear, and accessories used in the sport. Additional information and resources on street luge can be found in the corresponding category in our Sports & Recreation area.
Initially, street luge boards were adapted skateboards. Early street lugers stretched their skateboards to accommodate a prone riding position, adding extra wheels for stability. Riders often crafted their boards in garages, experimenting with various shapes and materials.
As the sport grew, so did the demand for more specialized equipment. In the early 1990s, aluminum and fiberglass boards were introduced, offering superior strength and reduced weight, allowing for better control and higher speeds. Engineering advances led to the development of aerodynamically shaped boards, enhancing performance on downhill runs.
Modern boards are precision-engineered from advanced composites like carbon fiber, which perfectly balance strength and lightness. Suspension systems have enhanced the ability of riders to maintain control.
Full-face helmets are the norm in street luge, providing comprehensive protection against high-speed impacts. Riders also wear abrasion-resistant leather suits to protect against road rash and injuries during falls. These suits are often custom-fitted for maximum comfort. Specially designed gloves with reinforced palms and puck sliders provide hand protection and braking on the road surface. Riders might also use knee pads or back protectors for added safety.
Several manufacturers have entered the street luge market. Among these is Street Luge USA, which offers a range of boards that cater to different levels of expertise, from beginners to professional riders. Another is Xtreme Downhill, which integrates the latest materials and engineering techniques to produce high-performance boards. One of the most popular, at least in online sales, is Rogers Bros. Its luges are built from 6061-T6 black powder-coated aluminum pans, steel handles, and stainless steel folded ends, and are available in three sizes. Known for custom builds, LugenPeople allows riders to personalize their boards according to individual needs and preferences. California Road Sports provides a range of accessories and gear alongside their boards.
These and other manufacturers serving the street luge market are appropriate topics for this category, along with retailers of street luge products and websites featuring product reviews and comparisons.
Recommended Resources
Begun in a workshop in London in 2009, Dangerous Decks has moved several times and is currently located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where they have become known for crafting unique and resilient skateboards and street luges. Its online shopping section is focused on its carbon fiber street luge, its aluminum street luge, and its front and rear bumpers, which may be purchased separately. An email address and telephone number are posted on the site, and the origins of the business are stated.
https://www.streetluge.co.uk/
In business since the 1960s, Rogers Brothers have been creating skateboarding and street luge, initially for their own purposes, for sale locally (in the United States and Germany) and then worldwide. The history and profile of the company are set forth, and its products, with a concentration on street luge boards, are highlighted, as well as a range of hardware and accessories for skateboarding and street luge, and retailers carrying their products are featured.
https://rogersbrosdh.com/
Located in Brookline, Massachusetts, Thuro specializes in a variety of action sports equipment, such as longboards, skateboards, snowboards, surfboards, luge boards, inline skates, and scooters. Products may be purchased from the store, and its hours and location are posted on the website or from its online catalog. Included are several types of boards, accessories, and apparel. For those who can visit the store, a variety of services are also available. Gift cards may be purchased.
https://thuroshop.com/
