Calgary Luge Club

Luge Gear

It's best to talk to your coach before buying anything, but here's some of the luge gear athletes will eventually need.

This is the most important safety gear for lugers.
Your Coach will work with you to get an FIL approved Helmet and Face Shield when you are ready to move up the track. Novice athletes, who are just starting out, can wear a Ski Helmet. Double check with your Coach about specific requirements before going out to buy one.

Gloves are vital to protect your hands, but they also need to fit in the tight space around the sled's handles and provide good grip on the start handles.
They must be thin and cannot have padding or zippers. They should have leather palms and fit snugly without too much stretch. Ask experienced athletes to show you what they use. MEC offers several options that work well for luge (look for winter gloves for kayaking, cross-country skiing, etc.).

Luge booties are designed for aerodynamics and to protect the athlete's feet and ankles. Training booties also have grips for walking on ice.
Novices only need an old pair of running shoes. At Development A level, you will need a pair of training booties as well as racing Booties. Your coach will help you figure out which size to order. Booties can be ordered through CLA.

A variety of materials can help protect your ankles and shoulders from abrasions.
This is especially important for novice athletes who are just learning to drive their sleds. Your coach and older athletes will have suggestions for the best materials to use.

Speed suits are critical for aerodynamics. They fit very tightly and zip in the back.
Novices don't need anything special while they are learning the basics. As athletes progress, they will eventually need to buy a training and race suit.

Athletes are allowed to wear a certain amount of extra weight to help them build more momentum and speed during their run. The FIL sets standards to determine how much weight an athlete can wear.
Weight is worn under the suit, on the back of the athlete's body.
Novices don't need to wear extra weight, but Development athletes will. Your Coach will provide the squares of lead to make up the weight suit. Athletes need to make or order a custom suit to meet their individual needs.

Spikes help the athlete get going at the start of the run. They are made of metal and are worn on the fingertips.
Novices don't need spikes, but Development athletes do. Your Coach will order spikes with CLA.

A neck strap helps the athlete maintain an aerodynamic position on the sled in stronger g-forces.

Luge gear (including the weight suit) can weigh up to 50lbs. You will need a large, sturdy backpack to carry all your gear (helmet, gear, tools, duct tape, etc.). A 40-litre backpack works well.