Equipment

Modern sleighs combine light metals, steel runners, and an aerodynamic composite body. Competition sleighs must be a maximum of 3.80 m long (4-crew) or 2.70 m long (2-crew), both have a maximum width of 0.67 m. The maximum weight, including crew, is 630 kg (4-crew) or 390 kg (2-crew). Metal weights may be added to reach these limits, as the greater the weight the faster the run, and until the 1952 weight-limit rule bobsleigh crews tended to be very heavy.

A crew is made up of a pilot, a brakeman, and in 4-crew two pushers are added. Runs (lauf) begin from a standing start, with the crew pushing the sled for up to fifty metres before moving on board. Races are won and lost in the initial push.