Bobsled is a sled used in the sports of bobsledding. This sport is mostly famous in the winter season. The sport Bobsledding was first invented by the Swiss in the late 1860s.
In this unique and dangerous game, teams run alongside the sled while pushing up the hill, jumping in before catching gravity, and competing for the best running times on the trails.
Previously, Sleds were made of wood, and now they are made of glass and steel. Bobsleighs can reach speeds of 150 km per hour, with the reported world record being 201 km/h.
Bobsled rides are too aggressive. Anyone with chronic neck, back, kidney or heart problems, who are pregnant or have recently become pregnant, or anyone who has recently had surgery is strongly recommended to avoid this sport.
Table of Contents
How much does a Bobsled Cost?
Bobsleds are very expensive and challenging to make. Even finding a sled that is definitely fast is a difficult task. Only a few companies can actually manufacture the competitive sleds.
Just like a racing car, all the parts of a sled only need to be made and refined with speed; in fact, a fast sled can cost much more than some of the best cars!
An average cost for buying a bobsled usually ranges between $30,000 and, the price can go higher depending upon the size, design, and material used in manufacturing. According to an estimate, an Olympic bobsled can cost around $ 50,000. Other bobsleds that are not used in Olympic races can be much cheaper and more affordable.
Because it is difficult to find the fastest and reliable bobsled and even everyone wants to buy it, the prices will always be higher. A two-person sled that travels the world can cost anywhere from $116,440 to $860, and a 4-person sled can reach $291,171.50! These ripping costs are a big part of why bobsledding is such a demanding sport to compete in.
If anyone wants to enjoy bobsledding without buying a bobsled, they can go to the ski resort and can enjoy a bobsled ride in Utah Olympic Park. Park City, Utah they offer bobsled rides for $170 per person. Another famous destination, Whiteface Lake Placid, New York, provides the ride at $100, and Whistler Sliding Centre, Canada, offers the bobsledding at $129.
Additional Cost for Buying Bobsled
Expenses for protective equipment
Bobsledding ride requires protective equipment, including helmets, goggles, and skintight racing uniforms made from stretchy materials. So there are additional expenses required from your budget to buy all these safety equipment.
Maintenance Expenses
Maintenance is an essential factor to consider while buying a bobsled. Polishing a bobsled before riding will result in better performance. It is mainly required when you want to ride your bobsled for a competition.
Expenses for Bobsledding lessons
Bobsledding lessons are required when any person wants to learn bobsledding at a competitive level. To hire an experienced constructor, you just need to spend $45 to $55.
A high-performance coach will guide you through all the essential skills and strategies you need to get started and ensure your safety.
To hire an experienced constructor, you just need to spend $45 to $55.
Unfortunately, bobsled cannot be taken anywhere to mount it. You will need to have a course to teach, and these courses may have fees for you to use. If you enter any type of competition, you will likely have to pay an entry fee.
Cost For Renting A bobsled
If anyone wants to buy a bobsled just for fun and not for any competition, so it is recommended to rent a bobsled instead of buying one. Sky areas are also readily available with the tour.
As the prices for buying bobsleds are very high, even renting a bobsled is also expensive. However, renting a bobsled for a team is much more suitable and affordable than buying it.
The price for renting a bobsled can vary greatly. This is usually due to the need for a quick sled. A team that wants to rent for the World Cup or the Olympics will have to pay a lot more than someone who wants to rent some pre-season practice.
Renting a sled for a week can range from $ 500 to $ 10,000, depending on the quality of the sled and the situation! In an Olympic year, that could be significantly more.
Are all bobsleds the same?
Women’s bobsleds are designed differently than men as they are more petite and differently proportioned than a man.
Women bobsled have additional interior contours to better support women’s bodies. Children can also ride a two-seated bobsled but only if accompanied by a 15 years old child.
Children over ten years with a height of 130cm can ride alone. Two adults cannot use two seated bobsled rides.
Bobsledding is a dangerous sport. That’s why it is always recommended to wear appropriate protective equipment, including a helmet, when engaged in sport. Injuries and even deaths can occur as it is a swift sport.
If possible, try consulting an experienced sled before mastering the sport.
What is a Bobsled made up of?
Early Bobsleds were made up of wood, but the innovative bobsleds are manufactured by a fiberglass hull body, a steel frame that enhances the cost of bobsled.
Bobsled also has a steering mechanism. There is also a brake, which is used to prevent the team from accelerating to something like 90 mph.
The weight of bobsleds matters the most as the heavier sled can go much faster than a lighter sled. When the teams don’t reach their maximum weight, they can add ballast to make their bobsleds heavier.
Types Of Bobsleds
There are usually two types of bobsleds that are used; two-person Bobsleds and Four person Bobsleds. Two-person bobsled weights at least 170 kg when empty, more than 390 kilograms with crew and equipment. Four-person bobsled weights minimum 210 kilograms when empty and maximum 630 kilograms with team and equipment. Bobsleds have the same essential components, whether built to accommodate two or four athletes. But four-person sleds have two extra sleds, so they are faster than two-person bobsleds.