For such a simple piece of equipment there are many different Streetluge designs, construction methods and set-ups, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

There are four main types of construction when it comes to Streetluge: the Rail, Sled, Tube and Composite.

Rail

The oldest of the Streetluge designs still in use. Usually using aluminium channel, a long rail is constructed, the trucks bolt to the rail, which drops in the middle of the Luge to lower the centre of gravity and accommodate the seat pan. This type of Luge is fairly simple to build, is strong and the rail under the seat pan makes it very stiff. The low rail also leaves very little ground clearance so the Rail type Luge is prone to bottoming out (scraping along the ground) on some courses.

Sled

Not too dissimilar to the Rail, the Sled also usually uses aluminium channel. Unlike the Rail though the Sled does not have any support under the seat pan, instead the pan is made from aluminium plate, which has been bent to add stiffness. Not only is the Sled usually easier and cheaper to build than the rail, but, because the aluminium channel supporting the trucks usually bolts onto the pan, it can also be dismantled for easier transport.

Tube

Pioneered by the Rogers Brothers the Tube Luge offers great versatility and performance. On this design steel or aluminium tubes are bent into the outside shape of the Luge and the seat pan is slung between them.

These are the latest generation of Streetluge, and still very much in the development stage due to the cost and skill need to build them. These Luges are made from materials such as Glass, Kevlar and Carbon fibres bonded using Epoxy Resin. Instead of being several parts bolted together the whole board is one single, moulded piece. The advantages of this are that the board can be designed to be much more aerodynamic without the need for fairings, channelling and smoothing the air as it passes round, over and under the Luge, and filling gaps where turbulence can occur.

Fairings

Since the very beginnings of Streetluge people have added Fairings to their boards in order to improve aerodynamics. Banned by the IGSA for several years due to safety issues, thanks to new materials and design they are once again being used.

A Fairing is used to channel and smooth the flow of air over the Luge and fill in gaps thus reducing turbulence and drag, allowing the board to go faster. Fairings range from simple deflectors at the front of the Luge to moulded composite shells that enclose the wheels at the front and rear and form a cone behind the rides head.

Boom Vs. Boomless

This has been a much discussed topic. TO BE CONTINUED...