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Difference Between Luge and Skeleton

Julita — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:00:20 +0000

Luge vs. Skeleton

Winter sports probably have the most unique of all sports known to man. The events showcased are truly nerve wrecking. It usually takes the greatest amount of courage just to participate in one of these very unusual, not to mention, dangerous sports. In this connection, two winter sporting events raise the danger level to the extreme. These are the luge and the skeleton. Here, instead of the player riding an enclosed sleigh type vehicle, both luge and skeleton sleds warrant the player to ride on a fragile-looking, tray-like sled, commonly termed pods.

There’s a peculiar difference between a skeleton sled and a luge sled. Although they traverse similar tracks, their physical characteristics vary. In the luge sliding sport, the slider sleds or rides a pod made of aerodynamically designed fiberglass, with curved edges. This feature allows the rider some control over his lower body in his descents to speeds as fast as 90 mph. And the hard part is – it is a feet first, face up (supine position) sport. Moreover, this type of sled is 6 to 9 inches longer than that of the skeleton sled.

Otherwise known as tobogganing, skeleton sport makes use of a rather different skeleton sled. Its frame does not show the abovementioned features of the luge sled. It is a lot heavier, approximately 40 pounds more than the other. Contrary to the luge sled, the slider of the skeleton sled maneuvers in a head first fashion. He is also facing down towards the track (like in a prone position).

With regard to safety, both one-person sliding sports are timed to the hundredth of a second. They are undoubtedly the fastest sliding sports during the Winter Olympics. However, skeleton is regarded to be much safer than luge. Actually, it is considered to be the safest among all other sliding sports. Controlling the skeleton sled is much easier, with just the use of fine body movements (shifting of weight); unlike in luge, where the rider needs to press the sled’s runners using their calves for better steering. Because of this ease of operation, there is little or less tendency for the skeleton rider to be wiped out during a turn. It is also important to note that both sled types don’t employ the use of breaks. Hence, it’s really very difficult to guarantee the rider’s safety from being smashed against the cold solid ice at speeds of 85mph or greater.

1. The luge sled is a longer sled that has curved edges, whereas the skeleton sled is much heavier.
2. Luge is a feet first, face-up sport, whereas skeleton is a head first, face down sliding sport.
3. Skeleton is a much safer sport compared to luge.You might also like…

Difference Between Super G and Downhill

Julita — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:30:30 +0000

Super G vs. Downhill

Do you know something about the discipline of skiing? How about skiing in the Alps? Well, there are two popular disciplines nowadays revolving around Alpine skiing. These are the Super G and the Downhill. Unfortunately, many observers confuse them as one and the same because they simply look exactly similar at a glance. However, these two speed centric skiing disciplines have many differences between them.

First, Downhill has a longer course. The terrains involved are also of many types, may it be flat or steep. With regard to flag placement (also known as poles or gates), they are placed a little closer to each other, although, no two flags can readily be seen together, and there’s no minimum number of flags provided so that the skier can still spot the next flag.

Conversely, there’s a minimum set of flags placed in Super G skiing (also known as Super Giant Slalom). The numbers are usually 30 for the female category, while there are 35 for men. These flags are also widely spaced in a similar way to that of Giant Slalom racing. It’s somewhat tougher, because it involves constant turning. There is less or no straight areas to traverse throughout the course, compared to downhill, wherein the course usually involves one or two straight sections. These sections are the places where the skiers actually do some gliding. Overall, Super G is sort of placed in between the Giant Slalom and the Downhill racing levels. It has borrowed some attributes from both.

Regarding history, Super G was only introduced in the World Cup series, back in 1982, although it was only in the year 1988 when it was taken as one of the official Olympic sports. Downhill’s history, on the contrary, can be traced back as early as 1921.

When talking about the skiing speed, Downhill is regarded as the fastest high speed skiing discipline among all the others. Depending on the course, the skier can reach 81 mph, and some terrains even make it possible for the skier to go as fast as 93 mph max. That’s why participation in this kind of sport really takes a lot of training so that the skier can effectively control their speed, do some jumps, and hasten their overall technical expertise.

1. Downhill is the older high speed skiing discipline compared to Super G.

2. Downhill is considered to be the faster disciple compared to Super G.

3. Downhill’s flag placement is much closer to each other than those of Super G.

4. Super G has a minimum set of flags placed in the course, whereas Downhill doesn’t have any minimum.

5. Downhill’s course has straight sections, which is a rare occurrence in a Super G course.

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Difference Between AL and NL

Kivumbi — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:00:16 +0000

AL vs NL

Like many popular games in the United States, Major League baseball consists of two professional leagues; the American League (AL) and The National League (NL). Thirty teams make up the two leagues, and the games are played in thirty host places. There are 14 teams that compete in the American League, while 16 teams compete in the National League. Besides from the teams in each league, there are other factors that differentiate the two leagues.

The NL was formed in 1876, while the AL was formed in 1901 to compete against the NL. At first, Major League baseball didn’t exist, and the two leagues were run independently from each other, only meeting in the first World Series in 1903. Therefore, the NL is the older league that makes up Major League baseball.

The key differentiating factor between the AL and the NL is that while the AL permits a designated hitter (any player that bats in place of a pitcher), the NL does not allow one. This results in a higher number of runs averaged by AL teams compared to NL teams, because of the extra solid batter in the AL team lineups. Pitchers in AL teams do not bat. The designated hitter was first introduced in the 1973 season when Ron Bloomberg of the New York Yankees became the first DH to bat in a Major League baseball game. Pitchers in the NL do still bat though.

The DH rule has resulted in variations of the styles of play in the two leagues, and as such, makes the AL a more power-based game, with the home run being the epitome, while the NL is more oriented towards pitching, placing the emphasis on offensive runs.

Still with style of play, in order for the AL home plate umpire to watch the pitched ball in flight, he will stare directly above the catcher’s head, while in the NL the umpire will look over the inside shoulder of the catcher.

In games where AL and NL teams play against each other (inter-league or world-series play), home team rules are the ones that apply; for instance, in a game hosted at an AL team’s home city, the DH rule will apply to both teams. However, if the game is held on NL ground, then neither team will be permitted to use the DH.

Summary:
The NL is the older of the two leagues, formed in 1876, while the AL was formed in 1901.
The AL allows a DH (designated hitter), while the NL does not.
The AL teams average more runs than the NL due to the additional solid batter.
AL games are more power-based, with focus on home runs, while NL games are pitching-based, with emphasis on offensive runs.You might also like…

Difference Between Football cleats and Baseball cleats

Kivumbi — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:00:06 +0000

Football cleats vs Baseball cleats

Football players, as well as baseball players, wear cleats so that they can get a firmer grip on the playing surface. Both football and baseball cleats have the same function – to help the player stay firm on the ground while enabling him to move fast, and avoid easily tripping or slipping. However, even if their basic function is the same, football cleats differ from baseball cleats in many ways. Although the differences have been narrowed by the introduction of artificial turf, they do still exist in many ways.

Basically, football cleats refer to sports shoes that have molded bottoms with large knobs screwed in to provide traction. The knobs are adjustable to fit with the conditions of the field.
As for baseball cleats, they usually have steel bars measuring about 3 quarters of an inch wide and half an inch deep, and they are permanently fixed into the bottom of the shoe.

Football cleats are heavier, and tend to be more supportive owing to the heavier physical toll on the athletes brought on by the nature of game and equipment. They also go as high up as the ankle, although various styles will suit the different individual preferences. On the other hand, baseball cleats are much lighter, and do not go up to the ankle.

Metal spikes can be used by baseball players instead of plastic or rubber, but not for football cleats; although both can use shoes with plastic studs. This is due to the varying nature of baseball pitches, with some much harder to run on than others.

Whereas studs on baseball cleats tend to have just about the same length, football cleats offer a variety of lengths, mainly due to the difference of positions and to be able to deal with the differing surfaces of play.
In baseball, faster players often prefer lighter cleats, while power hitters and pitchers often choose more supportive cleats. In football, it is the linemen who opt for more supportive cleats, with ankle support, while running backs as well as wide receivers go for cleats that will allow for a better range of movement.

For baseball games on artificial turf, usually only pitchers and catchers will use spikes. For players of football as well as baseball players on artificial turf, they will often use rubber-soled shoes with many smaller knobs on them.

Summary:
Football cleats are heavier and more supportive, whereas baseball cleats are lighter.
Baseball cleats can use metal spikes, while those are not used for football cleats.
Studs on baseball cleats tend to have the same length, while for football cleats, the length varies.You might also like…

Difference Between Steel and Graphite Shafts

charm — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:00:57 +0000

Steel vs Graphite Shafts

Steel shafts and graphite shafts can be compared upon the difference in their weight, torque and vibration. When we compare weights, steel is heavier than graphite shafts, as it is made from a carbon steel alloy that is chrome-plated to make it anti corrosive. Graphite shafts are made from multiple layers of carbon fibers held together by epoxy resins that makes it light weight. Steel has low resistance to twist, or a low torque, compared to graphite that has a mild torque. Steel gives out more vibration than graphite, and more accuracy, but graphite absorbs shock, so it is generally recommended for everyone.

Golfers have been using steel clubs since 1920, and graphite shafts were introduced in late 1960’s. They gained widespread acceptance in the mid 1980’s. Steel shafts are cheaper and consistent from shaft-to-shaft because they are made from a single material, whereas graphite shafts offer a lightweight alternative to steel shafts.

Steel shafts can weigh around 80 to 120g, and graphite’s weight can be around 60 to 80g. Graphite shafts feel more comfortable compared to steel shafts, because of its light weight and swing speed. The weight of the shaft counts a lot because it produces a swing speed, so steel being heavier causes a slower swing speed than the lightweight graphite shaft. Another major difference is that steel shafts are more solid and stronger than graphite shafts.

The weight of steel shafts give golfers more support, balance and accuracy, because for swing tempo, a little heavier weight helps to gain more control. The graphite shaft’s light weight causes more vibrations to impact on the wrists of the golfer, which in turn affects the swing speed as well. With steel, the feel of the shot is crisper and sharper compared to graphite, whose feel is more dampened and softer.

Another comparison possible is on the basis of the distance the golfer wants to fit with his swing. Steel is again a better option if the primary goal is more distance.

Usually, older golfers and women golfers use graphite shafts. Steel shafts are standard shafts used by younger guys and experienced golfers. Senior golfers with joint problems also prefer graphite shafts, and an average player can switch to graphite to play better, and for a good swing and tempo of speed. The lighter weight also reduces shock impact, and covers good distance. Steel shafts are superior in quality to graphite shafts, and reliable too.

Summary:

1. Steel shafts are heavier, and made of steel alloys that are chrome-plated.

2. Graphite shafts are lightweight, made with multi layers of carbon fibers held together with epoxy resin.

3. Steel shafts are preferred by experienced golfers who have a slow swing speed and want accuracy.

4. Graphite shafts are good for senior or woman golfers who want to have less shock impact on their hands to avoid joint pains.

5. Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite shafts, and they have a low torque compared to graphite that has a mild torque.

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