What Is Gymnastic Equipment Made Of?

With the exception of the floor routine, most events in gymnastics require the use of some type of equipment or apparatus.These include the balance beam, uneven and parallel bars, vault, pommel horse and rings.

Balance Beam

The balance beam is a piece of solid wood that is 10 cm wide and 5 m long. It is covered with leather or suede for traction, and is mounted upon steel springs to minimize the impact on gymnasts' knees. The springs are then attached to the steel legs of the balance beam.

Uneven and Parallel Bars

The uneven bars are constructed from fiberglass or wood. In uneven bars, the steel supports of the upper bar are typically 2.41 m high, while the lower supports are 1.61 m high.

Parallel

Like uneven bars, parallel bars are constructed from fiberglass or wood, and are 3.5 m long. The steel legs that support each bar are 1.95 m high.

Vault

Springboards used for the vault event are constructed from a hollowed wooden wedge with heavy gauge steel springs fitted inside. The vault itself rests upon a steel metal frame that is 135 cm high. It is constructed from wood that is covered with leather or suede.

Pommel Horse

Like the vault, the pommel horse is constructed from a steel metal frame and a wooden surface covered in leather or suede. The pommel horse also features two steel ringed handles that are 12 cm in diameter.

Rings

The rings hang from leather straps or plastic-covered cables, and are suspended from a frame made of steel or wood. The rings themselves are constructed from steel piping that can be padded with high-density rubber foam and covered with leather.