If the surf coaster is a stand up coaster with a vest restraint it’s difficult to describe how fast my interest in the “surf coaster” would decrease.
While this is a completely valid observation, it does not detract from the complete awfulness of stand-up coasters as a group. And thinking about B&M in particular, there is a special place in Hell for Mantis.
I still don't understand the fascination with standup rides - 'your legs/feet starting to ache a little from walking around all day? Stay standing and let's put them through some intense forces!'
Though if the restraint system was a little different and basically allowed for your body to be supported by your torso without either stapling you into the restraints or putting a massive amount of pressure on your body, maybe this could be a winner?
Mantis wasn't bad as a ride, but stand-ups in general are largely gimmicky and don't offer anything better than a similar sit down version.
It's similar with B&M inverts. A comparable non-invert that doesn't have the sight line issues is going to be better by itself.
It's similar with B&M inverts. A comparable non-invert that doesn't have the sight line issues is going to be better by itself.
Floorless version of Alpengeist >> Alpengeist as invert
I'm thinking based on the smaller spine of the track, whatever this model is, it's going to be two across budgeted stand-up. However, with the model aptly named "Surf Coaster," riders could be facing outwards like a surf board to add another element to the gimmick. Either way this model is intriguing, and I think it could be a game changer in some way if done properly. The stand up practically got pushed out of the industry and rightfully so, it's just not an enjoyable experience for anyone, there has't been a truly new stand up since Georgia Scorcher in 1999. SEAS loves record breakers and "est" attractions for cheap, so it would make sense if this had a launch making this the first launched stand up coaster. They also buy in bulk fairly regularly so it wouldn't surprise me if this is proven successful to end up at several other parks throughout the chain. If this model is focused on speed and staying low to the ground, this would be a great addition for SWSD due to the height limitations. Anyways, this is all speculation and it's going to be a good bit of time before we find out any official information about this coaster. Velocicoaster definitely put some salt in SEAS wound, as Ice Breaker pales in comparison to the massive Intamin Blitz found only minutes away. There's a lot of chips being placed in the basket for 2022 on this project, should be interesting to see how this plays out.
Without derailing the conversation with how unimpressed I am with Alpengeist as a whole, I tend to agree.
No. The coolness of riding below the track is much better than merely standing or sitting on the same basic layout.
I’ve always enjoyed B&M stand-ups! Didn’t have a chance to ride Mantis as it got older, so I may have a rosy memory of how it rode during its first handful of years. But it was fine. One moderate lateral knock after the block brake. Milder than the front-row jaw slam on LNM’s first drop climb-out, so I gave it a pass.
Rode Green Lantern last fall, expecting to need my exorbitantly expensive employer-provided health insurance immediately afterward. I had never heard a good thing about it in either of its two home parks. But honest to god, it was terrific. I think I’m just built for standup rides.
Among others, Riddler’s Revenge is the best I’ve ridden. Hang time in that huge loop and a massive layout. So good.
We do exist!
Rode Green Lantern last fall, expecting to need my exorbitantly expensive employer-provided health insurance immediately afterward. I had never heard a good thing about it in either of its two home parks. But honest to god, it was terrific. I think I’m just built for standup rides.
Among others, Riddler’s Revenge is the best I’ve ridden. Hang time in that huge loop and a massive layout. So good.
We do exist!
Agreed in some cases.
Alpie and Silver Bullet are two rides that showcase what an inverted coaster can do that a floorless can't. In comparison, something like Banshee could have been a floorless and not lost anything in the process.
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Only for the 1/8th of riders who don't have a beam directly in front of their face. The coolness factor can't overcome the fact that 7/8th of the riders have horrible views throughout the ride.
Many people don't ride coasters for the views.
In fact, one could argue that there are other examples that show that NOT having a view can produce a better ride. See: The reputation disparity between the indoor and outdoor Flight of Fear clones.
In fact, one could argue that there are other examples that show that NOT having a view can produce a better ride. See: The reputation disparity between the indoor and outdoor Flight of Fear clones.
And for the curiously large cohort of riders who keep their eyes shut through most or all of the ride, an obstructed view is not much of an impediment to the experience.
I do agree, though, that the front row of a 4-across inverted ride is the best - and really the only - seat of choice for those who specifically prize the view.
I do agree, though, that the front row of a 4-across inverted ride is the best - and really the only - seat of choice for those who specifically prize the view.
There's a reason lines for the front, particularly on an invert, are much longer than the rows directly behind it, and it's not because of the differences in forces on the ride.
For the scared rider, an obstructed view may seem to be an enhancement to their experience, though a wide open view may do more to help overcome the fears they have.
For the scared rider, an obstructed view may seem to be an enhancement to their experience, though a wide open view may do more to help overcome the fears they have.
