Attraction X2
- Thread starter CoasterAuditor
- Start date
I have been to over a hundred parks (including every Six Flags property), and despite its flaws I consider Magic Mountain a top twenty park amongst those (as well as my favorite legacy Six Flags property). The park has three coasters I consider to be in my top 50 on a list of more than 700 (Tatsu, Twisted Colossus, and X2), a feat shared by only three other parks (Cedar Point, Hersheypark, and Kings Island), but more than that there isn't a coaster I dislike at the park (which is something I can't say about those other three). No, the park doesn't have 6,000 ft. long, 300 ft. tall coasters, nor does it necessarily have the best version of the more common models, but it has an extremely varied collection with a lot of one of a kind rides (especially when restricted to North America). It's totally valid if that's not what you prefer when it comes to coasters, but acting like it's not a top tier lineup or there aren't multiple travel-worthy rides at the park is a pretty wild take IMO.
Regarding X2 (since this isn't the SFMM opinions thread), I really think all the talk of the coaster's demise is a bit premature, but at the same time I won't deny that the events currently in progress are abnormal. Generally, when an accident occurs in the state of California that requires hospitalization, the attraction is shut down and inspected, but if everything is working as it should be the ride is cleared to reopen. The fact that we're now nearly two months in and there hasn't been a peep is certainly a concerning sign, and I'm hopeful it's more a case of all parties involved being extremely thorough (the incident did occur on the train that just came back from S&S, after all) rather than a case of something being found that puts the attraction's safety into question. The ride is very rough and extremely aggressive, there's no question about that, but it's also one that thousands of people have ridden every operating day for over two decades without issue.
I think what happens to the coaster is going to be largely decided by the findings of the investigation and what modifications (if any) are mandated prior to the ride reopening. I don't see the park giving up on the coaster just because of PR, as to this day it remains the most popular attraction in the park in guest surveys. However, if either the state or insurers mandate significant modifications to the attraction, especially modifications with a fairly high price tag, I could see that being justification for Six Flags to pull the plug on the ride. No coaster is going to live forever, but if X2 was considered at risk, they wouldn't have spent several million dollars on giving the trains full rebuilds.
Regarding X2 (since this isn't the SFMM opinions thread), I really think all the talk of the coaster's demise is a bit premature, but at the same time I won't deny that the events currently in progress are abnormal. Generally, when an accident occurs in the state of California that requires hospitalization, the attraction is shut down and inspected, but if everything is working as it should be the ride is cleared to reopen. The fact that we're now nearly two months in and there hasn't been a peep is certainly a concerning sign, and I'm hopeful it's more a case of all parties involved being extremely thorough (the incident did occur on the train that just came back from S&S, after all) rather than a case of something being found that puts the attraction's safety into question. The ride is very rough and extremely aggressive, there's no question about that, but it's also one that thousands of people have ridden every operating day for over two decades without issue.
I think what happens to the coaster is going to be largely decided by the findings of the investigation and what modifications (if any) are mandated prior to the ride reopening. I don't see the park giving up on the coaster just because of PR, as to this day it remains the most popular attraction in the park in guest surveys. However, if either the state or insurers mandate significant modifications to the attraction, especially modifications with a fairly high price tag, I could see that being justification for Six Flags to pull the plug on the ride. No coaster is going to live forever, but if X2 was considered at risk, they wouldn't have spent several million dollars on giving the trains full rebuilds.
Not exactly without issue - but with a very low percentage of issues.
And I agree, they have not considered it at risk before recent times. But the CNN spotlight that puts all the ugly in one place won't be easy to sluff off. I hope I get to ride it before it's gone.
Have any of y’all actually ridden X2 with your head back against the headrest like the park asks you to?
I sure don’t. I keep my head slightly forward. I’d imagine anyone keeping their head firmly against the headrest for the entire ride is more likely to experience that really painful jarring head bashing.
I absolutely love X2, and I still consider it one of the best coaster experiences out there. But I find it really hard to fault the patrons who have gotten hurt on it. They’re told to keep heads back on the headrest. Honestly, I’m not surprised.
Even riding with my head forward, I’ve walked away from X2 with some pretty major headaches. The ride is incredibly aggressive, and those abrupt back-and-forth movements can be rough on your head and neck.
I sure don’t. I keep my head slightly forward. I’d imagine anyone keeping their head firmly against the headrest for the entire ride is more likely to experience that really painful jarring head bashing.
I absolutely love X2, and I still consider it one of the best coaster experiences out there. But I find it really hard to fault the patrons who have gotten hurt on it. They’re told to keep heads back on the headrest. Honestly, I’m not surprised.
Even riding with my head forward, I’ve walked away from X2 with some pretty major headaches. The ride is incredibly aggressive, and those abrupt back-and-forth movements can be rough on your head and neck.
Honestly, anytime you have a ride where you're told "no really, you need to ride it THIS way for it to be at least mildly enjoyable", how worthwhile is it truly to keep around?
Clock is ticking. SF management hears it all loud and clear, I fear. Injury discussions of riders aside, I have thoughts.
Hear me out, but I believe Bakunawa is a testbed for a new X2 experience at a future date. The inverted, multi-dimensional spinning sensations, coupled with a floorless car design and a smaller maintenance budget than X2 has to have someone in the ranks thinking about a world where a full-circuit version of the ride exists should SFGAV do well with theirs.
I think it is an option, and I am prepared for the following corporate jargon we love to hate when a ride is at the end: (fill in the blanks, they are easy)
"For the past_________, X2 has thrilled may thousands of riders on a never-before seen journey through the California skyline. As we always look to enhance the guest experience for our parkgoers, safety remains our ____- __________________, while ensuring our operations for the future provide the most cutting-edge technology and designs that will keep guests thrilled for years to come. A new chapter in thrilling ride developments will soon be arriving, and while that story unfolds, the ________________ of X2 after _____________ years has finally come." - ETC ETC ETC.
^ I hate it, but I can hear it in my mind now, because we have seen it before....and with this iteration of Six Flags, its all on the table. Hope I'm wrong, but I feel I am sadly not, this time.
Hear me out, but I believe Bakunawa is a testbed for a new X2 experience at a future date. The inverted, multi-dimensional spinning sensations, coupled with a floorless car design and a smaller maintenance budget than X2 has to have someone in the ranks thinking about a world where a full-circuit version of the ride exists should SFGAV do well with theirs.
I think it is an option, and I am prepared for the following corporate jargon we love to hate when a ride is at the end: (fill in the blanks, they are easy)
"For the past_________, X2 has thrilled may thousands of riders on a never-before seen journey through the California skyline. As we always look to enhance the guest experience for our parkgoers, safety remains our ____- __________________, while ensuring our operations for the future provide the most cutting-edge technology and designs that will keep guests thrilled for years to come. A new chapter in thrilling ride developments will soon be arriving, and while that story unfolds, the ________________ of X2 after _____________ years has finally come." - ETC ETC ETC.
^ I hate it, but I can hear it in my mind now, because we have seen it before....and with this iteration of Six Flags, its all on the table. Hope I'm wrong, but I feel I am sadly not, this time.
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I really don't think slop spire derivatives are the obvious replacement for X
You don't work for Six Flags - they seem to know what is "best."
I do agree with you though.
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I think S&S should make a thrill-scale Freespin with a full layout 
could work out
Seriously though I'm not opposed to a Mack floorless spinner if they put a real layout on it
EDIT: now wait a second...
could work out Seriously though I'm not opposed to a Mack floorless spinner if they put a real layout on it
EDIT: now wait a second...
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If X2 winds up closing, realistically I expect that site to sit empty for several years until it's time to replace Viper, at which point they might combine the two plots for a new ride. It's a fairly awkward location to access requiring a walk down a 600 ft. dead-end path and there's some steep terrain under the ride that pretty much necessitates a fully custom build, so it's not like they can simply drop a stock model in there and call it a day.
The park is in a no win situation that is going to cost them multi millions whatever they decide.
I personally think they should remain quiet and let the OSHA investigation play itself out. Don't take the bait set by the media and start making snap decisions that just make the park look more guilty.
Make an informed decision on the ride's future based on the results of the investigation, not the media, and not bloggers, influencers and arm chair mechanics on the internet.
Continue to work on improving the overall park and be honest with fans regarding the ride's future.
This will all eventually blow over, just like Top Thrill Dragster mess did.
I personally think they should remain quiet and let the OSHA investigation play itself out. Don't take the bait set by the media and start making snap decisions that just make the park look more guilty.
Make an informed decision on the ride's future based on the results of the investigation, not the media, and not bloggers, influencers and arm chair mechanics on the internet.
Continue to work on improving the overall park and be honest with fans regarding the ride's future.
This will all eventually blow over, just like Top Thrill Dragster mess did.
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I think that only blew over because the park permanently closed the ride
I do agree though, this needs to be a patient and quiet process by Six Flags and the park
I will agree, until the ride closes. Then I will think they should have been more transparent the whole time
The best option right now is to mothball this coaster.
Six Flags Magic Mountain needs to be spending alotttt of money first on a much wider range of needs, including but not limited to getting Cyber Cycle built, Samuari Summit revamped, Ninja and Superman binned, the Sky Tower reopening, new slides in the waterpark, and continued operational boosters.
They are not in a position to fasttrack a giant X2 demo and replacement, and if they do it screws up literally everything else right now. They will unfortunately have to endure a lot more legal pain, because the floodgates have been opened now. Remember how Universal got hit with a dozen opportunistic exaggerated Stardust headbanging lawsuits after the one serious fatality? I can’t imagine Six Flags will be happy to budget all that in.
Step one is figuring out why two major head injuries occurred so close to one another and what could theoretically resolve that. Any deduction beyond that requires time and later money. So mothball it and focus on the rest of the park they must.
Six Flags Magic Mountain needs to be spending alotttt of money first on a much wider range of needs, including but not limited to getting Cyber Cycle built, Samuari Summit revamped, Ninja and Superman binned, the Sky Tower reopening, new slides in the waterpark, and continued operational boosters.
They are not in a position to fasttrack a giant X2 demo and replacement, and if they do it screws up literally everything else right now. They will unfortunately have to endure a lot more legal pain, because the floodgates have been opened now. Remember how Universal got hit with a dozen opportunistic exaggerated Stardust headbanging lawsuits after the one serious fatality? I can’t imagine Six Flags will be happy to budget all that in.
Step one is figuring out why two major head injuries occurred so close to one another and what could theoretically resolve that. Any deduction beyond that requires time and later money. So mothball it and focus on the rest of the park they must.
I'd like to nip this terrible mentality right in the bud.
Multiple people have clearly been hurt on X2. The media coverage will help hold the park accountable for that in a way that benefits everyone if safety issues are addressed and remedied.
That's not bait or anything to be demeaned, that's a public service. Otherwise, if Six Flags had its way, it would want to sweep this under the rug for as long as possible through quiet court settlements.
If your first thought in this is "I must protect Six Flags," I would suggest your priorities are out of order.
I honestly wouldn't mind seeing a retrack of the second raven turn into the brakes. Maybe adjust the rotation rails so it spins smoother and doesn't rock back and forth nearly as hard.
I rode Eejanika earlier this year and that ride is incredibly smooth and the transitions feel so seamless compared to X2's janky rocking. S&S is perfectly capable of smoothing it out and making it a drastically better experience. Maybe it can even have Eejanika's whole rotate face first into the brakes element. I know I would absolutely love that.
I rode Eejanika earlier this year and that ride is incredibly smooth and the transitions feel so seamless compared to X2's janky rocking. S&S is perfectly capable of smoothing it out and making it a drastically better experience. Maybe it can even have Eejanika's whole rotate face first into the brakes element. I know I would absolutely love that.
Incidents like this are part of why I think it’s a bad idea to make the Six Flags brand more prevalent at the former Cedar Fair parks. A headline that says “Two deaths linked to Six Flags roller coaster” infects every park associated with the Six Flags name.
Can you explicitly quote these supposed assumptions?
It's literally his username...
You know what? Never mind. It's not worth it.
That person is likely gone, never to post here again, because they had a specific agenda. Moving on
That person is likely gone, never to post here again, because they had a specific agenda. Moving on
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