Notorious Rollercoasters

Kingda Ka and top Thrill Dragster may be renowned for their record breaking heights and speeds but there’s a lot more to a good coaster than those two factors. A great designer needs to twist the steel into a mean and menacing monster; something that is fun and fearful at the same time. Loops, twists, track and car types are all part of what makes a truly great rollercoaster. Without further ado, allow me to introduce some of the best thrill experiences out there.

	El Toro – Six Flags Great Adventure
	With a super steep drop of 76 degrees, El Toro’s title as the world’s third tallest wooden coaster is only part of what gives riders such a smooth yet scary drop. With plenty of hills, headchoppers and air-time, this ride will remain a favourite for quite some time. Height: 181ft Speed: 70mph Duration: 1 min, 42 sec
	Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spa Land
	This ride is all about endurance. 8133ft in length, it is easily the world’s longest coaster. Intimidation levels are high for even though it’s completely safe now, the Steel Dragon once broke a man’s hip. Height: 318ft Speed: 95mph Duration: 4 mins
	Griffon – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
	The drops here surpass those of El Toro. Averaging about 88 degrees, two crazy drops are followed soon after by giant Immelmann turns and the whole thing concludes with a mighty splash. Height: 205ft Speed: 71mph Duration: 3 mins
	Bizarro (previously the Medusa) – Six Flags Great Adventure
	The first word that comes to mind when you look at the thing is “bizarre.” Corkscrews, loops and rolls are all part of this classic coaster which offers two unique features: an upside-down view of the Kingda Ka tower (for those whose eyes remain open) and the slapping leaves of a real, live tree. ‘Scream!’ at Six Flags Magic Mountain is a mirror image of this ride, minus the aforementioned features. Height: 142ft Speed: 61mph Duration: 2 mins, 20 secs
	Nitro – Six Flags Great Adventure
	Six Flags is making history, isn’t it? This ride is part of its real glory. The 540 degree helix is its defining feature but this hair-raising number also offers plenty of camelbacks, air-time and more. The smoothness of this ride means that when you scream, the sound won’t wobble. Amen to that. Height: 230ft Speed: 80mph Duration: 2 mins, 20 secs
	Texas Giant – Six Flags Over Texas
	The scariest thing about this rickety, old coaster is that you get the feeling it will crash down mid-ride. It doesn’t. Instead the Texas Giant twists, loops and when you least expect it – plunges you underground. Height: 143ft Speed: 62mph Duration: 2 mins