Top 10 Launched Coasters By: Ryan S. | Contributor: Matthew N.
Foreword: Before you beginning reading this list, the world of launched rollercoaster’s has primarily been dominated by Intamin AG and Premier. Oddly enough, these are my two least favorite coaster manufacturers. Likewise, when choosing this list of rollercoaster’s, I looked at more than the launch. Yes, the launch can make or break the ride, but I feel the designer has to keep the rides pace relentless and surprising all the way until the final brake run. Therefore the following coasters are all rated from the Station back to the Station.
#10: Volcano: The Blast Coaster | Paramount's Kings Dominion, VA
Introducing our list is Volcano: The Blast Coaster, the only Impulse on our list. Volcano: The Blast Coaster is remarkable in the sense that it is the only Inverted Launch coaster to do a complete circuit. The layout of Volcano: The Blast Coaster begins with a respectable launch into a somewhat disfigured Immelman. After the Immelman, the ride goes on into a series of three Zero-G Rolls. Rather than the ride becoming a unique coaster, it goes into repetition which kills the rides potiential and predictability.
#9: Joker's Jinx | Six Flags America, MDFlight of Fear | Paramount’s Kings Dominion, VA/Paramount’s Kings Island, OHMad Cobra | [Relocation]
Although the cluster of names might confuse you, these coasters are similar enough on statistics to be one-in-the-same. Intermingled in a web of track is a unique series of elements. First is a Cobra Roll, followed by a Sidewinder. This element is what makes the ride in my opinion. It not only is intense, but it takes you off guard when you are least expecting it. Following this inversion is a Corkscrew, and a straight ride back home. Premier designed a fantastic indoor coaster (although Six Flags America opted out on a enclosed coaster), earning this coaster a #9 spot.
#8: Incredible Hulk | Islands of Adventure, FL
Coming in the #8 spot is the Incredible Hulk. The most extraordinary thing about the Incredible Hulk is its rather unique Tire Launch. Being the first of its kind, on the only launched Bolliger & Mabillard coaster, the Incredible Hulk is really a remarkable coaster. That is, until the corkscrew. The Incredible Hulk has a fantastic first half, but I feel after the first Loop the ride looses all its pacing and intensity. After riding the Incredible Hulk, you almost dread the second half of the ride simply because there is nothing special about it. It is here that I feel the ride looses it’s credibility and earns it the #8 spot on our list.
#7: Dodonpa | Fuji-Q Highland, Japan
This coaster will launch you a staggering 0 − 106.9 mph in 1.8 seconds, through usage of S&S’ specialty: compressed air. This launch makes Dodonpa the fastest accelerating rollercoaster in the world. After the coasters launch, the train makes a wide sweeping turn into a Top Hat, followed by another wide sweeping turn back into the station. I feel that it is in these turns that the coaster looses its potential by lowering the intensity of the ride. Noteworthy features of Dodonpa include a blistering smooth ride, S&S’ high reliability, and a buttery acceleration on a cushion of air.
#6: Kanonen | Liseberg, Sweden
Compact. Like a European sports car, Kanonen pins you against the seat for a relentless ride. Perhaps that's why Kanonen respectively ranks #6 on our list. From the moment of launch, till the final brake run, Kanonen is giving you the ride of your life. If there was a downside to Kanonen, it would be its remarkably similar Zero-G Roll to that of Colossus. Still reminiscence of Intamin's flaw is the oddly designed Zero-G, which still makes the heartline irregular. Never the less, Kanonen is a fascinating ride.
#6: Kanonen | Liseberg, Sweden
Compact. Like a European sports car, Kanonen pins you against the seat for a relentless ride. Perhaps that's why Kanonen respectively ranks #6 on our list. From the moment of launch, till the final brake run, Kanonen is giving you the ride of your life. If there was a downside to Kanonen, it would be its remarkably similar Zero-G Roll to that of Colossus. Still reminiscence of Intamin's flaw is the oddly designed Zero-G, which still makes the heartline irregular. Never the less, Kanonen is a fascinating ride.
