Coasters or Not? That is the Question.
Ok, I've seen where people call S:TE a coaster. Personally, I don't consider it a coaster because it does not make a complete circuit, and I know that is why most people feel the same way. However, this is something I've been wondering lately (since I am up at 4:00am and have nothing to do), if S:TE is not considered a coaster because it does not make a complete circuit, are Vekoma Boomerang's and Invertigo's considered coasters, because they don't make a complete circuit? Wow, I sound like Linda Richman on Coffee Talk. "Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic. Boomerang's neither go Boom or go rang." :)
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UCSigep
Rides to the top of the World: 8
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UCSigep
Rides to the top of the World: 8
Always was a debate and always will be. From what I have heard, Guiness decided to separate the coasters into 2 categories so complete circuit coasters and non-circuit are 2 different categories so enjoy S:TE as the tallest.
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"DONT FIGHT IT, RIDE IT",,,,RAGING BULL
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"DONT FIGHT IT, RIDE IT",,,,RAGING BULL
This topic almost always turns in to an east vs. west holy war. Can we just not go there, please?
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
I think it's interesting that the debate between complete circuit and non circuit only started when S:TE broke the height and speed record for coaster type rides. Boomerangs and shuttle loops have been around for a while but nobody ever brought up the question of whether or not it is a true coaster. I still maintain that freefall rides are complete circuit coasters and removes MF's claim for the first elevator lift.
Coasterr: I can answer that one. The cars depart from the station backwards, go up the shaft, move forward, drop, silde down the L thingie, tilt downwards into the station, move backwards to loading point. Never does the cars re-trace its path, yet it starts and stops at the same point. Therefore, it made a complete closed circuit. Not that I necessarily agree, must I must admit millrace presents a valid point.
I agree Coasterr, since freefall rides disengage from the track at on 3 separate occasions, you can hardly consider them complete circuit coasters.
Now as for S:TE, this has been debated to death on just about every coaster message board. My conclusion is, ride it first, then judge for yourself. Most people who've actually ridden it agree it has more in common with a coaster than anything else, just a different kind of coaster, just like shuttles are. I personally value the opinion of someone who's actually experienced it rather than someone 2,000 miles who's never even been on it. Strictly my opinion :)
Now as for S:TE, this has been debated to death on just about every coaster message board. My conclusion is, ride it first, then judge for yourself. Most people who've actually ridden it agree it has more in common with a coaster than anything else, just a different kind of coaster, just like shuttles are. I personally value the opinion of someone who's actually experienced it rather than someone 2,000 miles who's never even been on it. Strictly my opinion :)
It seem strange that this debate only started to rage AFTER S:TE was built. Before then there was no question that Boomerangs, Invertigos, and Shuttle Loops were all in the same category as full circut coasters. Hmmmmm. Now they are strangely in a different classification.
I also must add that coasters like Mr. Freeze and Speed: The Ride may well be another category because there is much more to the ride than a launch. Then there is Hulk; launched, AND a complete circut. Is it a coaster since there is no chain lift?
Soon to be added to the mix will be the Thrust Air coasters by S&S. My head is spinning now, so I will let others comment.
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Gotta ride 'em all!
I also must add that coasters like Mr. Freeze and Speed: The Ride may well be another category because there is much more to the ride than a launch. Then there is Hulk; launched, AND a complete circut. Is it a coaster since there is no chain lift?
Soon to be added to the mix will be the Thrust Air coasters by S&S. My head is spinning now, so I will let others comment.
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Gotta ride 'em all!
I think it should... Look at Face/Off at PKI. They classify it as a rollercoaster. It doesn't do a full circuit, yet it is a rollercoaster. Kind of weird to me. S:TE uses gravity to bring it back to the station, so wouldn't it be a rollercoaster?
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Shawn Bailes
Webmaster of Coasters R Us
http://coastersrus.home-page.org
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Shawn Bailes
Webmaster of Coasters R Us
http://coastersrus.home-page.org
I'm gonna make this REAL easy to understand. Intamin does NOT consider S:TE to be a coaster. Intamin does NOT consider the First Generation FF's to be coasters either. So please, FIND A NEW TOPIC TO DISCUSS!
Hmmm.... I don't know. S:TE has a car and it runs on tracks... seems like a coaster to me. Furthermore, if I'm scanning parks to see what coasters they have available, I'd be disappointed if S:TE weren't listed.
I won't be offended if anyone wants to dispute this, but what about the following logic:
If OL:FOF is a coaster, and a Boomerang is a coaster, then how can S:TE not be a coaster?
If S:TE had a loop before the tower or a helix, would it then be a coaster?
At best, S:TE can only be classified as a subset of coasters, i.e. a particular type, but not as a non-coaster.
When Batman:The Ride first premiered, I didn't consider it a coaster only because it didn't fit my traditional concept of one; but, of course, it is a coaster.
Can anyone think of a ride that has wheels, runs on a track, utilizes gravity, and is most definitely not a coaster?
I won't be offended if anyone wants to dispute this, but what about the following logic:
If OL:FOF is a coaster, and a Boomerang is a coaster, then how can S:TE not be a coaster?
If S:TE had a loop before the tower or a helix, would it then be a coaster?
At best, S:TE can only be classified as a subset of coasters, i.e. a particular type, but not as a non-coaster.
When Batman:The Ride first premiered, I didn't consider it a coaster only because it didn't fit my traditional concept of one; but, of course, it is a coaster.
Can anyone think of a ride that has wheels, runs on a track, utilizes gravity, and is most definitely not a coaster?
Whether S:TE is a coaster or not, the thing is a fantastic experience. Who really cares as long as you liked it? For anyone to make a pilgrimmage to Southern California and not ride it would be a sin.
Starfire:
"Can anyone think of a ride that has wheels, runs on a track, utilizes gravity, and is most definitely not a coaster?"
Alpine Slides
"Can anyone think of a ride that has wheels, runs on a track, utilizes gravity, and is most definitely not a coaster?"
Alpine Slides
Well, I certainly don't consider Alpine Slides a coaster. I suppose it's because it doesn't run on rails. That still leaves S:TE a coaster.
As far as Intamin not considering it a coaster, I don't put much credibility there. Since when are the terms and definitions of manufacturers or parks themselves given any credence? Every park and manufacturer tries to use new terms to describe old ideas, either with hyper, giga, or 'new ride experience.' I doubt (but don't know for sure) that MM marketed S:TE as a coaster when it opened. They probably just marketed it as the greatest thrill ride. Regardless, it's still a coaster.
Actually, looking back, Chitown had it right. There are two categories of coasters, complete circuit and non-complete-circuit.
Now I feel silly having contributed to this thread at all. Chitown and Lukedog already summed it up before I replied.
As far as Intamin not considering it a coaster, I don't put much credibility there. Since when are the terms and definitions of manufacturers or parks themselves given any credence? Every park and manufacturer tries to use new terms to describe old ideas, either with hyper, giga, or 'new ride experience.' I doubt (but don't know for sure) that MM marketed S:TE as a coaster when it opened. They probably just marketed it as the greatest thrill ride. Regardless, it's still a coaster.
Actually, looking back, Chitown had it right. There are two categories of coasters, complete circuit and non-complete-circuit.
Now I feel silly having contributed to this thread at all. Chitown and Lukedog already summed it up before I replied.
Ok go to intamin worldwide and check out where they classify "reverse freefall thrill rides"
Under rollercoasters? Try LIM rides.
I think theres an obvious difference on rides like S:TE, but then again, some people dont even consider Hypersonic XLC to be a full-coaster. I mean come on, S:TE has a longer track length AND a longer ride time than hypersonic!!
Not that I'm trying to fuel an already furious Jihad, here. :)
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I would like 2 Steel Dragons and a king size MF to go, please.
Oh and can I get a Tonnerre de Ze
Under rollercoasters? Try LIM rides.
I think theres an obvious difference on rides like S:TE, but then again, some people dont even consider Hypersonic XLC to be a full-coaster. I mean come on, S:TE has a longer track length AND a longer ride time than hypersonic!!
Not that I'm trying to fuel an already furious Jihad, here. :)
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I would like 2 Steel Dragons and a king size MF to go, please.
Oh and can I get a Tonnerre de Ze
There are two categories,if not S:TE would have been called the tallest coaster and not MF or Iron Dragon.It has already been discussed to death.I agree with Jeff this thread will just start a war.Just ride and enjoy,regardless of what label is put on a ride.
Closed topic.
