Could the New Wave Be These Gravity Group Monsters?

Ok, then here's my answer:

We won't see many of the larger chain parks building any wooden coasters of this size because we aren't going to see any (or very few) chain parks building ANY (or very few) wooden coasters or any size in the near future because that's just not something that these parks do.

Its not that GCI or Intamin are more likely to build a lot more coasters at any larger chain parks, its that all three companies aren't likely to do it.

In short:

No, these Gravity Group monsters will probably not be the new wave at large chain parks for the same reasons SF, Paramount, CF, Disney and Busch (in general) haven't been building wooden rides in the first place. *** Edited 6/3/2006 11:22:04 PM UTC by matt.***

Voyage IMHO is a example of WHAT CAN BE DONE. I really don't see anyone trying to top it in intensity, or length.

TGG has to top itself? Nah, I see many small to mid size parks that wanna be put on the map at a less than ten million dollar price.

As for CF and Six Flags and even Busch, I don't see them bitting except maybe either a mid sized GCI or a Intamin record breaker.

There are a lot of parks out there trying or wanting woodies, Adventureland IA wants another, Bells, Waldameer, Little Amerricka and probably many I don't know of. Each needs a standout and for about the same price as a spinny mouse they can get a woodie that will turn some heads.

Intamin Fan, It was few and far between that I seen people saying they couldn't handle Voyage or needed a break afterwards. Whats wrong with that if the ride just blew your socks off?

Chuck,

Dave, I gotta totally dissagree with the Hades and Voyage spell doom for TGG view.

Potential customer calls HW, How do you like your ride? How did they handle everything? Did they give you what you ask for? Is it holding up well?

HW, We signed on with these guys just as soon as their company was formed. The other two coasters we have that were designed by them have world wide recognition and this new ride has people screaming it's the best of it's kind anywhere.

HW, I would highly recomennd Chad, Korey, Larry and Michael!

Chuck

http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=060603_Ne_A1_pstxc15790

Bells new coaster will be TGG as is Waldameers

And I have good reason to believe other projects are in the works for Gravity Group, Im just not at liberty to say.

Chuck

SFFT could surely use a wooden coaster considering the only wood they've got is Rattler, but also since their last new coaster was in 2000.

^ I left San Antonio right after they put in the Roadruner Express. I think it was in 1996.

The Roller Coaster Database is your friend, Hamster Boy. Bookmark it. This is the coaster Seanc is referring to.

^ I knew about Superman Kripton Coaster built after I left. I was just saying that I left after they built Roadruner Express.

I still want one at valleyfair... but now that they're getting a steel... my hopes are crushed:(

Well, considering that one of the only two in the world is only about 3 hours from the Twin Cities, it is not all bad. ;)

??? 3 hours? Voyage-- ahh... past chicago. Hades is... but no others. (I don't think at least)

Yes, Hades is 3 hours. Trust me, VF will never build a coaster that good. And while you're riding Hades, you can get some Avalanche on the side. VF will never build a ride that good either.

^Sadly, I think you're right. If VF can't run High Roller trimless (it really is a great woodie then), I don't see why they would allow something as insane on the airtime scale as Avalanche. As small as HR is, surely the trim isn't a maintenance bandaid. I have to think it's a measure to tame the ride to their comfort zone.

Chuck, please elaborate on Adventureland's intentions. :)

I really hope they go with a GG airtime machine. I'd be very happy with an S&S airtime machine as well, but we already have an "almost" GCI in Outlaw. :)

Heck, I'd settle for a reworking of Tornado. Reprofile all of those rampy hills--it could really rock! *** Edited 6/7/2006 2:41:06 AM UTC by Acoustic Viscosity***

---

VF--New-coaster07 said:
I still want one at valleyfair... but now that they're getting a steel... my hopes are crushed

---

How do you know this is going to happen? And why is it a bad thing since you've started the other thread on the subject?

The High Roller was great back in the day. I don't remember any trims until the last couple of years. And even though Wild Thing is steel, it is still an 'out and back' like the High Roller.

VF NEEDS a new looper. Beemer anyone?

But when the time comes to get new wood. My prediction is that Excalibur will go bye-bye and another wood twister will take it's place.

And Chuck, please do elaborate on Adventureland. The Hopkins is in desperate shape. Will there be anything new by the circus tent? *** Edited 6/12/2006 9:03:17 PM UTC by WildThingNative***

Also...Hades is awesome! Definately worth the 3 hr drive from Minneapolis. Based on that ride I can only imagine what Voyage would be like. Thinking of the characteristics and feel of Hades while watching the Voyage vid from HW's site and I'm sure It isn't too far off. It must be that much better in reality.

Adventureland (Iowa) isn't getting anything for certain. It was however made known to me that a EX coaster builder was approached about possibly building another for them.

That is all.
Chuck

---

WildThingNative said:
Also...Hades is awesome! Definately worth the 3 hr drive from Minneapolis. Based on that ride I can only imagine what Voyage would be like. Thinking of the characteristics and feel of Hades while watching the Voyage vid from HW's site and I'm sure It isn't too far off. It must be that much better in reality.

---

I rode Voyage at HN and was very surprised at how different it is from Hades. The two are completely opposite species. I rode Hades during the ACE Con and was impressed with its tunnel, intensity, speed, layout, and pacing. Though Voyage has all of these, except for the pacing, Hades is still my #1 coaster.

Prior to attending HN, I too watched the vid from the Holiblog and thought that Voyage would just be a bigger sibling of Hades. This is what lured me to want to ride this new coaster. But, it turned out to be the opposite.

Hades, you can relax on, but Voyage, you really do need to learn how to breath and ride it. It is the most intense wooden coaster with very little pacing.

This is the coaster for those who crave and love their woodies to be a full throttle intensity machine that can leave you numb, breathless, and maybe a little blurry eyed.

CoasterLisa

Nice explination Lisa.

While I had problems early making the end without being worn out. I did learn to ride it and enjoy the whole thing.

Hades in most seats I could ride all day, Never get a bruise or get totally out of breath. Voyage however kicks your butt and takes your name. While I know many who rode dozens or even hundreds of times. Not everyone could and I don't think I even after learning to enjoy and make the end could survive more than five rides consecutively.

Still takes my no. 1 as it's got everything I could ask for in a wooden coaster, In some cases a little too much :)

Chuck, YMMV

Wow, Swoosh. Just wow.

I will definitely go against Swoosh on this one....I rode both the GG creation Voyage and the GCII creation Kentucky Rumbler. Voyage really blew me away. It left an impression that will be hard to forget. I just wish it was closer than 6/7 hours away. Oh well I got the kiddie ride (in comparison) called Hades only 3 hours away. I was underwhelmed by Kentucky Rumbler. It was fun but nowhere near as intense as I expected it to be. I just wasnt as fun for me as Voyage. Maybe cuz Voyage was still fresh in my mind from the night before.