Do loops ruin wooden coasters?

Do you think loops ruin wooden coasters, do you like them or not?

You make it sound like we have a vast array of wood coasters with loops. Last time I checked, only 1 had a loop so why would you ask this question? On a side note, alot of opinions of SOB is that the loop is one of the best elements of the ride.

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""Coaster riding is a disease and SFGAm is the cure!!!!!!!"" *** This post was edited by Chitown on 6/22/2001. ***

I agree, the loop was the best part of SOB. However, I wouldn't rush out to ride a woodie just because it had a loop on it.

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I'm in love with a BEAST!

Exactly. When it was first announced, every claimed "gimmick," which it very well may have been. Turns out, when you ride it, it seems like it fits very well with the ride and is quite fun.

Jacob

The title of this thread SHOULD be "Loops on Wooden Coasters: Gimmick, or the Next Big Thing?"

Mainly because there is only one wooden coaster with a loop (as already indicated by Chitown), and that is Son of Beast.

I think it can work and is not some type of gimmick (well, currently I think it's a gimmick, but in the future, it may be just another element). The only problem was all the not-so behind the scenes problems with Son of Beast and their legal troubles between the park and the coaster builders.

The coaster is not exactly glass smooth especially for a 1yr old coaster, and many people probably bash Son of Beast because of that and claims that the loop is just a gimmick... the rest of the coaster may just be a rough N tumble ride of speed.

However, what if the inversion was on a much smaller wooden coaster, like between one hundred and one fifty feet? What if the track was smaller and it was more of an out & back or wooden twister, but the loop was blended in with the coaster nicely, such as off the first or 2nd drop along with maybe the track going through the loop (ie: Revolution at SFMM)...

Would you still consider them gimmicks, and would it "ruin" the coaster...
Or:
Would it actually add to the thrill, make the coaster just as asthetically pleasing, and fit in just nicely??

If done right, I think that future inversions can and may, in fact, work!


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The Great Escape... Soon to become Six Flags Adirondack Escape!!!

Yes they do

Actually I dont think it can be a classified "wooden loop" Because it is really a steel track.

Actually it has steel support and wood track.

I say if you can't respect SOB as a great woodie, respect it as one heck of a full circuit shuttle loop. ;)

And yes, the loop adds to the ride 100%. One of the best parts. Smoothest and greatest loop of any coaster I've ever been on IMO.

I don't buy into the fact that one element can "ruin" any ride, unless that element is very painful.

I mean, no one says, "Hey, I liked Millennium Force, except that the bunny hop didn't do anything for me, so the whole ride sucks."

The loop is just one part of SoB. If you don't like the loop, fine, but don't take the rest of the ride down with it.

I don't know cuz I've never been on SOB! It does make them look nice...
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BGW and PKD rock! *** This post was edited by ApolloAndVolcano on 6/22/2001. ***

I haven't been on SOB, but I agree with Den. Even if you think the loop is the stupidest, most gimmicky element ever made, that doesn't mean you have to hate the rest of the ride. I imagine if Ghostrider had a loop, while it may disappoint me a little, I would still love the rest of the ride for what it is.

I think as long as we keep wooden coasters horsecollar-free, we'll all be fine.

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Matt Lynch
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com

Along the lines of Lynch's statement. Loops tend to require more restriction in the restraints which goes against the woodie concept in my book. Best woodie seating is on Kennywood's Jackrabbit.

No, a loop can and does fit perfectly... I guess it all depends on what kind of wood coaster, and your personal opinion.

I love SOB, and I think the loop is great. It is very smooth and not rickety at all. Im just waiting for the next element: the corkscrew! After that, cobra rolls, and everything else can be added.

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http://www.islandguide.8m.com
all about PKI
the Beasts` Den

Don't add loops to wooden coasters just for the heck of it... if it "fits" than go ahead, but don't "ruin" the classic wooden coaster by adding tons of loops that don't make is a traditional ride... one or two loops are fine as long as they fit but don't overdo it!

Alan Jacyszyn
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SFDLnet: The Ultimate Darien Lake Guide
http://sfdl.coasterbuzz.com - NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!

I agree with sfdl Dude. Woodys are classic, and if you make them into Flippy do das with loops, corkscrews it totally ruins the classic woody theme. Like Beast, and the Viper.

I loved the loop on SOB, but I would'nt want to see any more than 1 loop on a woodie. I don't think that more than 1 loop would fit well.

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MF Drops-22
SOB Rides-2

The loop is the ONLY thing redeeming about Sonny.
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Scale model coasters and rides.....
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