Heartline Twister Coaster?

There was a coaster type on RCT called the heartline twister. I thought this was a made up design but found one at Six Flags Astroworld called Ultra Twister built in 1987. My question is, has anyone been on it and how do you like it? And why was this the only one built? It looks like it wouldn't use much space or be costly. Thanks!

Ultra Twister is an interesting ride. Back when it was at Great Adventure in the mid 80s, it's lift was straight up, and the first drop was straight down. When it was moved, the lift was modified. It is no longer straight up. The ride is short, but kinda fun. The heartline rolls are fun, but it's no mind blowing roller coaster, and I can see why it never caught on. Like you mentioned, one of the best things it had going for it was the small footprint.

Ultra Twister is not the only one ever built, just the only one in America. I can think of several in Japan. When I'm in Japan this spring I'll try to get some pictures of some.

I know many of us are very fond of Superman: Ultimate Escape. I think we can thank Ultra Twister for the creation of S:UE. The first version Intamin built is Linear Gale at the Tokyo Dome in downtown Tokyo. They had an Ultra Twister, and wanted to replace it with another ride. All they had was this tiny strip of land. It was all built built up around the tiny strip of land, and the "Impulse Coaster" we all know and love was cooked up by Intamin. I wonder if Intamin would have thought of the impulse coaster were it not for the space constraints at Tokyo Dome.

-Peabody

Since SFAW is my homepark I alwayz make sure I ride Ultr Twister.The Drop is incredable going straight down!then u pop up out of ur seat on the first hill then do the first heartline roll!Then u pop up again and into brakes...then it lifts u bakwards and u go down another drop then u do 2 more heartline rolls BACKWARRDS! this ride is a must for any1 that loves coasters!

The Ultra Twister was another "prototype" coaster that was part of the SF ride exchange program.
Also on that distiguished list is Shockwave which was SFGAd's first stand-up and Viper (Sfgad)
I heard Viper was departing this year but we will see..I hope it does..:)
-------------
Coaster Chic
http://pub45.ezboard.com/bcoasteraddicts

I believe the only TOGO coaster with a heartline twist in the Western US is the Manhattan Express at the New York New York Hotel and Casino. I rode that once and found it to be a bit on the rough side, however I did enjoy the twist element. It almost feels like you are upside down for a few full seconds. Haven't had a chance to ride the Ultra Twister yet. Looks pretty intense to me.

SIncerely,
Jackie Gaughan
Owner of The Plaza
http://www.jackiegaughan.com

I don't think that's what they're talking about Jackie.

-------------
Randy Hutchinson
You build it, I'll ride it...eventually

I think its a very fun ride, but they really need to get rid of the otsr its not as bad as some rides but it does bang your head a little

I just found out something very interesting. Ultra Twister is the *steepest* drop in the *US*. 3rd in the world. Nice, huh? A little research can lead to big surprises.