Holding brake on Steel Venom (GL) gone?

I have no idea but I am asking since a topic over at Zero-G Network is discussing this.

If this is true, what is the reasoning behind it?

SFGAm's V2 is still using the holding brake and they also have the new front and back supports installed so safety can't be the reason for Steel Venom's case.

Just asking. :)

Well, if it's true... it comes as a disappointment, since that is what made this impulse actually BETTER than (IMO, of course) Wicked Twister at Cedar Po!nt. That one split second is what makes the ride from a 8 to a solid 9 on a 10 point scale.

But even worse, in that thread, is the rumor of possible seat-belts on Big Dipper. That's a major no-no. Despite almost standing up on that coaster during a lot of the dips due to a lot of air-time... I never once felt like I was going to fall out or felt insecure.

I agree. That's the best part of the ride. The brake is what made the ride unique. I was a little let down that the ride was not open today, but I'll be even more let down if it hasn't got it's brake when it does finally open.

As for the seatbelts on Big Dipper, you had to see that one coming. They are there. No big deal to me though.

I've never understood how sitting still appealed to so many people as an exciting aspect of a ride.

The holding brake was the part of the ride I really didn't care for. It ruined the pacing and was mildly uncomfortable.

As far as the Big Dipper's seat belts, who cares, they don't affect the ride one bit.

Geez Jeff. They way you worded it, would make it seem like you are upright sitting still.

I find the holding brake a neat part of the ride. For some reason, even though I know its coming, having the train just stop vertical gets me everytime.

Even when watching the train from the midway hold, you hear people scream.

It's pretty cool IMO.

I never found the hold uncomfortable. If I can handle the constrictiveness of the X-flight vest I can handle the fall against the Steel Venom harness. What gives the holding brake on the Intamin Impulses appeal to me, more so than the twist on the back spike, is the unnerving feeling of being held high above the ground with just the harness to hold you in. I’m not easily frightened, but I always get a little nervous leaning against the restraint that high up. I get the same uneasiness on the Déjà Vu rides, and even a little on Face Off.

Chi - I thought that scream was the LIMs. They're the same ones that are mounted on the launch, correct? Just run in reverse to simulate the "brake"?

I would be extremely happy beyond belief if the holding brake is turned off once SV opens. I love that coaster (whatever it's name is) but that holding brake has ranged from mildly uncomfortable to one of the most painful moments on a coaster for me. I get a heck of a lot more thrill out of floating out of my seat that far in the air than I do slamming to a stop against my restraints ...

If big dipper has PTC trains it would have had seatbelts even if SF still owned the park (most likely). It seems to be the new corporate mandate.

The thing that makes me like the holding brake is the fact that its unexpected. Back and forth, back and forth, and all of a sudden: STOP! You're hanging there, staring straight down at the ground. Its kinda unnerving.

The backwards spike on WT is cool, but that holding brake on S:UE/Steel Venom made the ride very unique. I hope it stays.

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Impulse-ive said:
Chi - I thought that scream was the LIMs. They're the same ones that are mounted on the launch, correct? Just run in reverse to simulate the "brake"?

...

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I know the difference, thankyou. :)

It's a matter of opinion on the holding brake obviously. You get the floating air on the first run up the back spike, and the holding brake on the second run up, so basically you are getting the best of both worlds.

I really was indifferent about the holding brake but my take on it was this: it turns the ride into 2 different rides if you think about it. First off, you have the normal coaster aspect of it, then when it comes time for the brake action to occur, it becomes a "drop ride" of sorts with freefall sensation happening. Anybody else kinda see it that way?

Xander said

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If big dipper has PTC trains it would have had seatbelts even if SF still owned the park (most likely). It seems to be the new corporate mandate.

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Knobels Phoenix and Twister are two PTC trains that have opened this season without seatbelts. Leads me to believe that the seatbelts are a PTC sugestion not a mandate.

And Big Dipper's trains are not PTC.

I definitely enjoy the holding brake. Especially if you're re-riding the coaster, it adds something different to that pass. Otherwise, it's just doing the same thing over and over, back and forth.
(And for a reference that might lose a lot of people, it's like racing Tokyo Megaplex in SSX tricky. The course is awesome, but doing it 9 times in a row is just inane.)

Richie,

You are correct in saying that seatbelts were not madated, but suggested on PTC coasters. And if the parks don't follow that suggestion and something happens, it basically clears PTC from the equation.

About the holding brake, I think the ride quality suffers greatly without it. It definitely adds something mindfarking to it. :)

JC

VF disabling a brake?
I'll check the food stands for flying pig wings!

-CO

Give it time Playa. Your Impulse might be next on the hitlist for a brakeless back spike. :)

I think you'd probably get more of a free-fall without the brake...I know the feeling on WT is incredible when you hit the transition in the back spike. But I'm probably biased, because I'm in love with Wicked Twister...lol.

Quote removed per request.

Scott (Chitown) *** Edited 5/4/2004 10:40:38 PM UTC by Chitown***

With long legs, I find the brake on the back spike just annoying, because I always hit my legs on the seat in front of me. I would prefer air time. I get no thrill whatsoever with the brake. Although a brake on Mr. Freeze would be very cool. (random thought)