Kumba

I'm the opposite, AV. The reason I like Griffon is the holding brake. It gives you a few seconds to see exactly how high you are (Extremely high). The best seat is either end, in the very front, because you are hanging over 200 feet in the air, with NO TRACK below you.

Apollo's Chariot comes in at a close second place for me at that park, because of how the train seems to come out from under you entering the turnaround, and the surprise last drop.

The hanging does nothing for me. I thought it would be scary, but it doesn't even get my adrenaline pumping. The feeling of falling (and being caught) is what I get a high from.

I think what makes the dive coasters so much fun is that the lift, hold brake, and drop sequence, combined with exposed seating, maximizes the fear factor. They spend the perfect amount of time spent at each segment to successfully build up the rider's fears. Suspense is an important part of the overall equation.

Not me. I'd rather fly up the lift hill, cruise around that turn and immediately get flung down that hill and catapulted out of my seat in the last row.

^Preach it brother man! :)

Gator knows!

I concur.

In general, I agree with Matt except that I have ridden a million different coasters that do that and only 1 (Sheikra) that pauses before dropping. Just for variety's sake, I'm glad they did it that way.

I'm with Andy. Although I like the catapult sensation better, I like Shakira because it's different.

I wouldn't want holding brakes on all rides, but I'm cool with it on this one, and if it has to be only one type, dive machines would seem like the perfect choice.

I was going to say just about what Andy said. The uniqueness of these kinds of coasters is what makes them so appealing, in my opinion.

You've ridden Shakira? Now *that* is a unique experience.

I don't know. That looks like it would be a shaky ride.

I'd give it a whirl. That kind of jackhammering I can handle.

I find the Drop coasters (Shakira and Griffon) to be very "fun" - what really adds to the fun is that they are big 'show' rides. Its like they put on a little show - people are watching, you pause, etc., etc.

Scorpion, now there's a coaster I can sink my teeth into :)

I wouldn't try to do that if I were you. You'll probably need dental work after that, and won't even put a dent in the steel.

(Looks at Billy and waves open hand over head)

I don't think I would enjoy riding Shakira. Rides like that make too much noise and are too curvy. :D

Well I finally got to ride Kumba and it looks like it has a new paint job.
It's a great ride.
It's too bad I live in N.Y.
I keep praying for a B&M to come to Darian Lake

^^Well you won't know until you try ;) I get so bored on most B&M's but those at the Busch parks are just so damn nicely 'decked out' and easy to get to (and short exit ramps, etc.) that they are a pleasure to ride. Plus, they have a single rider line on Griffon - so it was a quick ride when I was there.

Oh, I know I would probably LOVE Sheikra, because I absolutely LOVE Griffon, Billy, but I really don't want to even THINK about riding Shakira. Sure, they are both beautiful, and they both are entertaining, but one is a large steel roller coaster, and one is a gyrating pop singer.

:)

^hehe :)

The Busch parks really are special, can't wait to get back!