Manta POV (from SeaWorld YouTube channel)

John Knotts said:
^ That's what I was trying to say. Thanks.

It's quite a feeling on Tatsu when you realize just how high you are, nearly 300ft above ground level. Not to mention spectacular views!

Before someone responds to that saying "Tatsu isn't 300-feet tall!" I think you're referring to the ride's maximum elevation change, yes? If I remember correctly is 293-feet or so...which really gives you an idea of how much altitude this coaster spans...

Now if only Ocean Park would build a Flyer...http://rcdb.com/ig1233.htm?picture=6

Gee, why not have deuling flyers?????? I've been trowing out this idea for three years now!!!

Call "Dogfight" have have each train theamed to a differnt type of aircraft. (FA-18 Hornet, Massersmit, MiG 29, ect.)

Better yet, make it a 150 mph launch, and 500 ft tall.

Mamoosh said:
You're wrong. Go take a look at pictures of the three Supermen clones, Tatsu, Manta, and Air. Of those, guess which is the only one that spends a great deal of time close to the ground?

I dont think im totally wrong.. I think your list is missing quite a few flying coasters.. Batwing is another one that comes to mind that has low to ground elements thus giving more sense of speed.. Inverted or not.

And i dont care how you slice it, higher up doesnt give you a very accurate perception of speed as your reference points are further away. Of course this is based on what you ride a coaster for. Which everyone will have varied opinions, one not more valid than another. Me personally, I enjoy low to ground elements as the speed perception is one thing I enjoy.

And honestly.. Most flyers (compared to other coasters types) arent really that tall in general. So I really think they all qualify for "low to the ground"..

Well, it depends on what you're looking for. Low to the ground trackwork creates the sensation of speed while higher up trackwork creates the sensations of "Oh S***!"

For me, the perfect flyer would incorporate the soaring views espoused by some of the Tatsu-lovers (haven't ridden myself). Of course, I'd also like some of the ground-hugging maneuvers that really do seem to be lacking in the stateside flyers. The coaster that best shows what I think of as "terrain flying" would be the last couple hundred feet of track on Alpengeist. Caves sound even better, but something where the riders are at/below grade with some sort of "enclosed feeling" - that would make it FEEL so much faster...

Well, I've never been a big fan of flying coasters, even Tatsu, I was even a little dissapointed that Sea World went with a flyer. However, I must say that Manta has way exceeded my expectations. Tatsu was OK, but it didn't have a good mix of intense and flying moments. Manta has a perfect blend of both intense moments and some great flying type sections. The 270 degree spiral drop after the pretzel is amazing I think. The interaction with the water and waterfall at the end is great. The queue line is themed top notch and will rival any other coasters theming out there. Sea World did an awesome job with this ride. I'm sure the people on here dogging flyers are still not going to give this ride a chance, but I think if they do then they'll be very surprised!

After seeing off ride footage I see that the ride does not actually dip in the water (like Diamondback) yet has a simulated splash. Interesting

Since Shapiro is now into re-introducing coasters with new elements, I wonder if he would consider doing this with the Superman flyers? Maybe construct downtown Metropolis for the coaster to fly through or something.

^ That would be a great idea. If only Six Flags had the capital and creative motivation to pull that off DURING the construction of those three flyers.

However, I don't see it happening. :(

^Yeah, well that creative motivation or lack there of, was during the Burke era. I could see Shapiro doing this after what we have seen with X2 and now Bizarro.

Cory Patrick said:
Well, I've never been a big fan of flying coasters, even Tatsu, I was even a little dissapointed that Sea World went with a flyer. However, I must say that Manta has way exceeded my expectations. Tatsu was OK, but it didn't have a good mix of intense and flying moments. Manta has a perfect blend of both intense moments and some great flying type sections. The 270 degree spiral drop after the pretzel is amazing I think. The interaction with the water and waterfall at the end is great. The queue line is themed top notch and will rival any other coasters theming out there. Sea World did an awesome job with this ride. I'm sure the people on here dogging flyers are still not going to give this ride a chance, but I think if they do then they'll be very surprised!

Cory, I gotta agree. I haven't ridden Tatsu, but Manta was fantastic. People have their preferences and likely won't look forward to this as much as some other coasters popping up, but this ride is definitely worth a chance. I think there will be many more people who are pleasantly surprised by this gorgeous, thrilling coaster.

I knew it would be a great ride, if Tatsu was any indication. These rides need to be tall, impeccably paced and put to great use their scenic elements. Can't wait to ride it!