Mitch's Steel Coaster Poll Begins!

Thought it was only right that we let this discussion begin (rather than let in eat into the woodie coaster poll thread). The 2009 steel coaster poll is up: http://www.ushsho.com/bestrollercoasterpoll.htm

Oh yeah, Coasterfanatic's Java Applet makes this painless; finished it five minute: http://www.coasterfanatics.com/sec_poll/poll_step1.asp?type=2009steel

My two cents, though I'm not too up in arms about this poll, I will admit that I'm ready to see Bizzaro (SFNE) fall off of it's throne---it definitely fell off of mine this year. A flawless ride should not be tampered with. The trains particularly with the speakers are horrible. The most climactic moments of the ride are now killed by unnecessary audio:

1. The lift, some people like the sound, arguably the one part the music enhances besides the drop; I miss simply having the Connecticut River and silence of anticipation.

2. the sudden airtime on the three hills on S:ROS's return trip are killed by the annoying soundtrack; on the first or second hill the sound of an exploding bomb goes off that almost negating the surprise of the airtime (you react to the bomb before the airtime, which surprisingly now feels underwhelming once you crest the hill) .

3. the breathless moment of rush when whip into the final breaks is overshadowed by the speakers blasting Bizzaro in repetition (unquestionably the loudest moment of the rides soundtrack). Six, seven years after S:ROS opened, people still clapped when the train whipped into the brakes. The ride left you breathless. Now the top commentary when Bizarro whips into the brakes is "my ears are going to fall off"---for those who haven't ridden, the finale chant on Bizzaro's brake run is louder than the maxixum a bass can blast in the most suped up SUV.

Even with ERT/no lines for the incredible night ride this summer w/ full effects, the ride still did not deliver the rush is used to. There was really no reason to tamper with perfection.

I live an hour away from the park, and I suppose that since it was down the one day I was at the park this summer it deserves a low ranking; seeing as it was as reliable as KK was for me this summer :)

In all seriousness though i don't see it losing its title. All this poll shows is the best roller coasters in the world for enthusiast not the general public. If you knew a random person who has never been on a roller coaster before and threw them once on KK and once on SROS/Bizarro i guarantee you they would prefer KK.

I predict Diamondmoth to be in the top 5 :-)

Vertigo said:
My two cents, though I'm not too up in arms about this poll, I will admit that I'm ready to see Bizzaro (SFNE) fall off of it's throne---it definitely fell

I would assume having higher headrests also downgrades the ride :( I know that usually turns me off a bit.

Based on what I've read and heard (no rides for me personally), I expect S:RoS@NE to drop about 7 to 10 spots....that's pretty drastic for a ride that needed to have nothing done to it.

Diamondback and Behemoth (CW) were solid B&M hypers...nothing more, nothing less. I'd be surprised to see either of them rated top-5...and neither makes my personal top-10.

Really? I haven't ridden either, but I have heard nothing but good things, especially from those who have poo poo'd the original three (Bull/ Nitro/Apollo) We'll see I guess. With Bizzarro possibly being usurped, who will take the top spot then? Expedition GeForce? Eagle Fortress? Millie? BTW..where did TPR go this year? that usually plays a big factor, no?

Could any of the foreign, new-for-'09 coasters move into a top spot?

I have heard nothing but rave reviews of Blue Fire and ISpeed...

It looks like I stand corrected with regard to the likelihood of SROS/Bizarro moving down the rankings. I'm still shaking my head over how it was the only top ten finisher in the U.S. for the steel coasters last year.

I think Eagle Fortress will fall off its perch this year. One reason: it went SBNO in january and at this point, the park ain't even sure they can save the ride.

I still have it ranked as number one, simply cause I still haven't been on a more fun steel coaster!

Well you guys better hurry the poll is only up for a few days this year unlike last year which is up for a month. The steel coaster polls close on December 10 and if you hadn't already the wood polls close on the 5th.