Phoenix

I finally made the trip to Knoebel's last week, and got to ride the Phoenix (thanks again to GregLeg with all the PA help). I was a little apprehensive about the trip, as I had high expectations from the park and this ride because of all the praise I had heard. Neither Knoebel's nor Phoenix failed to deliver, but I was surprised by the Phoenix.

From watching the videos and hearing people's account of the ride, I was expecting a fun ride with lots of air. What I got was an aggressive ride that seemed intent on throwing me from my seat!:) My friend and I likened it to a bucking bronco. Up to this point, I thought that Phantom's Revenge had the most extreme air possible, but it couldn't hold a stick to the way the Phoenix delivered. Don't get me wrong, I love PR. I'm just using it as a point of reference.

I was wondering if I just hit Phoenix on an "intense" day, or is this the way it normally rides?

Agreed Chris, your account of your first ride on Phoenix is quite similar to mine. The back seat was incredible in my opinion. I was convinced that if I were to let go of the handle bar, I would be thrown from the car!

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Jes
Webmaster, Jes's Roller Coasters
"Thank You Jeff Putz"

The Phoenix has more airtime than anything. I didn't find it aggressive, but the train was only half full on all my rides so maybe with a full train it becomes more aggressive!
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Let the world know your Top 10 Coasters at http://www.coastergrotto.zzn.com

On my trip earlier this year, I rode Phoenix probably about eight times. The first four or five were early in the day. Sunny skies, not humid, perfect day.

Around 4:00, clouds rolled in and gave us a light rain. Phoenix didn't shut down. So, we rode.

Unreal! Fast, furious, airtime on every hill, laterals... blew me away! Probably my favorite wooden coaster.

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Matt Lynch, who can't wait to get back to Knoebel's.
Co-Webmaster : Kennywood Boulevard

The Phoenix always delivers a great ride (even on a bad day). Out of the 16 years I've been riding it, it never let me down. It's just one of those coasters that you can't get enough of. Actually Knoebels in general you can't get enough of. I'm so glad Knoebels is only a 20 minute drive for me.
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Hello, My name is Dan and I'm a coasterholic.

The Phoenix is my favorite woodie and simply because of one thing: airtime. Sitting in the back on that first drop is exteremely violent! Not to mention the final bunny hops leading back to the station ;)

I wish I lived closer to Knoebels - I'd be there everyday!

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Kennywood Insider's Guide
http://kennywood.coaster-mania.com

Ahhh ... another Knoebels convert.  Should we expect a trip report?