Rocket coasters - Why so popular?

^^^ Judging the people who drive the cars isn't the same as juding the cars.

Commonly illustrated by hardcore fans of Tool, Dave Matthews Band, and Radiohead. I can't stand 90% of them but I'm able to seperate my feelings towards the fans from the actual music.

^^^ Hardcore fans of DMB aren't that bad. A couple of my friends are and they aren't annoying at all. I guess there are always exceptions though. Ok, back to the topic on hand...

I have the feeling the nature of fatmanoncouch's comments are a result of him being told hes too fat to ride kinda ka. *** Edited 4/26/2006 4:27:42 PM UTC by realmadrid311***

/\LOL

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janfrederick said:
Moosh, does that mean if I don't like a coaster I should say, "I think Kinga Ka is totally straight?"

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Do you know what the word "gay" actually means? (besides what its become) Pick up an old kids books sometime and if thats what you think "gay" really means im sure youll be completely shocked lol... *** Edited 4/26/2006 4:36:38 PM UTC by P18***

Uh, as in like, happy?

Happy, light hearted, very content.

It's like fag. It also means cigarettes.

I know that was just an exaggerated answer to his question lol

Shocked? Me? Never!

lol, I know, like I said exaggerated (I woulda put a grin smiley or someting in there but for some reason I dont know how to do them lol, sorry this is random but how do I?

Let us hope the “smugness” of George Clooney’s Oscar speech does not hijack this thread… :-)

Whether the car is a hybrid or not, or whether it's "tricked out" was not my point.
My point was that a muscle car is not a "smart choice" it's the cool choice. Same with SUVs. I would bet most people don't buy SUVs beacuse they absolutely NEED the space.. btu they like the feeling that if any point, they must drive through a mountain range, their car can do it. Meanwhile they're spending half their paycheck on gas.
Few things get as big of a "wow" from the GP as a fast, visible launch. the "wow" factor is worth the expense and unreliability to some parks... for now anyways

Can you really generalize about a group like "Hybrid owners" or "DMB fans?" It'd be like saying "All coaster enthusiasts are gay." ;)

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Jeffrey R Smith said:

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Maybe spinning mice (or woodies, but they don't really count).

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Was there a "count" ruling I missed somewhere?

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What I mean to say is woodies are probably being built faster than rockets, but I don't consider that a relevant data point.

B&M Guy, You know some people actually enjoy the thrill of driving. To many people including me, a car isn't just something to get you from point A to point B. It's about the expierience. Maybe not so much with SUV's but with sports/muscle cars, they provide a rush that ironically is quite similar to the rush you feel after riding a good coaster. Just my two cents.

I do agree with you however that rocket coasters do draw attention with their launches. *** Edited 4/26/2006 7:24:52 PM UTC by Blink3020***

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Mamoosh said:

You realize (gay)'s a compliment...right?

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I think he meant "ghey." ;)

I think what makes rocket coasters so interesting to me is that they seem to combine the characteristics of both launched loopers (referring mainly to the Premiers, though perhaps Hulk as well) and a good hypercoaster. Of course, I'm excepting the strata-rockets in this case since they get my attention simply from the rush they provide, but if you take, say, Storm Runner, you've got some really cool and innovative inversions (not of the sort most other loopers have) as well as some out-of-control non-inversion elements that would seem just as appropriate in a ride like EGF. It's a great combination.

Mind you, that's why I like 'em, but I imagine it has something to do with why the GP likes 'em, too.

This brings up another question- Why are one-hill wonders so popular? They are a novelty, and hopefully a sign of things to come. Such rides could mean the end of the traditional lift hill, which makes sense given the height limitations of traditional lifts. Though I do love the anticipation of a long lift hill.

Even though Dragster and Kingda Ka reach amazing heights, I look at those things and think- What a waste. Such the amazing feat of launching a coach all the way to the top and then deciding not to include the rest of the coaster? Tragic! And as long as they stay popular, it’s all parks will need to build to draw in crowds.

Once the novelty wears off, then things get interesting. One-hill wonders won't be enough. Which is why I too think Storm Runner is ahead of its time. Hershey Park elected to push the envelope on this one, and I can't wait to see a real 400 foot strata-coaster with some Storm Runner elements. *** Edited 4/27/2006 8:38:40 PM UTC by rc-madness***

Sorry guys I wasn't trying to stereotype folks who drive sports cars, or say that's wrong. If ya have the money then more power too ya lol. I have a v6 so I can't really talk.
I was just saying that we, as enthusiasts, see a long circuit wooden coaster and say "wow" but that's not generally the case with the GP.
The launch will always get the "wow" from the gp, and I guess that's worth the un-reliability and extra cost to them.
Personally I'd take a gravity group creation over a launch any day.