SFOT's Shockwave & SFOG's Mindbender: Which do yo

I know that "versus" threads are a no-no, but this isn't exactly one of those "I think ______ is the best!" topics.

For those of you who don't know, the 1978 coaster season brought two custom-designed Anton Schwarzkopf double looping roller coasters to the original two Six Flags parks: Shockwave @ SFOT and Mindbender @ SFOG. Unlike most older, 70's-era looping coasters, these two have become modern-day legends, as they remain amongst the most popular coasters at their respective parks and are still considered favorites amonst the most well-travelled enthusiasts.

Shockwave, seen here, is a fairly straightforward design that features two back-to-back vertical loops that are known for the incredible g-forces that they produce. Mindbender, illustrated here, is more of a terrain coaster, and features two vertical loops that are separated by an odd diagonal helix that the park originally touted as a third "loop" (which made it the first "three loop" coaster, according to SFOG).

My question is for all of those who have had the pleasure of riding both of these coasters: Which one is better, and why? I have only ridden Mindbender, which seems to be the favorite amongst most people, but I think that Shockwave has its supporters as well and I would love to hear them explain why they favor the Texas ride over the Georgia ride. Now is your chance to defend your fave!

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

I definitely prefer Mindbender. Its layout/location are far superior to Shockwave's, and I love the horizontal loop. I still have love for Shockwave though, those first two loops are pretty crazy.

I'm a Shockwave fan all the way. It's my 11th favorite steel coaster. The main reason for that is the excellent moments of airtime that it has.

If I remember correctly, I only got one Mindbender ride during my visit to SFoG in '99. It was fun, but it just didn't impress me the way Shockwave did.

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Sue Barry
CoasterSue@aol.com

I personally perfer Shockwave also because it has some of the best air time of ANY stell coaster

Mindbender - totally underestimated this coaster. Even smoother than the neighbouring B&M!

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http://oneclick.coasterbuzz.com
http://www.thorpeparkguide.com

I love them both, but I would give Mindbender the credit for having the better layout and better location. Just like Revolution at SFMM I love the fact that there is a loop halfway through the ride. I am always disaoppointed when the loops are over after the first drop.

Trivia:
These coasters were the first ever to feature the "heartline" track design. That´s why they both have the framework track. Schwarzkopf thought it was too complicated to bend the tracks after these abstract calculations brought up by Stengel. It was the former SF Manager who insisted that Schwarzkopf should give it a try. So he used the threedimaensional frame to manage the complicated bending.

He did it great. I just hope that these two rides will stay at these parks for the next 25 years.

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bend me, shape me, anyway you want me

Mindbender has always been one of my favorites, I love the "forest-like" setting that it has. Shockwave's layout on the other hand is way too predictable because of it's location - granted that's what they wanted when they built it (the first back-to-back loops on a coaster.

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SWOOSH
MidwestInfoGuide.COM

"You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!"

I am sure that Shockwave and Mindbender won't be entering Six Flags ride-rotation program anytime soon!

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

Mindbender all the way! I love the woodsy setting and the ingenious use of the terrain. It was the first looping coaster I ever rode without OTSR's which automatically placed it up a notch from any Arrow looper at the time. Saving the last loop for the end of the ride is a great finale! Shockwave is ok but I'd rank it behind Mindbender. Shockwave gave me my first grey-out ever after the second consecutive loop.

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Nashville needs a theme park!

Hmm...I have rode both. Shockwave as far as the ride itself, to me, is better. The second consecutive loop is great. The setting is better probably on the Mindbender. It has been several years since I have ridden the Mindbender, so I have forgot some of the the ride though. Either way....Shockwave!!

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"I see black spots." -- Me after riding Titans second helix.

I've never ridden Shockwave, but I'm one of the many who absolutely adore Mindbender.

Mindbender's Gilmanometer rating: 6.5/10 (above average)

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- John
Homepark: Cedar Point
Home-away-from-homepark: Paramount's Kings Island

It's been a little while since I've been on either one, but Mind Bender stands out in my mind as the superior ride. While the back-to-back loops of Shockwave are G-loads of fun, Mind Bender's pacing flows so much more nicely.

On a side note, just the other day I was thinking how a Mind Bender-style terrain Schwarzkopf would make a perfect addition to Holiday World! Are you listening Paula? ;)

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Rich Genthner / PTC99

TCKR said:

On a side note, just the other day I was thinking how a Mind Bender-style terrain Schwarzkopf would make a perfect addition to Holiday World! Are you listening Paula?

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Rich Genthner / PTC99
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Searching through old posts... Mind Bender love time. Still think it would great and perfect for Holidayworld. 42" height requirement, loops, lap bars - the 3 things I heard Holidayworld wants in a steel coaster.

TCKR said:
Are you listening Paula?

As it's been 9 years, I'd say no... no she's not.

Billy, have you been bitten?

Many times. Had to get rabies shots back in '02.

I think he's asking if you got bitten by a zombie, insinuating that this old topic is a zombie; back from the dead.

Oh good lord, the 'Walking Dead' phenomenon... I stopped being a zombie fan years ago, when it was still cool ;)

I've been a zombie fan for as long as I can remember. The Walking Dead is icing on the cake.

People kept asking why wasn't I watching "Walking Dead." So I tried to watch the first episode and I got bored and annoyed pretty quickly. It seemed like a remix of what's been done already. I'll take the bad makeup and ketchup blood of Dawn of the Dead.

I'll always be a zombie fan, I think I need to see some Return of the Living Dead NOW! More Brains!