Sheikra: I dig this coaster.

Just got back from Florida(visiting BGT) and I am surprised I haven't heard more talk of Sheikra. While it isn't the most intense coaster or even probably cracking my top 10, this dive coaster is just pure fun. Two 90 degree drops(first 200ft and second 138ft into a tunnel) along with an inversion and a very cool finale with the water makes this coaster a definite crowd pleaser whether you are riding or just spectating.

The steep lifthill (which rivals MF's) going 200ft up was a neat surprise.

I actually hope to see more of these installed in the U.S. especially if it has the layout of or similar to Sheikra. *** Edited 11/30/2005 12:52:44 AM UTC by Chitown***

I can't really comment on Sheikra aside from the fact that it looks like a great ride. However, I did thoroughly enjoy Oblivion when I visited AT last spring. Even though it's a short and simple one trick pony, the anticipation leading up to, and the drop itself, were incredible, better than the Intamin 2nd gen freefalls imo. I'd love to see more Dive Machines built over the years. *** Edited 11/30/2005 1:10:22 AM UTC by Ben Nelson***

The third best steel in Florida as far as I am concerned. And thas a good thang!

I will be checking it out on Sunday, looking forward to it.

Bird is the word, LOL....

It's a really good ride, but I kinda wanted to keep it for myself, Scott....thanks! ;)

Seriously, though I worked pretty hard to get a US Dive Machine, but BGT was *not* the park I'd have picked, I'd have thought a park with TeRrAiN would have made a better fit in terms of exploiting the vertical drops...

Nonetheless, it IS a really good ride, NICE capacity, and for whatever reason a LOT of people seem to prefer the "non-front" rows. They're having an ERT event there soon...next month maybe?

edit: The water feature, complete with the "scoops" for the *showers* are really a great addition, esp. for a FL park that can get pretty HOT in the summer. Really makes the ride a spectator's delight....and rides that make for good watching, they're good rides - always consider those pesky non-riders when planning.... ;)
*** Edited 11/30/2005 1:33:23 AM UTC by rollergator***

^That's very true, ride's that offer non-riders something to look at not only become popular rides, but bring business to the surrounding area.

I've never been to BGT, but I know this holds a lot of truth at CP with TTD and maXair.

I agree, all the people I was with when I rode said that it was just a plain addicting ride. Such a great drop!

I liked the drop a lot on Oblvion, but just wished there was more to the ride!

For that reason, I'm sure that I'd enjoy Shiekra! It improves on the original dive machine in pretty much every way.

I don't remember the inversion but I do remember being impressed with the ride. I rode it in September and really enjoyed it.

Sheikra is definitely a very good coaster. Take the great drop from Oblivion and then do more with the rest of the ride.

I liked it so much it actually MIGHT crack my "top 10" on Mitch's steel poll...

I went there the first week of november and it wasnt bad I didn't like it much after the midcourse break. I didnt have to wait at all for any of the rides at BG.

I really enjoyed this coaster. I just wonder why there is not a lot of buzz about it.

I have not had a chance to ride either drop-coasters. The drop on Oblivion into that hole looks absolutely insane. How does Sheikra first drop measure up? I have not seen any shots of Sheikra's drops into it's pit.

I can't wait to make it to BGT (probably in May) to ride it. That park already has three outstanding coasters and one very good one. Definitely one of the best theme parks around.

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rollergator said:

I'd have thought a park with TeRrAiN would have made a better fit in terms of exploiting the vertical drops...

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As in Pennsylvania? ;) For once, someone should exploit us for something good.

Chitown, everyone who has ridden it has raved about it. How much buzz are you looking for?

I wonder if they could turn on of these into a dark ride?

The ride is short but sweet. The hold at the top is really cool, and the 90 degree is pretty exhilirating. But, when it comes to the inversion, I've blacked out every single time I rode it.

My favorite part is right after the MCBR, but only at night. Since the tunnel is curved, you get a few seconds of acceleration through total darkness. When it comes to the water splash, you don't even notice it. Looks like the folks on the midway get pretty wet though.

I like the dual loading, and the way the station is set up is very unique.

It's a good ride, but I think it's overrated by all the people I've met down here in FL.

I always thought THE best place for one of these rides would have been Palisades:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/TEL/6182.jpg

Right off the cliff, baby.

The best thing to add to Palisades woulda been....ME! :)

TTD...you just haven't talked to the *right* people in FL....the 'Kra is a good ride, fun, nice drops, but it is NOT the second-coming or anything...

bill, finds the Immelman to be an interesting *twist* to the vertical drop coaster, but I'd have preferred a camelback...or a straight-up vertical loop... :)

On my first visit to the park earlier this summer, I can honestly say Sheikra was IMO at the bottom of the good rides they have there.

The drop was cool, but I still cant get over how much it really doesnt do anything besides drop again. While the experience was great, the ride time was anything but to be desired.

Kumba, Montu, and Gwazi (I think this is the more underrated BGT coaster) blew me away. Kumba and Montu are some of the most complete rides I have ever ridden, feeling at every turn like they are going to end, but they never do. While Gwazi was out of control.

Just my thoughts, BGT definitely rocks all around though.