Speed: The Ride

Well, I spent another Christmas holiday in Las Vegas, and decided to hop on Speed again. I skipped on that boring Manhattan Express, and didn't get a chance to go to the borderline for Desperado. Anyways, Speed is running better than ever! I think it's a lot funner in the winter than in the summer. The second you get out of the tunnel, you feel the cool desert breeze on your face, then you take that quick left turn into the underground ditch and the loop. That has got to be the sharpest turn I have ever been on!

When you go through that second blast, the ride almost feels out of control, as you zip around the Sahara casino. Then you head straight up, and back down backwards. Wow, what a rush. The only thing that could improve the ride is if it reached closer to the peak of the vertical spike, ala Vertical Velocity. Maybe they should pump up the LIMs to make it even faster!  =)  I noticed the spike also has brakes on it, like V2, but they are also unused. People say the ones at SFMW overheated, and the brisk Bay Area air is nothing compared to the 110+ degree summer heat in Vegas!

They changed the pricing now. It's only 8 bucks for 2 consecutive rides. It used to be 6 bucks for one. That is a steal. You can also get unlimited rides for 13 bucks, and if you want, you can get unlimited rides on Speed and on the virtual reality Nascar game for 18 bucks. Look around for coupons though. You can usually ride for less.

I can only hope the Xcelerator at Knott's will be half as good as Speed. So, the next time you are in Vegas, don't miss out on Speed. It is a bit far from the rest of the Strip, but it's well worth it. Sahara also has one dollar tables for you frugal ones.  =)

Commenting on the Vertical Velocity being in the brisk bay air, SFMW is in Vallejo which gets VERY hot in the summer (around 100 degrees) so that's probably why the LIMs over heat.

But anyways you perfectly described Speed. I rode it on Thanksgiving and I love how the cold night air hit my face while going through the loop. Great review! :)

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Skater for life!

Difference between the brakes on the spike:

VV's is there to hold the train for added thrill.

Speed's, like the one on the Mr. Freeze rides, is there to stop or slow the train in the event that it gains too much speed and goes to the top of the spike.