VertiGo/Thrill Shot restraints.

For anyone who has ridden, do you think these type of restraints could be used on sitdown loopers and inverted coasters? They were really cool.

The restraints are great, and WOULD be cool on a coaster, but they'd KILL cycle times. Not worth it...

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--Greg
My page  My other page  And my coaster page

I think they could change it for a coaster though. Have the 2 straps that go over the shoulder be connected to the train all the time (like a regular OTSR). then, all you would have to do is buckle one between the legs, and on each side of you. The only thing that i could see being a problem would be unlocking them with the hose, but im sure they could improve on that and make an easier way.

Interesting idea.  It would make coasters more "fitable" for people not of the standard size frame.  There aren't any rides that I cannot ride, but there are a few, like CP's Raptor that are a close fit in trying to snap the center seat belt to the overhead restraint.  I have difficulty with my shoulders since I am of a larger/broad shoulder build.  I have to have the harness squeezed a bit on my chest, but it's not horrible or anything.

Those restraints would definitely slow down load and unload times.  Which is not a good thing when you have a very busy park.

I rode Vertigo for the first time tonight.  I was so nervous when the ride got off of the ground.  When we went up, I was ready for my first heart attack, then the anticipation of the seats flippiong upside down as we descended back down, what a rush!   I loved it.  What a sensation!  I can't wait to do it again!

Im sure there could be another way to unlock the restraints besides a hose. And i dont see how loading times could be affected too much, if all you have to do is hook three seatbelts.

It would probably cut down on headbanging on coasters.

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Gone antiqueing
pacoasters.proboards.com

What is this world coming to? I'm not sure I like the idea of being issued a harness at the main gate and just plugging into each ride...is that what you're suggesting?

I haven't tried Absolutely Insane! myself yet (and I'm not in any rush to, either) but I do have what you might call "reservations" about the restraint system on that attraction. It's just anatomically suspect as it's designed to hold the upper body instead of the center of the body, which is more appropriate.......

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Are you questioning the master, Stan Checketts and his brilliant staff at S&S?

 

I'm just kidding, but I always respect a ride that tries a new and different restraint system.  The restraints looked terribly open and minimal, do you fell very snug in that seat?

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CDNSN

The seats feel very free and open, just how Stan was saying he likes them too be in the article in "Wired" magazine.

I almost didnt ride Vertigo because of its restraint system, and lack of being able to hold on to anything.  It was quite scary the first time, but I love it now.

The only concern I have is after the seat flips over, having you face the ground, and then it returns to the upright position, I found myself partially off of the seat to one side.  I didnt feel like I was that safe in the seat and I observed others having similiar trouble.  But when that occurs, you are fairly close to the ground.

Anyone experience that?

Yes, I have experienced that and it did freak me out a little the first time but I knew I was strapped in good enough that nothing was going to happen to me.

X Factor

My big concern with VeriGo's restraint systtem is in not knowing just what is holding those pegs securely in the holes.  (Or more specifically how the pegs are released at the end of the ride)  Okay, I'll stop beating around the bush, what ensures those pegs don't slip out while its holding you ,upside down, 200'+ above hard concrete.

As far as fit goes, those harnesses feel amazingly loose and slack, even after its been properly adjusted.  I believe the concept is more of a passive than an active restraint.  (except when you are upside down, and hanging from it, then it feels not unlike a Skycoaster harness as far as the position it puts your body into.  Amazingly comfortable.  And to answer Rideman's concern, when it is holding you upside down, at least in my case, most of the weight is on the chest section of the vest restraint, rather than the shoulder straps.

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"Put the center peg in the center hole."  "What hole? I can't even SEE that hole?"

The pins are locked in there and not coming out. The only way to release the pins is to apply air pressure to the vehicle with a hose attached on the ground.

The restraints would not be appropriate for other rides, ditto for the "seats." The thing that people don't seem to understand (and perhaps the reason the reviews have been luke warm) is that the ride does not put major forces on you. The harness really just keeps you close to the vehicle more than anything else. Aside from the initial acceleration, which is far from extreme, your body essentially floats over the seat until you land. The ride experience is all about floating freely, not being shot out of a cannon.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
Watch the grass grow!

RideMan absolutely insane is such an adrenaline rush.  it's one of the best feelings i've ever felt one a thrill ride. 

Then it should be called the ThrillFLOAT, not the ThrillSHOT.

Seriously though, if the ride is intended to provide a near-weightless floating experience, BUT the ride presents itself as a 'cannon shot' slingshot style experience the ride has failed.  You may say the ride is simply 'misunderstood', but in this perception is reality world, the ride has failed to live up to its percieved purpose.

And what caused that perception? Names like ThrillSHOT, program names like "High Dive", or "Big Bang" that infer that you will either be dropped real fast or shot real fast.  Perhaps it is a ride vehicle that conceptually looks and behaves a lot like a Slingshot ride.  Or more precisely, a Slingshot with motorized seats that can flip upside down on command.

In the end, of course, ticket sales will determine if the ride is a failure or a success.