Why the Raven? - CoasterBuzz

First off, I want to say that I have never been on The Raven. Ok.

Now I have watched the movie, looked at the stats, and studied the ride.. but I still can't figure out why this coaster is ranked the #1 coaster in the world. Does each peak contain massive airtime? Or what? I just don't get it. Plus it looks too short.... Someone explain just how amazing this bird is! ;)

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Spelling and grammer does not need to be corrected if the message gets across!

Although the Raven has some great airtime, I liked it more for the fast twists and turns it made through the woods and over the lake. I see it as a smaller version of the Beast.

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Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard

Your first statement says it all... you have not been on it. Once you have ridden Raven, you'll know why!

Raven was the first "small" coaster that taught me that size does not matter on wood coasters.

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"X" marks the spot in 2001!

A smaller version of the Beast before the Beast had brakes placed all over it's course...

Videos always make rides look much more boring than they really are. A good example is the Millenium force video, which makes the drop look really small. Obviously, in person, I assume MF is much more amazing. The same thing goes for Ghostrider...it just doesn't look that impressive on the video. However, that is my favorite coaster. Raven is one of the few rides where I watched the video, and it STILL looked amazing. I can't wait to ride that thing someday (Next year...hopefully)

At first you really like it, but think Why is this #1? Then you ride it more, and more..It gains on you. You feel as if your the Raven through the woods. I can only describe it as Magical!
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Ricochet: Bouncing to you in 2002, Only at King's Dominion!

Non-stop action, no dead spots, more air than the original Beast in 1979.
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The REAL reason Raven is number one is because there are too many WUSSES in the world who just cant take the physicality of The Legend ;)!

Seriously though, Raven is a *much* better ride than one would think. It's not my favorite, but it is in my top five. It's also the most improved by nighttime coaster I've been on. The part from the 5th hill to the brakes in the dark is an amazing coastering experience.

Raven has that rare mix of being gentle enough for small kids and coasterphobics yet thrilling enough for even the most jaded "enthusiast". The only other two coaster I've been on that have that mix are Kraken and Lighting Racer.
jeremy
--We'll understand it better, by and by

Yup....videos and pictures communicate nothing meaningful when it comes to ride experience. The POV for Millenium Force did nothing to prepare me for its power.
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kip099.....you said it!!!!!

Size does not matter with either of Holiday World's wooden thrill machines. You simply have to experience them for yourself. Words cannot come close!!!!! Poor Kings Island will never benefit from a timeless CCI or GCI....they don't know what they're missing.
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Those were rose-colored times on rides with your eyes closed"....Lisa Loeb
www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173

coo man chu, i've rodse the raven way to many time, mainly due cause i live 5 min from it, but i think it's a alright caoster for it's size. i mean i've never saw i guesss what every one else has saw in it, in fact i think it's kind of boring and very short.
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The Raven is a great ride and is considered #1 by many. I have first hand experienced this bird and let me tell you I loved it! I have to agree with 2Hostyl The Legend really sets me straight it is brutal but man,I love that thing. I think in time the Raven will slip like any other coaster but it will rule in the top 10 for years to come.

2Hostyl, I have to agree with you about The Legend. The Raven doesn't have ver much intensity in the morning, but The Legend never lets up. That thing it rough, and intense from start to finish. The night rides on that are spectacular. The Raven gets better at night, but no where near The Legend!

I won't be surprised if The Legend advances to #1 within 2 years.

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Mayday - Memorial Day Weekend - Nonpoint, Nickelback, Oleander, Staind
Ozzfest - June 8 - Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Black Sabbath
Awake Tour- June 15 - Darwin's Waiting Room, Puddle of Mudd, Deftones, Godsmack

Once you ride it, you'll see why it's rated #1...although my #1 is actually Legend, Raven is right behind it. It's one insane experience from beginning to end...the airtime is just indescribable, and that 5th drop...I just can't put it in words. I know it's shocking that such a small ride can be so unbelievable, but it's true. Just come ride it, and then tell us your opinion on it.:)

-Kurt

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I have often asked the same question about Raven. I have only ridden it in the morning ( I don't even think I've ridden it after noon), but I have ridden it about 15 times. I simply don't see what the big deal is. Yeah, it goes pretty fast, and there is a modest amount of airtime. But my thought after riding is always, "Man, that ride is *way* too short," never, "Wow, what a ride." That's why Raven doesn't even make my top 10. Legend, on the other hand, is in my top 3 for its relentless laterals, speed, and airtime.

Can it be that Raven is *that* different at night? I find that hard to believe, but I guess I'll just have to see for myself sometime. Until then, I'll remain firmly in the "Raven is good, but not great" camp.

Can it be that Raven is *that* different at night?

Yes. Very.

Raven ranks very highly on my list because despite it's small size, it packs a huge punch. You've got airtime. You've got speed. You've got an intense coastering experience. And because it's at a small park, chances are you can do it over and over and over again!

If you haven't ridden the Raven at night, you just don't have any idea what you're missing. The dark adds the dimension of the unknown to the ride - you can't see a foot in front of your face on it or Legend at night, so you just have to hang on and go where the coaster takes you. I love it!

coo man chu said:
"First off, I want to say that I have never been on The Raven. Ok.
.... Someone explain just how amazing this bird is! ;)
i]

The Raven is awesome, but I think you need to get to Holiday World and judge for yourself. Riding the Raven at SRM is, for me, truly a magical experience!

I agree with the general opinion of "Nothing can prepare you for a ride, other than riding it".

Befre I went on blivion I knew just about all there was to know about it. And from all of the media I had seen of it, it really was "just a drop" but then I went on it.

Nothing could have prepared me for that feeling as the car keeps on tipping over, it was one heck of a rush!

The moral here: ride it, then judge it for yourself.

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I agree with Jeremy that Legend is better, but that's another topic.

I guess Raven gets the plug from me because of the night rides. It is insane in a way I never thought possible. I swear I think I saw Jesus on one of my night rides. Even if I didn't, it's still a religious experience.

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

Aight, two quick questions then.

1 Just HOW isolated are you 'in the woods'?

2 Night rides? I don't think a coaster needs the dark to make it "awesome." Shouldn't the ride provide that??? ;)

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Spelling and grammer does not need to be corrected if the message gets across!