Your take on this years crop
This was going to be posted in another thread, but it was taken away before I could send, so I'll just start a new thread.
Basically, I'd like your views on this years crop of coasters compared to the past few years.
2000 and 1999 blow 2001 away, IMO, for new coaster debut. Not only is there less quantity this year, but there's less *quality*. Again, IMO. Look how many clones are coming out this year as opposed to last year. Last year the only few major clones I can think of were SFA SRoS and Boomerang at WoF. 1999 brought us *nine* US B&M's, and only ONE was a clone! Now THAT'S something. Wood in 1999 was only Gwazi and Silver Comet and Tremors and ROAR West, which aren't too bad at all. 2000, I think, was the absolute best year for new woodies in the past decade at least, if not longer. There were SO MANY quality CCI's it was unbelievable. This year, while there are two CCI's, they don't seem like they'll be #1 material (whereas, Legend, BoulderDash, The Boss, Villain were all contenders for the #1 wood spot). 2000 saw MF and SFNE SRoS, two of the best coasters in existence today. Also a radical new concept known as an Impulse coaster debuted. There were *four* original floorless layouts.
I'm REALLY looking forward to the three Beemers debuting this year. But other than that, there isn't THAT much stuff to talk about. Hypersonic, yay, it'll last all of 20 seconds. I'm looking forward to that spectacular launch, but I get turned off with the horrid capactity and exremely short ride time. The three Deja Vu clones should be pretty fun, albeit short. I'd be more excited for the Dutchmans if they were a little more different than Stealth, but still will enjoy riding em.
In conclusion, I think 1999 and 2000 were far, far superior to 2001 in terms of my enthusiasm for the new products. Your opinions may vary, and I look forward to hearing them.
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"Yes if by crestfallen you mean KILL US!" -- Homer J. Simpson
Basically, I'd like your views on this years crop of coasters compared to the past few years.
2000 and 1999 blow 2001 away, IMO, for new coaster debut. Not only is there less quantity this year, but there's less *quality*. Again, IMO. Look how many clones are coming out this year as opposed to last year. Last year the only few major clones I can think of were SFA SRoS and Boomerang at WoF. 1999 brought us *nine* US B&M's, and only ONE was a clone! Now THAT'S something. Wood in 1999 was only Gwazi and Silver Comet and Tremors and ROAR West, which aren't too bad at all. 2000, I think, was the absolute best year for new woodies in the past decade at least, if not longer. There were SO MANY quality CCI's it was unbelievable. This year, while there are two CCI's, they don't seem like they'll be #1 material (whereas, Legend, BoulderDash, The Boss, Villain were all contenders for the #1 wood spot). 2000 saw MF and SFNE SRoS, two of the best coasters in existence today. Also a radical new concept known as an Impulse coaster debuted. There were *four* original floorless layouts.
I'm REALLY looking forward to the three Beemers debuting this year. But other than that, there isn't THAT much stuff to talk about. Hypersonic, yay, it'll last all of 20 seconds. I'm looking forward to that spectacular launch, but I get turned off with the horrid capactity and exremely short ride time. The three Deja Vu clones should be pretty fun, albeit short. I'd be more excited for the Dutchmans if they were a little more different than Stealth, but still will enjoy riding em.
In conclusion, I think 1999 and 2000 were far, far superior to 2001 in terms of my enthusiasm for the new products. Your opinions may vary, and I look forward to hearing them.
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"Yes if by crestfallen you mean KILL US!" -- Homer J. Simpson
My take is that 2000 was a big year for Earth, period. Everybody got caught up in the millennium mentality and such, and parks wanted a big ride to ring it in. That, coupled with the booming economy (that has since slowed down), made 2000 a banner year, and not only in the amusement industry. It's just a theory, but I think it's worth a thought.
Also, since so many parks brought out the big guns last year, it's natural to expect that it wouldn't happen again.
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Matt Lynch
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com
Also, since so many parks brought out the big guns last year, it's natural to expect that it wouldn't happen again.
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Matt Lynch
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com
The year 2000 was probably one of biggest years ever in coaster history. 2001 is still looking good however. A totaly new type of coaster(TA2000) and many good looking new ones, if not quite as abundant as last year;)
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2001- the year of flight!
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2001- the year of flight!
Lets stop neglecting Stealths 2000 opening, whatever anyone thinks about it it has to be addmited the idea of it was great
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#1 Stealth-PGA
#2 Flashback-SFMM
#3 Whizzer-RIP PGA
#4 Mind Bender-WEM
#5 Drachen Fire-BGV
I Liked Psyclone the way it was
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#1 Stealth-PGA
#2 Flashback-SFMM
#3 Whizzer-RIP PGA
#4 Mind Bender-WEM
#5 Drachen Fire-BGV
I Liked Psyclone the way it was
Overall, I'm happy with what 2001 will bring, although I agree 1999 and 2000 were easily the best years in industry history. We certainly can't expect every year to be like last year.
This year reminds me a lot of 1990, where a lot of parks seem to be building their new "signature" ride. Hypersonic, Nitro, Talon, Titan and X are all coasters who's reputations will shroud the parks they're in for years to come, Much as Viper, Magnum and Texas Giant did a decade ago. The lack of wood is to be expected after the explosion a year ago.
2001 is also the year of the vertical shuttle coaster with no less than 5 of these being built in the same year. Most have been critical of the fact that they're clones of each other, but look at the other side, perhaps for the first time ever, different parts of the country will be able to correspond about their experiences on these coasters. It will be fun to talk about my first ride on SFMM's Deja Vu with enthusiasts from Chicago and Georgia.
Overall, how can anyone complain about another B&M 200 footer, the most intense launch in history, perhaps the best B&M inverted ever built and the resurrection of both Steel Phantom and Arrow Dynamics in the same year! Try as you might to down play these coasters if you live too far away to ride them, but once these new monsters open, the enthusiasm will completely drown the voices of the skeptics in a sea of screams ;)
This year reminds me a lot of 1990, where a lot of parks seem to be building their new "signature" ride. Hypersonic, Nitro, Talon, Titan and X are all coasters who's reputations will shroud the parks they're in for years to come, Much as Viper, Magnum and Texas Giant did a decade ago. The lack of wood is to be expected after the explosion a year ago.
2001 is also the year of the vertical shuttle coaster with no less than 5 of these being built in the same year. Most have been critical of the fact that they're clones of each other, but look at the other side, perhaps for the first time ever, different parts of the country will be able to correspond about their experiences on these coasters. It will be fun to talk about my first ride on SFMM's Deja Vu with enthusiasts from Chicago and Georgia.
Overall, how can anyone complain about another B&M 200 footer, the most intense launch in history, perhaps the best B&M inverted ever built and the resurrection of both Steel Phantom and Arrow Dynamics in the same year! Try as you might to down play these coasters if you live too far away to ride them, but once these new monsters open, the enthusiasm will completely drown the voices of the skeptics in a sea of screams ;)
I would agree that 2001 isn't as big of a deal as the last few years. I don't mind cloning, especially since it might be awhile until I get to some of these other places.
And that leads to my next point... There are a lot of parks I need to hit that built something cool in the last two years. That, combined with the new favorites I have in the way of Millennium Force and Villain locally.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
And that leads to my next point... There are a lot of parks I need to hit that built something cool in the last two years. That, combined with the new favorites I have in the way of Millennium Force and Villain locally.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
I agree with Jeff's thoughts. There are several parks (BGW, CP, and now IOA) that I like to visit every year. And because there are so many more that I want to visit but can't get to, I'd get enough enjoyment from just covering the existing ones. But then if I had unlimited vacation time and unlimited funds, ...
Now I'm with Jeff on this one. There were SO many different coasters built in the last two or three years that 2001 doesnt seem like a "fall off" because there is so much 'virgin territory' for me to conquer. Yeah, I hit the Ohio 'jackpot' last year, but there are still rides like Boss, Lightning Racers, and BoulderDash that might as well have been introduced this year as they are still new "TO ME".
But I disagree that 2001 is down in terms of my enthusiasm. Out of last year's crop, the only coaster I was really 'siced' about riding was Son of Beast. Millie was cool and all, but it got me to thinking, "when does height get to be unimportant". The 200ft barrier falling was a big deal, but to me the 300ft thing was not nearly as exciting as a woodie with a LOOP! Stealth OTOH was definitely intriguing, but I knew I wouldn't make to Cali, so it didnt really whet my appetite.
This year, however, I KNOW that I'm going to get on Batwing. Hypersonic, capacity or not (sorry, to me waiting is just a part of coaster life) will be a rush and Nitro will be a blast! (pun fully intended) Additionally, I'll get to ride the 2 newbies @ SFGAm, and while they arent *too* much on the new sensation side, if they shorten the B:TR line by even 15min I'll be estastic!
BTW: 2000 was not the year of the so-called 'impluse' coaster. Linear Gale came out before 2000.
lata,
jeremy
--Who is somewhat suprised that Nitro was NOT called Xplosive or something like that (you know the whole 'X' thang) *** This post was edited by 2Hostyl on 3/9/2001. ***
But I disagree that 2001 is down in terms of my enthusiasm. Out of last year's crop, the only coaster I was really 'siced' about riding was Son of Beast. Millie was cool and all, but it got me to thinking, "when does height get to be unimportant". The 200ft barrier falling was a big deal, but to me the 300ft thing was not nearly as exciting as a woodie with a LOOP! Stealth OTOH was definitely intriguing, but I knew I wouldn't make to Cali, so it didnt really whet my appetite.
This year, however, I KNOW that I'm going to get on Batwing. Hypersonic, capacity or not (sorry, to me waiting is just a part of coaster life) will be a rush and Nitro will be a blast! (pun fully intended) Additionally, I'll get to ride the 2 newbies @ SFGAm, and while they arent *too* much on the new sensation side, if they shorten the B:TR line by even 15min I'll be estastic!
BTW: 2000 was not the year of the so-called 'impluse' coaster. Linear Gale came out before 2000.
lata,
jeremy
--Who is somewhat suprised that Nitro was NOT called Xplosive or something like that (you know the whole 'X' thang) *** This post was edited by 2Hostyl on 3/9/2001. ***
I think 2002 is gonna be another big year. I expect rides from: CP, PKI, SFDL, SFNE, Knott's, SFMM, SFFT, Hershey, IOA, BGT, and BGW.
2Hostyl said:
"Now I'm with Jeff on this one. There were SO many different coasters built in the last two or three years that 2001 doesnt seem like a "fall off" because there is so much 'virgin territory' for me to conquer. Yeah, I hit the Ohio 'jackpot' last year, but there are still rides like Boss, Lightning Racers, and BoulderDash that might as well have been introduced this year as they are still new "TO ME"."
I guess that's why our opinions differ much. I have already been on all those coasters. There are only like four major coasters from 2000 I didn't ride (Medusa West, SKC, Stealth, Goliath). The fact that I'll be riding all those this year helps my enthusiasm but going on the fact of what is coming out *this year alone*, it just doesn't compare. And I fully realize the importance of clones in other markets blah blah blah. :) As an enthusiast, I personally would rather see original designs. Go ahead, call me a snob, but that's how I feel. That's a major point I was trying to make though, the lack of clones in 2000 was astonishing to me. For that many new coasters to come out and so few (esp from SFI) to be clones, it really was a great year.
"But I disagree that 2001 is down in terms of my enthusiasm. Out of last year's crop, the only coaster I was really 'siced' about riding was Son of Beast. Millie was cool and all, but it got me to thinking, "when does height get to be unimportant". The 200ft barrier falling was a big deal, but to me the 300ft thing was not nearly as exciting as a woodie with a LOOP! Stealth OTOH was definitely intriguing, but I knew I wouldn't make to Cali, so it didnt really whet my appetite."
Weird, SOB was like one of my least anticipated for 2000 :). MF was definitely the top of the heap for me, along with Supes at SFNE, Kraken, BKF, SUE, Villain, The Boss, The Legend, Boulder Dash. 8 of my top 10 steel coasters were built in 1999 or 2000, to show the *quality* aspect. I think something like 6 of top 10 for wood were created in 1999 or 2000. Obviously I haven't ridden any new for 2001 coasters yet, but me knowing my tastes as well as I do, I just cannot see anything other than the three B&M's getting into my fav coasters list. Nitro will most likely be the ride of the year for myself, as X will not be operational when I get to SFMM.
"This year, however, I KNOW that I'm going to get on Batwing. Hypersonic, capacity or not (sorry, to me waiting is just a part of coaster life) will be a rush and Nitro will be a blast! (pun fully intended) Additionally, I'll get to ride the 2 newbies @ SFGAm, and while they arent *too* much on the new sensation side, if they shorten the B:TR line by even 15min I'll be estastic!"
I don't mind waiting in line when there is some regard for capacity. Hypersonic will have nothing but Xtremely Low Capacity with Xtremely Long Lines. If you don't mind waiting hours upon hours for such a short coaster, more power to ya. I admire your patience. Some of us though, cannot wait in a line like HXLC is sure to have more than once or twice. I'll ride it once, and move onto Volcano.
"BTW: 2000 was not the year of the so-called 'impluse' coaster. Linear Gale came out before 2000."
Thanks, yeah, I knew that, I guess I was implying it was the first in the US. Also, it was the worlds first spiraling Impulse, something which I'm sure is pretty darn different feeling than just a regular straight spike. Not to mention incredibly freaky looking!
I guess I can compare 2001 with 1998. There wasn't more than two US B&Ms, four CCI's (although, those were top notch CCI's), and one Intamin launched inverted which opened like 4 months late and with half the capacity. Oh yeah, there was ROAR East too. ;) Maybe those of you who think 2002 is the big year are correct, I guess it's a three year cycle, but we won't find out til next year.
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"Yes if by crestfallen you mean KILL US!" -- Homer J. Simpson
Legendary said:
I guess that's why our opinions differ much.
Has there been anything that we HAVE agreed on? :) (said in good humor)
As an enthusiast, I personally would rather see original designs. Go ahead, call me a snobOK, SNOB! ;), but that's how I feel. That's a major point I was trying to make though, the lack of clones in 2000 was astonishing to me. For that many new coasters to come out and so few (esp from SFI) to be clones, it really was a great year.
Yeah see, I never got too much into the whole clone thing so again that doesn't impress me much. But I do understand your point.
Weird, SOB was like one of my least anticipated for 2000 :). MF was definitely the top of the heap for me, along with Supes at SFNE, Kraken, BKF, SUE, Villain, The Boss, The Legend, Boulder Dash.
S:UE looked like a waste to me (the ride experience was much different). Boulderdash was interesting, as was lighting Racer. I knew nothing of the S:ROS @ SFNE (before the season). The other coasters just looked like regular rides, nothing out of the ordinary. Not to say they were 'bad' in any way, shape, or form. Just off of looks, not very impressive.
8 of my top 10 steel coasters were built in 1999 or 2000, to show the *quality* aspect. I think something like 6 of top 10 for wood were created in 1999 or 2000.
Several of my favorite wood & steel coasters were born in that same timeframe. I'm just saying that at the start of the season, I wasn't drooling all over them. Many of them snuck up on me (ex. Top Gun @ Carowinds).
Obviously I haven't ridden any new for 2001 coasters yet, but me knowing my tastes as well as I do, I just cannot see anything other than the three B&M's getting into my fav coasters list. Nitro will most likely be the ride of the year for myself, as X will not be operational when I get to SFMM.
I concur (crud, I just agreed with you :)), Nitro has the best shot at being a favorite of mine this year. But, I'm very excited that I get to try two types of coasters I've never ridden anything like before (Batwing, H:XLC)
I don't mind waiting in line when there is some regard for capacity. Hypersonic will have nothing but Xtremely Low Capacity with Xtremely Long Lines. If you don't mind waiting hours upon hours for such a short coaster, more power to ya. I admire your patience. Some of us though, cannot wait in a line like HXLC is sure to have more than once or twice. I'll ride it once, and move onto Volcano.
See, the way I look at it, if I'm waiting in line two hours for a ride with great capacity or I'm waiting in line two hours for a ride with little capacity, I'm STILL waiting in line two hours. Whether the line moves fast or slow, doesnt make a big psychological difference to me. That being said, if H:XLC is garbage, you wont see me wait in line at all. If a coaster is good I'll wait for it, if it's not, I wont. But I'll wait up to two hours for ANY (adult) coaster.....ONCE!
Also, it was the worlds first spiraling Impulse, something which I'm sure is pretty darn different feeling than just a regular straight spike. Not to mention incredibly freaky looking!
I wouldn't know as I've never been on Linear Gale, but the sprial didnt do too much on S:UE for me (the rear spike is another story). But you're right, it is an interesting visual!
lata,
jeremy
--who is glad that people see the world is comprised of apples AND oranges....I myself am a mango...
I guess that's why our opinions differ much.
Has there been anything that we HAVE agreed on? :) (said in good humor)
As an enthusiast, I personally would rather see original designs. Go ahead, call me a snobOK, SNOB! ;), but that's how I feel. That's a major point I was trying to make though, the lack of clones in 2000 was astonishing to me. For that many new coasters to come out and so few (esp from SFI) to be clones, it really was a great year.
Yeah see, I never got too much into the whole clone thing so again that doesn't impress me much. But I do understand your point.
Weird, SOB was like one of my least anticipated for 2000 :). MF was definitely the top of the heap for me, along with Supes at SFNE, Kraken, BKF, SUE, Villain, The Boss, The Legend, Boulder Dash.
S:UE looked like a waste to me (the ride experience was much different). Boulderdash was interesting, as was lighting Racer. I knew nothing of the S:ROS @ SFNE (before the season). The other coasters just looked like regular rides, nothing out of the ordinary. Not to say they were 'bad' in any way, shape, or form. Just off of looks, not very impressive.
8 of my top 10 steel coasters were built in 1999 or 2000, to show the *quality* aspect. I think something like 6 of top 10 for wood were created in 1999 or 2000.
Several of my favorite wood & steel coasters were born in that same timeframe. I'm just saying that at the start of the season, I wasn't drooling all over them. Many of them snuck up on me (ex. Top Gun @ Carowinds).
Obviously I haven't ridden any new for 2001 coasters yet, but me knowing my tastes as well as I do, I just cannot see anything other than the three B&M's getting into my fav coasters list. Nitro will most likely be the ride of the year for myself, as X will not be operational when I get to SFMM.
I concur (crud, I just agreed with you :)), Nitro has the best shot at being a favorite of mine this year. But, I'm very excited that I get to try two types of coasters I've never ridden anything like before (Batwing, H:XLC)
I don't mind waiting in line when there is some regard for capacity. Hypersonic will have nothing but Xtremely Low Capacity with Xtremely Long Lines. If you don't mind waiting hours upon hours for such a short coaster, more power to ya. I admire your patience. Some of us though, cannot wait in a line like HXLC is sure to have more than once or twice. I'll ride it once, and move onto Volcano.
See, the way I look at it, if I'm waiting in line two hours for a ride with great capacity or I'm waiting in line two hours for a ride with little capacity, I'm STILL waiting in line two hours. Whether the line moves fast or slow, doesnt make a big psychological difference to me. That being said, if H:XLC is garbage, you wont see me wait in line at all. If a coaster is good I'll wait for it, if it's not, I wont. But I'll wait up to two hours for ANY (adult) coaster.....ONCE!
Also, it was the worlds first spiraling Impulse, something which I'm sure is pretty darn different feeling than just a regular straight spike. Not to mention incredibly freaky looking!
I wouldn't know as I've never been on Linear Gale, but the sprial didnt do too much on S:UE for me (the rear spike is another story). But you're right, it is an interesting visual!
lata,
jeremy
--who is glad that people see the world is comprised of apples AND oranges....I myself am a mango...
I'd say 2001 is a pretty good year. We're getting 2 COMPLETELY new types of coasters (Hypersonic, X), a massively updated coaster (Invertigo --> Super Invertigo), the first full-scale steel reprofiling (Steel Phantom --> Phantom's Revenge), etc.
Yes, there's a bunch of clones going in. For most of the general public, that's a GOOD thing -- how many people in California or Chicago got to ride Superman:Ultimate Escape? How many people on the East Coast got to ride Stealth? Heck I'd argue that this isn't even necessarily a BAD thing for enthusiasts, let alone the GP...
Am I disappointed with this years crop? No. Does it compare up well to last years? In my personal opinion, yes. Sure there's no Millennium Force or Superman:Ride of Steel (New England Edition), but that doesn't make me any less excited about the new rides.
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--Greg
http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/
Yes, there's a bunch of clones going in. For most of the general public, that's a GOOD thing -- how many people in California or Chicago got to ride Superman:Ultimate Escape? How many people on the East Coast got to ride Stealth? Heck I'd argue that this isn't even necessarily a BAD thing for enthusiasts, let alone the GP...
Am I disappointed with this years crop? No. Does it compare up well to last years? In my personal opinion, yes. Sure there's no Millennium Force or Superman:Ride of Steel (New England Edition), but that doesn't make me any less excited about the new rides.
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--Greg
http://www.pobox.com/~gregleg/
Heck, I'm not complaining. New coasters will get me to parks I haven't been to in a while or never before (PKD, SFGAdv, SDC), but I'll still go back to the ones I like (SFGAm, CP, PKI, BGW) and isn't that what's it's all about?
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Scott W. Short
scott@midwestcoastercentral.com
http://www.midwestcoastercentral.com
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Scott W. Short
scott@midwestcoastercentral.com
http://www.midwestcoastercentral.com
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