What are your TOP TEN COASTERS

[M400]

Top 20 Coasters both wood and Steel combined all rode in last 2 years

 

1. El Toro (Great Adventure)

2. Twisted Colossus (Magic Mountain)

3. Kumba (Busch Gardens Tampa)

4. Nitro (Great Adventure)

5. Kingda Ka (Great Adventure)

6. Manta (Sea World Orlando)

7. Montu (Busch Gardens)

8. The Cyclone (Coney Island)

9. Incredible Hulk (Islands of Adventure)

10. Sheikra (Busch Gardens Tampa)

11. White Lightening (Funspot Orlando)

12. Swarm (Thorpe Park)

13. Odyssey (Fantasy Island)

14. Duelling Dragons (Islands of Adventure)

15. Tatsu (Magic Mountain)

16. The Grand National (Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

17. Nemesis (Alton Towers)

18. The Ultimate (Lightwater Valley)

19. Icon ( Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

20. Smiler (Alton Towers)

 

2019, visiting Cedar Point, Carowinds, Kennywood and Kings Island. Top 20 would change significantly......

[M400]

Top 20 Coasters both wood and Steel combined all rode in last 2 years

 

1. El Toro (Great Adventure)

2. Twisted Colossus (Magic Mountain)

3. Kumba (Busch Gardens Tampa)

4. Nitro (Great Adventure)

5. Kingda Ka (Great Adventure)

6. Manta (Sea World Orlando)

7. Montu (Busch Gardens)

8. The Cyclone (Coney Island)

9. Incredible Hulk (Islands of Adventure)

10. Sheikra (Busch Gardens Tampa)

11. White Lightening (Funspot Orlando)

12. Swarm (Thorpe Park)

13. Odyssey (Fantasy Island)

14. Duelling Dragons (Islands of Adventure)

15. Tatsu (Magic Mountain)

16. The Grand National (Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

17. Nemesis (Alton Towers)

18. The Ultimate (Lightwater Valley)

19. Icon ( Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

20. Smiler (Alton Towers)

 

2019, visiting Cedar Point, Carowinds, Kennywood and Kings Island. Top 20 would change significantly......

[LiftThrill]

Recent trip that didn't include a TON of coasters, but definitely included some REALLY REALLY good ones. Bold is new, italics is stuff that used to be in there.

 

1. Fury 325 (Carowinds)

2. Millennium Force (Cedar Point)

3. New Texas Giant (Six Flags Over Texas)

4. Outlaw Run (Silver Dollar City)

5. Maverick (Cedar Point)

6. Twisted Cyclone (Six Flags Over Georgia)

7. Iron Rattler (Six Flags Fiesta Texas)

8. The Voyage (Holiday World)

9. Goliath (Six Flags Great America)

10. Time Traveler (Silver Dollar City)

---

11. Intimidator (Carowinds)

12. Raging Bull (Six Flags Great America)

13. Diamondback (Kings Island)

[CoasterAuditor]

After my Knoebels trip

 

1. El Toro

2. Intimidator 305

3. Phoenix

4. Millennium Force

5. New Texas Giant

6. Nitro

7. Storm Runner

8. Apollo’s Chariot

9. Afterburn

10. Intimidator

[thrillrider]

My top ten steel

 

1.Steel vengeance

2. Outlaw run

3. Iron rattler

4. Mako

5. Nitro

6. The new Texas giant

7. Riddler(sfog)

8. Goliath(sfmm)

9. Banshee

10. Kumba

 

Honorable mention...Superman(sfne). This ride would have made my top 10, however the restraints just killed its chances.

 

Top 10 wood.

 

1. El Toro

2.Shivering timbers

3. Colossus(sfm before rmc)

4. Phoenix

5. Comet(great escape)

6. American eagle

7. Viper(sfga)

8. The beast

9. Mystic timbers

10. Prowler

 

Honorable mentions...

Thunderbolt(kennywood)

Wooden warrior

[9Armgeddon4]

Here's my new top ten steel/wood coasters.

Steel

1. Fury 325

2. Millennium Force

3. Intimidator 305

4. Maverick

5. Lightning Run

6. Steel Vengeance

7. Nitro

8. Montu

9. Volcano: The Blast Coaster

10. Raging Bull

 

Wood

1. American Eagle

2. El Toro

3. Screamin' Eagle

4. Great American Scream Machine

5. Hoosier Hurricane

6. Viper

7. Cyclops

8. Cornball Express

9. Blue Streak

10. American Thunder

 

Update time with some major changes.

Steel

1. Fury 325

2. Millennium Force

3. Intimidator 305

4. Maverick

5. Nitro

6. Lightning Run

7. Montu

8. Whizzer

9. Batman the Ride

10. Volcano The Blast Coaster

Honorable mentions

Raging Bull and Steel Vengeance

 

Wood

1. The Beast

2. El Toro

3. Screamin' Eagle

4. Great American Scream Machine

5. Mystic Timbers

6. Hoosier Hurricane

7. Cyclops

8. Viper

9. Cornball Express

10. Blue Streak

Honorable mentions

American Thunder and American Eagle

[Bedholm]

Following 2 trips to Europe and a few revisits in the US

Top 10 Steel:

1. Expedition GeForce

2. Skyrush

3. Taron

4. Helix

5. Piraten

6. Maverick

7. Hyperion

8. Twisted Colossus

9. iSpeed

10. Iron Rattler

 

Top 10 Wood:

1. El Toro (SFGADV)

2. Voyage

3. Wildfire

4. Phoenix

5. Lightning Rod

6. Balder

7. Timber Terror

8.Tremors

9.Raven

10. Renegade

[bgtlover]

Updated Top 10:

1. Steel Vengeance

2. Fury 325

3. Maverick

4. Millennium Force

5. Storm Chaser

6. Mako

7. Montu

8. Kraken

9. Diamondback

10. Twisted Cyclone

 

Since no wood fit in there, I'll add my top 5 wood also:

1. Beast

2. Mystic Timbers

3. Thunderhead

4. White Lightning

5. Great American Scream Machine

[SSL]

Eh what the hell, I'll give it a go. My top 10... now.. keep in mind, I've only been to... 5 parks in my time... so...

 

1. Lightning Rod. (it's not even close either. I could ride this one for days and it'd never get old or boring). Dollywood

2. Wild Eagle. (Perhaps a bit shorter than what it could have been, it's still my dad's favorite and my second favorite) Dollywood

3. Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando.

4. Thunderhead. (I got the chance to ride this back in 2009... was absolutely my number 1 back then) Dollywood.

5. Goliath. Six Flags over Georgia.

6. Blue Hawk. Six Flags over Georgia. (yeah. perhaps a bit high for some people. I really really loved the remake of Ninja.)

7. Great American Scream Machine. Six Flags over Georgia (A lot of people hate it, I love it. Love the name too.)

8. Space Mountain: Disneyworld Orlando. (eh, perhaps a bit tame, but. disney theming and such.)

9. Batman the Ride: Six Flags over Georgia

10. Cheetah. Wild Adventures, Valdosta GA. (A typical out and back woodie, but one of the first I ever went on. I remember loving the speed it had back then... I'm sure today it doesn't meant as much)

[Kw6sTheatee]

1. The Voyage, Holiday World

2. Intimidator 305, Kings Dominion

3. Maverick, Cedar Point

4. Skyrush, Hersheypark

5. Mindbender, Galaxyland

6. Fury 325, Carowinds

7. Kumba, Busch Gardens Tampa

8. Goliath, Six Flags Over Georgia

9. The Beast, Kings Island

10. Phoenix, Knoebels

11. Mako, SeaWorld Orlando

12. Montu, Busch Gardens Tampa

13. Swamp Fox, Family Kingdom

14. Twisted Cyclone, Six Flags Over Georgia

15. Mine Blower, Fun Spot Kissimmee

16. The Legend, Holiday World

17. Millennium Force, Cedar Point

18. New Texas Giant, Six Flags Over Texas

19. Lightning Rod, Dollywood

20. Talon, Dorney Park

[JordyC]

1. Hyperion

2. Wildfire

3. Shambhala

4. Schwur des Kärnan

5. Taron

6. Helix

7. Lech Coaster

8. Expedition GeForce

9. Goliath

10. Alpina Blitz

[ytterbiumanalyst]

So since I was ranking for the awards recently, Steel Vengeance made its debut at #9 for me. Great ride.

[Kw6sTheatee]

So since I was ranking for the awards recently, Steel Vengeance made its debut at #9 for me. Great ride.

 

What’s your #1? If Steel Vengeance is praised so highly by most enthusiasts (not me), but it only places at #9 for you (Something I would probably do too, if I had ridden it), what bests it for you?

[grsupercity]

It seems like my top ten is a constant shuffle and I ride new rides and reride old rides

 

1. Maverick

2. Fury 325

3. Lightning Run

4. Lightning Rod

5. Phantoms Revenge

6. Mako SWO

7. Ravine Flyer II

8. Goliath SFGAM

8. Storm Chaser

9. Shivering Timbers

10. Montu

 

I know im gonna be stoned to death for not having rides like Voyage in my top ten but I rode it on a wet cold Sunday and it just did not deliver for me. Some honorable mentions Legend, Renegade, Mr Freeze, Cornball, Raging Bull, I232, Manta, Kumba, Afterburn and American Thunder

 

Yet to ride Steel Ven

[AndrewA86]

I’m not going to stone you... I hated Voyage when I rode it. Maybe the roughest ride I’ve ever been on.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ytterbiumanalyst]

So since I was ranking for the awards recently, Steel Vengeance made its debut at #9 for me. Great ride.

 

What’s your #1? If Steel Vengeance is praised so highly by most enthusiasts (not me), but it only places at #9 for you (Something I would probably do too, if I had ridden it), what bests it for you?

Some other really great rides. Honestly any of my top 25, 30 or so are all the best rides in the country, and I would ride any of them in an instant if I could. This is what I came up with for the poll:

 

1. Millennium Force

2. Outlaw Run

3. Phoenix

4. Skyrush

5. El Toro

6. Voyage

7. Maverick

8. Phantom's Revenge

9. Steel Vengeance

10. Diamondback

[Kw6sTheatee]

I can understand all of those choices, but what is it that makes Millennium Force your #1? It’s in my top 20 absolutely, and Mille is overhated as well as underrated— Voyage is my #1 though, and before that Intimidator 305.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

what is it that makes Millennium Force your #1?

It's really fun! When I think about what coaster I have had the most fun on, it's that one. So it's #1.

[Kw6sTheatee]

I generally tend to rate coasters based on intensity. But it’s not always that, which is why Fury 325, Millennium Force and Phoenix— coasters that are not necessarily very forceful— are actually in my top 20. If I was rating coasters purely based on fun, Swamp Fox, Kumba, Phoenix and Fury 325 would be at the top most likely.

[JG-77]

Note: I have decided to only rank rides I rode since becoming an actual enthusiast a little less than two years ago. Also, this order is not set in stone, and there are several rides I could totally see myself moving around.

 

1a. Phoenix. Ok I know most people aren't that into stand up coasters, but this one gets a pass

Ok but seriously, I was not expecting to love this ride as much as I did. The first half of the ride is nothing to write home about, but the 2nd out-and-back maneuver is insane! That airtime buffet, especially in the front (IMO), is unbelievable. You stand up on all four of those hills, at speeds that feel like they may as well be 70mph, one track that's way too smooth for a ride originally built in the 40s. My first ride had me laughing like a lunatic on those final hills. The one word that immediately came to mind after getting off this for the first time is 'bliss', which I feel is the best word to describe Phoenix. What an awesome ride.

 

1b. El Toro. This was my first "elite" coaster I rode after becoming an actual enthusiast, and boy did it deliver! From the back, the pull off that first drop is mental, as your violently ejected so fast you have a hard time believing that just a second ago you were navigating a flat 5mph turn-around. The next two camelbacks follow up with some more of that insane lift-your-shirt-off ejector. Next section lacks the insane airtime that preceded it, but is still a blast as you navigate that turnaround and floater hill at very good speeds, before crossing under a couple dramatic head choppers. before cresting the legendary rolling thunder hill. Now being honest, I didn't feel that much stronger air on the RT hill than any of the other camelbacks, but I've only been able to get on Toro 4 times across my two visits when it was operating, and it's still an awesome moment so who cares. The finale is very fun, maintaining good speed, and fun banked turns. On my first 2 rides in 2017 Fright Fest, I remember good airtime over the final two bunny hops, but on my 2018 visit on labor day, I didn't notice much air, but regaurdless, El Toro is awesome.

 

3. Skyrush. If Phoenix's airtime comes straight from heaven, then Skyrush's airtime comes straight from Hell (in a good way). The ride kicks off with my absolute favorite first drop (in the back). You whip over the top and get some strong ejector, but somehow, about halfway down the drop, you get a 2nd distinct pop of even stronger ejector from out of nowhere. That first drop makes you feel like you're going to die. This is an intense ride. Following the first drop, you then whip into a crazy series of sustained ejector, positive G's, laterals, an awesome stengel dive, and the legendary -2g hill. This ride refuses to let you doze off even a little bit, and I love it. My one big complaint that keeps me from loving it more, is the pain. The restraints, more often than not, crush my thighs throughout the whole ride, and I need to fight/ignore the pain the whole time. I can completely understand why some people hate this ride, but I like the layout and forces enough to forgive the Thighcrush side of Skyrush.

 

4. Goliath. (RMC) My first and so far only RMC did not dissapoint. I know this is one of the weakest RMCs, but a weak RMC is still a very strong coaster, and this ride is proof of that! Kicking it off with a strong first drop, this ride gives very good air, fun laterals, and two fun inversions. Some people aren't that big fans of the turnarounds, but I'm quite fond of them, they have nice laterals, and diving off of them is a blast. Also that jump into the brake run is awesome. The main issue with this ride is obviously its length, but what it does have is a ton of fun.

 

5. Twister. (Knoebles) Just a little behind Goliath is Twister. What an all around fun ride! I love the awesome laterals, funky layout, and surprise pops of air. I was only able to snag two rides during my visit: one during the back in the day, and one in the front row at night, and while the former was fun, the latter was head and shoulders above it. This ride deserves to be ridden at night in the front row. The structure whipping around you, the wooded environment, the sensation of speed, and the pops of airtime you only get at the front row make this my favorite ride at night that I've been on. Phoenix may overshadow it, but Twister is still fantastic! That tunnel is a great way to end the ride too.

 

6. Storm Runner. Not unlike Goliath, this ride is short, but packs an awesome punch. I was only able to ride this once since becoming an enthusiast, so I chose the front row - I do not know how other rows feel. That out of the way, you start off with a smooth, powerful, and overall awesome launch. You're whipped into the back of your seat before rushing and twisting up the Top Hat for a pop of airtime. The rest of the ride is an awesome mix of speed, inversions, as well at two more pops of airtime entering the heartline roll and jumping into the break run. The flying snake dive is also a lot of fun, and I wish other coasters included this inversion. Finally, the short twisty section at the end actually had significantly stronger laterals than the pov would lead you to believe. This ride is just a ton of fun!

 

7. Nitro. (SFGAdv) Smooth, long, graceful, and floaty make this a very enjoyable ride! While not particularly intense, Nitro gives very good floater in pretty much all rows. In the back, you get a more forceful ride with a bit stronger air, but the front provides more sustained air, as well as a more floaty feeling (as opposed to the back where you feel being pulled down more than floating up). The helix is also fun, especially when it's running fast, and I must give this ride props for continuing to give great rides even in sub-freezing temperatures, and I enjoy how it retreats into the woods.

 

8. Superman: Ride of Steel. (SFA) While it has some significant flaws, Superman delivers a very fun ride, and is my favorite ride at my home park. The first drop is always a blast: in the front, you get an awesome feeling of crazy speeds, and in the back, you get a brief pop of ejector. The first hill isn't anything too special, but the 2nd hill gives you some really fun air, the final three hills each deliver very good pops of ejector, that make this ride one of my favorites. However, this ride is too flawed for me to rank it higher. The most obvious flaw is the two over-sized helices. They look kinda cool, but they're just as pointless as they look on the Pov's. Aside from the occasional bit of laterals upon entering them, they don't deliver much force, and their only good quality is a nice sensation of speed, and two (actually very good) headchoppers. The straight section is also pointless, but doesn't last too long, so I forgive it. Sit in the front for the best ride!

 

9. Kingda Ka. It may be a rattley one-trick-pony, but this is still a great adrenaline rush. Unfortunately, when I went, the line for front row was really long, and they only ran one train despite a long line (and yes, the train had to wait for Zumenjaro every time). However, I took 2nd row as a consolation prize, as I am tall enough to see over the back of the seats for front fairly easily. While not smooth, the launch is quite forceful, and it lasts forever (compared to most launches). The ascent up the tower is a rush, the drop is a ton of fun, and taking in your surroundings during that brief moment on the top is an awesome experience. Plus, the hill at the end does offer some floater if you pay attention.

 

10. Wild One. The 2nd oldest coaster in America still packs a punch. I honestly adore this ride. I love that a ride over 100 years old still offers thrills that rival many newer wooden coasters, even if it was heavily modified throughout its life. Many of the hills deliver fun floater, particularly the double down, and the ride maintains its speed quite well. The final helix delivers a great dose of laterals to finish off the ride. My favorite row is 2nd-to-back.

[boldikus]

I generally tend to rate coasters based on intensity. But it’s not always that, which is why Fury 325, Millennium Force and Phoenix— coasters that are not necessarily very forceful— are actually in my top 20. If I was rating coasters purely based on fun, Swamp Fox, Kumba, Phoenix and Fury 325 would be at the top most likely.

 

I'd imagine only ranking coasters based on intensity leads to a lot of disappointment in this hobby since only a small percentage of roller coasters are truly intense experiences, at least from an enthusiasts perspective. I'm with Andrew, I rank rides because they're fun, not whether or not they're intense.

[Canobie Coaster]

I agree. It's about fun for me. Intensity can definitely help, but it's not the only thing.

 

When I rank coasters, I ask myself which one I'd rather have an ERT session on.

[PKI Jizzman]

After a well traveled 2018, here's my most up to date list:

 

(The "these are all my favorites" tier)

-Outlaw Run

-Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

-Maverick

-Phoenix

-Voyage

-Intimidator 305

-Steel Vengeance

-Skyrush

~~~~~~~ (this is where there's a slight step down but still top material IMO)

-Twisted Cyclone

-Millennium Force

-Afterburn

[Dombot]

what is it that makes Millennium Force your #1?

It's really fun! When I think about what coaster I have had the most fun on, it's that one. So it's #1.

I generally tend to rate coasters based on intensity. But it’s not always that, which is why Fury 325, Millennium Force and Phoenix— coasters that are not necessarily very forceful— are actually in my top 20. If I was rating coasters purely based on fun, Swamp Fox, Kumba, Phoenix and Fury 325 would be at the top most likely.

[JordyC]

1. Hyperion

2. Wildfire

3. Shambhala

4. Schwur des Kärnan

5. Taron

6. Helix

7. Colossos - Kampf der Giganten

8. Lech Coaster

9. Expedition GeForce

10. Goliath