sclisso Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'm going to Carowinds in June and I haven never rode Nighthawk(formerly The Borg Assimilator), it would be my first flying coaster. I'm just scared that I'm not going to be able to fit on the ride not because of weight but because of my height as well. I'm 260 lbs. and 6 foot 3 inches, do you think i would be able to ride? And also, how do you put on the restraints , is it over the shoulder or is it a lap bar or what? Please no criticism because of weight, that would be highly appreciated. Thanks.[/b] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiSab Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'm pretty sure the Nighthawk restraints are close to the Firehawk ones. They are a shoulder-strap/vest-like restraint for the upper body, with a lapbar with ankle supports for the lower body. As far as weight, you should be fine, but its just hard to say for sure, as everyone's weight distribution is different. You should be fine on height, but I am not entirely sure. I'm around 5-10, and fit on Firehawk fine. Not sure exactly how tall is too tall for the Vekoma flyers, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coasterlvr_nc Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 You should be fine, and be able to ride. The Shoulder restraint is made of two vests, one for each shoulder, that you slip your arms under and then click together. These are extendable by the belts that hold them ( like a car seatbelt) and they are fairly forgiving. The lower restraint is a hip bar, for larger guests there are ways to get them to fit (including siting more upright than you normally would, among other things) and as long as the hip bar has been locked and the sensors clear the seat, then you should be fine. If you have any more questions feel free to ask since I have had a few weeks of experience working at nighthawk during scarowinds last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolhandluke Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Yeah, I don't think you should have a problem. As stated, the restraints are shoulder vests you slide on like a backpack, and then they have a leg/hip bar that the op brings up into place. The biggest problem I could envision is having your legs feel a bit pinned, as the bottom restraint kind of pushes your ankles back under your body, like a kneeling position (though all your weight is off your legs). If you have long legs it may be a bit cramped, but I don't think there will be a problem of actually fitting. Here's a pic I got off Google Images showing Firehawk's restraints. You can see the shoulder vests, as well as how the hip/ankle bar fits and keeps your feet back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 Alright, thanks everyone! I just always worry I'm gonna get up there, not fit and end up embarrassing myself or something. I feel a whole lot better about riding it now so thanks again . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Well Nighthawk is made by Vekoma which is a European company. And European rides are built to European standards, and their people happen to be abit smaller than North Americans. Even me (a 5'3, 142lbs asian), I find all the Vekomas I've been on a tight fit. I think your best bet to avoid embarassment would be to go up the exit of the ride, politely ask an attendant if you can try the seats. They'll most likely let you, just explain to them why you need to try it. I heard sometimes if the vest won't connect. They may have to bang the buckle against side of the train (or whack it with a hammer) if it's deformed/bent (due to vandalism perhaps?). Just make sure that they let you out before doing that first... (sorry for the sadistic joke) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Well Nighthawk is made by Vekoma which is a European company. And European rides are built to European standards, and their people happen to be abit smaller than North Americans. Even me (a 5'3, 142lbs asian), I find all the Vekomas I've been on a tight fit. I think your best bet to avoid embarassment would be to go up the exit of the ride, politely ask an attendant if you can try the seats. They'll most likely let you, just explain to them why you need to try it. I heard sometimes if the vest won't connect. They may have to bang the buckle against side of the train (or whack it with a hammer) if it's deformed/bent (due to vandalism perhaps?). Just make sure that they let you out before doing that first... (sorry for the sadistic joke) I really doubt that Vekoma builds based on a European height and weight average when they're sending this coaster to AMERICA..... Dude, you shouldn't have a problem. My friend's 6'4", and he was able fit fine on his ride. Weight shouldn't be an issue, the vests pull out pretty far and the waist lap bar can be adjusted a good length out. I've seen some big guys and girls get on Firehawk.....you'll be alright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Well it's just something my dad told me about how sometimes things built in foreign countries are built to their standards. Its like how some bigger people find the Japanese cars too small and cramped because obviously they're built to the japanese standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 ^Most Toyota's are built in the Western Hemisphere. Your dad is telling you things that haven't been true for 30 years. Or maybe he's just telling you some random answer so you stop asking questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Ok I just asked him again. He says that its not just with cars. He says likely with the rides, they probably build them to the Europe standard unless the park requests it, then they'll build it bigger. Like the way B&M does the "Big Boy Seats". I guess I'm considered big according to Europe standards... As like I said even I find all the Vekomas I've been on a tight fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 I just researched The "Biggest" countries in the world from a trusted source. U.S. is high up on the List but lots of European countries are in the top 50. Greece,UK,Slovenia,Iceland,Germany,Andorra,Monaco, San Marino. I know that each percentage of the country is not accurate because of the population of the US but i would say all of them together would have to be close to the population of the US and also you have to count the other overweight people in other countries where its not as big of a problem. In Conclusion, The "standards" for how big seats are wouldn't matter, if S&S sent an El Loco to the United Kingdom, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be big on all Europeans. If we got a Vekoma , it doesn't mean that a lot of the people in America won't fit. It is true that all humans don't have the same body type but i would think companies would have one seat size for all coasters they make. There's not a pile of seats for americans, a pile for europeans and then another pile for countries in Asia. Yes B&M has "big boy" seats aside from the normal size seats but its probably merely B&M realizing that the world is slowly becoming overweight and such seats are needed for the Larger guests to have an enjoyable experience on their rides.(I hope all that made sense,lol. I don't even know if that had anything to do with what were saying but I felt smart doing it,haha ). What Vekoma manufactured Coasters have you ridden Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pufferfish Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 If you feel unsure about fitting on the ride, there is a test seat right outside the entrance. If you can fit in B&Ms, you should have no problem with Nighthawk. I agree with Jess on some Vekoma's fitting tightly, mostly the SLCs, junior slcs, and standard loopers, mostly because they allow next to no shoulder room, and they are very compact. Most coasters like that have a height maximum as well as a minimum. Nighthawk has no declared maximum. The restraints have a very large amount of room to stretch and fit a body. I promise you, you'll fit fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Thriller Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 I guess I'm considered big according to Europe standards... As like I said even I find all the Vekomas I've been on a tight fit. Since I've lived in Germany for the last 10 years, I can honestly say, they aren't much smaller. There are some real fata$$es here in this country. And the reason they are tight fit to you is because they are made to have a tight fit, that way, you will actually stay on the ride comfortably. --James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjaco Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Well it's just something my dad told me about how sometimes things built in foreign countries are built to their standards. Its like how some bigger people find the Japanese cars too small and cramped because obviously they're built to the japanese standard. I'm 6'1", and drive a Toyota. Of course, I had to break my legs to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 If you feel unsure about fitting on the ride, there is a test seat right outside the entrance. If you can fit in B&Ms, you should have no problem with Nighthawk. I agree with Jess on some Vekoma's fitting tightly, mostly the SLCs, junior slcs, and standard loopers, mostly because they allow next to no shoulder room, and they are very compact. Most coasters like that have a height maximum as well as a minimum. Nighthawk has no declared maximum. The restraints have a very large amount of room to stretch and fit a body. I promise you, you'll fit fine. I don't think, and correct me if I'm wrong, that nighthawk has a test seat. I'm pretty sure I can fit on a B&M, Arrow and Gerstlauer so I think I'll be able to fit. Aren't Arrows supposed to be tight? I was worried mainly about the lap bar , I know at Dollywood on Thunderhead that I could only click the lap bar down once, almost twice but I had to slump down in the seat so it would latch, I think it was just because of my long legs keeping the bar up. That's just what worried me but I think I wouldn't have much trouble with Nighthawk being a steel coaster and being made from Vekoma, not GCI. Although, I don't think I could fit on Top Thrill Dragster or Millennium force having lap bars, reading what Cedar Point had to say about people of "exceptional size" scares me now to go on an Intamin with lap bars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I just researched The "Biggest" countries in the world from a trusted source. U.S. is high up on the List but lots of European countries are in the top 50. Greece,UK,Slovenia,Iceland,Germany,Andorra,Monaco, San Marino. I know that each percentage of the country is not accurate because of the population of the US but i would say all of them together would have to be close to the population of the US and also you have to count the other overweight people in other countries where its not as big of a problem. In Conclusion, The "standards" for how big seats are wouldn't matter, if S&S sent an El Loco to the United Kingdom, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be big on all Europeans. If we got a Vekoma , it doesn't mean that a lot of the people in America won't fit. It is true that all humans don't have the same body type but i would think companies would have one seat size for all coasters they make. There's not a pile of seats for americans, a pile for europeans and then another pile for countries in Asia. Yes B&M has "big boy" seats aside from the normal size seats but its probably merely B&M realizing that the world is slowly becoming overweight and such seats are needed for the Larger guests to have an enjoyable experience on their rides.(I hope all that made sense,lol. I don't even know if that had anything to do with what were saying but I felt smart doing it,haha ). What Vekoma manufactured Coasters have you ridden Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess? Corkscrew (Playland), Hanging Coaster (Dreamworld Bangkok), Flight Deck (Canada's Wonderland), and Silver Streak (CW). All have been a tight fit especially Silver Streak! I have a friend who's claustrophobic and he says he can never ride Corkscrew at Playland (the above mentioned Vekoma Looper) for that reason...Or any ride with OTSRs. So basically i'd kinda say, if you have claustrophobia (which I used to) don't ride Nighthawk because of the whole "full body restrait" deal I'd say. I find arrows abit more forgiving. I've ridden Vortex at Canada's Wonderland and I didn't find the fit a problem at all. Infact I can even put my arms up completely! The only B&M I've ridden, Behemoth, had no problem with other than being stapled on it. TOGO's, I'm not even going to go there... I've never found lap bars to be any problem. Except Behemoth (but I was stapled anyways). Probably because I'm so short... As for my weight, I do eat alot (I'm guessing that's the reason as I don't have any disorders as far as I'm concerned) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 20, 2009 Author Share Posted January 20, 2009 Silver streak could be understandable for being tight as its a Family suspended coaster, the seats typically are a little smaller for the safety of children. I'm not claustrophobic so it shouldn't be a problem for me. I think i'll fit fine from what everyone else says, even a guy who worked it at Carowinds. It has good adjustable harnesses. I'm planning to lose a little weight before then anyway so I think i'll be fine fitting on the ride. I'm kinda excited, this will be my first Vekoma and Flying coaster. I'm also going to have other firsts that day too including my first standup coaster, boomerang(i've heard its bad, maybe the new trains will make up for it), first drop tower, inverted swinging ship, Mine train roller coaster(maybe), "real" mouse coaster and maybe my first time on a waterslide,lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 You just reminded me to start losing weight too (I'm like borderlined between normal and overweight). Well most boomerangs and arrow/Vekoma loopers run with the old arrow "sardine can" trains... Yet to see the new boomerang trains. I seem to find most OTSR's uncomfortable but perhaps that will change after my first B&M invert in March. I plan to ride Nighthawk someday and I hope it's as tight as the other Vekoma's I've ridden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 Lol, glad to help you remember. Yeah the boomerang trains coming to Carowinds look pretty nice, i believe they have the flexible plastic-type restraints.Look at the website and click on the tab "new for 2009". What B&M Invert are you gonna ride? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Batman the ride at SFOT. The new trains look like a knockoff of B&M flyers lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebl Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 "I'm 6'1", and drive a Toyota." (mrjaco) You'd like the back seat of my CR-V. Even you could stretch your legs out and be comfy. My only problem with coaster trains are the Arrow suspended ones. For some reason, I just can't seem to get in without tripping over the side. But that isn't the train's problem...'tis just me... Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 Ahh, another Batman clone,lol .My first B&M invert and steel coaster was Afterburn (Top Gun:The Jet Coaster). I've only been to Carowinds and Dollywood . I would really like to go to Six Flags Great Adventure. Now that you point it out, they do look like a sit down knockoff of a B&M flyer,haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjaco Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 You'd like the back seat of my CR-V. Even you could stretch your legs out and be comfy. Had one, traded it in after two years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sclisso Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 "I'm 6'1", and drive a Toyota." (mrjaco) You'd like the back seat of my CR-V. Even you could stretch your legs out and be comfy. My only problem with coaster trains are the Arrow suspended ones. For some reason, I just can't seem to get in without tripping over the side. But that isn't the train's problem...'tis just me... Eric Haha, I think its being tall with long legs, i have a similar problem with Arrow Standard Sit-down coasters. I usually have to step on the seat as a kind of "step" to get in and out of Tennessee Tornado,lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Behemoth_Lady_Jess Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 You'd like the back seat of my CR-V. Even you could stretch your legs out and be comfy. My only problem with coaster trains are the Arrow suspended ones. For some reason, I just can't seem to get in without tripping over the side. But that isn't the train's problem...'tis just me... Eric I kinda have the same problem with being short too. I remembered on Vortex at CW I had to grab the side of the train to make sure I don't trip trying to get in either! I wonder if the Carolina Cobra's new trains (as well as all new Boomerangs and SLCs) will be better for anyone on the "larger side" and eliminate all the typical "Vekoma-ness" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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