Comments on: Raptor Analysis

By: The Coaster Philosopher

The Coaster Philosopher — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:11:36 +0000

It’s not that it isn’t heartlined, it’s just that the rate of rotation around that heartline is very rapid and then halts suddenly the moment it levels out. Surprised you’ve never had an issue with it since I know a lot of other people have commented on that last transition as well. It definitely doesn’t affect me every time, like I said the majority of rides I get I won’t have any problem whatsoever, but sometimes the cars themselves seem to have a hard time navigating that turn and will start to jolt around as well (normally I can tell if I need to brace for it or not based on how smoothly the cobra roll was taken). And I’m not exactly complaining about this feature, quite the contrary since it helps the coaster remain in control until the second it’s over.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:56:16 +0000

The last turn on raptor never bangs my head. Just your head back. Unless you ride like a rag doll its still heartlined correctly. I’ve never seen the fuss.

By: The Coaster Philosopher

The Coaster Philosopher — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:48:36 +0000

Have you been on Great Bear? If you enjoy those sensations of free-flight that Raptor hints at along its course then I think you would really appreciate Great Bear much more. The helix off the first drop and then the later section that cruises low and fast along the river before the final flatspin definitely achieves that effect to a much stronger degree than Raptor ever does. It's too bad it had to be much shorter than an average B&M invert, or have that completely pointless meandering section between the flatspin and the brakes, it would otherwise be really close to being a great ride.

By: danger granger

danger granger — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:19:53 +0000

Finally someone who agrees with me! Very well thought out analysis that identifies all the unique features of this ride that I love. I think what makes Raptor feel so different from other inverts before and since is that it is here that B&M came closest to simulating the sensation of flight, at least until the true flyers arrived and even then I think Raptor mimics the acrobatic manuevers of a bird or plane more closely in some cases. I have not ridden Alpengeist yet but I’ve always found Raptor to be superior to Montu and Dueling Dragons in most respects. Strong from start to finish, quick pacing, unique elements between inversions. I also think the first drop has the best airtime of any first drop at this shallow of an angle.