What is an Inverted Coaster?
Throughout the 80′s and into the 90′s, steel coasters and loops (also known as inversions) were all the rage. Coaster designers were busy trying to find new ways turn riders upside-down. In 1992, genius Swiss designers Bolliger and Mabillard shocked the industry with the world’s first inverted coaster, Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America. On inverted coasters riders are seated below the track in ski-lift style trains. They’re made of steel, usually have loops, and offer more of a flying sensation than traditional seated coasters.
B&M’s inverted coasters were wildly successful. Batman The Ride has been cloned more than a dozen times. Rival coaster designer Vekoma created its SLC (Suspended
Looping Coasters) in 1995. It has spawned over 25 clones all over the world. Many of the Vekoma SLC’s in America are known as Mind Eraser. Now it’s fairly common to find an inverted coaster in a park near you. Towards the end of the 90′s the stock installations led the way to some very interesting custom designs.
Last Fall, I counted down my Top 3 Inverted Coasters.
What’s Your Take?
Got a suggestion for Coasterology 101? Leave a comment below.
July 2, 2009 at 16:10
I wonder if there will ever be a hyper, giga, or strata inverted coaster any time soon. THAT would be sick.
July 2, 2009 at 16:19
Well there is a type of roller coaster called a inverted top hat but i dont think they have made one yet. And they need a roller coaster 200ft + to be inverted it would break some records
July 2, 2009 at 16:42
yeah