SheiKra vs. Griffon: Dive Coaster Showdown
Comparisons between America’s two dive coasters, Busch Gardens Africa’s SheiKra and Busch Gardens Europe’s Griffon are inevitable. From the time Busch announced Griffon’s details enthusiasts the debate began.
Theming
Busch did an excellent job integrating Griffon into New France. The station, landscaping, and shops of were all complete when I visited BGE not long after Griffon opened. I liked how Griffon had its own section in New France. The splash section was off to the side unlike at BGA where SheiKra’s splash spilled over to the main pathway through Stanleyville. They are both themed well and integrated into the parks well. But I give the slight edge to Griffon.
Edge: Griffon
The Drop
The drops on both of the coasters are insane. It’s a twenty-story drop at a staggering 90-degrees. Griffon’s is slightly taller at 205 feet versus SheiKra’s 200 feet. While the 5 foot difference in height is negligible, the bridge you pass under at the bottom of the Griffon’s drop gives a decent arm chopper effect. Edge: Griffon
Loops
Both roller coasters feature Immelmann loops. An Immelmann is a simultaneous loop and roll, the named after a World War I German flying ace who invented the maneuver. SheiKra offers one 165-foot tall Immelmann while Griffon’s has two Immelmanns, the largest of which is 146-feet tall. Believe it or not, you really can feel the difference between the loops. The highlight of SheiKra for me was its extreme Immelmann where the track goes straight up for what feels like a long time before inverting and finishing the maneuver. I prefer SheiKra’s extra-large loop, but Griffon has two loops. It’s a tough call.
Edge: SheiKra
Verdict
To be fair I only rode SheiKra once and I got three rides on Griffon. I think the airtime on Griffon gives it the edge over SheiKra. The two loops and passing under the bridge further help Griffon’s case. But they’re both great coasters.
Winner: Griffon
What’s Your Take?
Which dive coaster do you prefer SheiKra or Griffon. What do you think? Leave a comment below.
July 20, 2011 at 12:44
i can't believe you picked griffon over sheikra because if you actually pay attention to the drop when riding both of there heights are lies and plus sheikra's drop is longer sheikra is actually 190 ft tall and griffon is actually 185 ft tall and if you look down before the drop the the buildings have a larger distance from the top of sheikra than the top of griffon
September 10, 2011 at 06:21
lets all stop arguing. they are both fantastic. griffion is just a little better looking
October 9, 2011 at 17:21
sheikras immelmenn is 145 ft! not 165! the tallest inversions in the world is 155 ft and thats on volcano blast coaster
November 25, 2011 at 18:10
The truth is that I did not ride any of them but I think sheiKra is better than griffon because of the stop before the drop
December 26, 2011 at 07:10
Wow u people are arguing like hes talking about your favorite football teams griffon has better drop more inversions shiekra has a bigger loop and tunnel second drop. Both have there prosand cons
May 8, 2013 at 12:58
this is all just plain silly arguing over which coaster is better mostly for those who have never ridden either one of them. From the videos they both look like a lot of fun. I’m sure that they both have unique things to offer but I agree with person who said you can’t really post anything unless you have ridden both of them. I’m going to Busch Gardens Europe soon and am really looking forward to it. I’m really excited to try out the Griffon. Someday I definitely want to ride Sheikra it looks amazing!!! I was much more impressed with Sheikra’s theming than Griffon’s though when I watched the videos of both.