Comments on: Featured Photo #14 – The Unsung Hero of Your Park’s Coaster Lineup

By: Matt McIrvin

Matt McIrvin — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:02:50 +0000

I actually just rode my first one of these: the Zoomerang at Lake Compounce. It was not that rough; I didn't have any problems with headbanging. I actually thought it was a pretty entertaining little ride. Being pulled backwards slooowly up the first lift is genuinely unnerving.

After Boulder Dash and various waterslides, I wasn't quite up to tackling the 1920s stylings of the Wildcat, but a Vekoma Boomerang seemed about right. It was probably a little late in the day for those positive g's, though.

By: TheRealRideWarrior

TheRealRideWarrior — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:29:19 +0000

The surprise Hershey had with the new restraint system going on Sidewinder…(ie. Carolina Cobra)…will make it amazing!!

By: Heath

Heath — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:46:18 +0000

I just saw on Screamscape that Sidewinder will be getting the new open restraint trains .http://www.screamscape.com/html/hersheypark.htm

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:45:51 +0000

Before I start, this is a very cool picture. The ride? eh…

Now, I have to ask, was this pic taken while the ride was stuck upsidedown? Cause if not, then you might have captured history! lol. The empty train speaks a thousand words. The sidewinder has more downtime than a copy machine. I've been to HersheyPark probably 9 or 10 times over the past 2 years (its close to home) and I swear I've seen this rust-bucket stuck once per trip while standing in line for Storm Runner.

I'll pretend to give Vekoma its due for… uh, hmm… Parks could save money and replace these rides with the Tequila Chug! You'll finish just the same: dizzy, sick, and with a pounding headache.

By: Prof.BAM

Prof.BAM — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:54:07 +0000

Vekoma is that one show thaat they keep replaying every day at noon with new episodes once a month.

By: Gearhart

Gearhart — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:44:10 +0000

Back in the late eighties/early nineties when the Boomerang first came on the scene, it truly was a substantial addition to ANY park. Just recently I overheard someone in line for Flashback at Over Texas say it was the best ride in the park. While I may not think they're the best thing out there these days, I'll still hit 'em up everywhere I find one, especially if more of the new trains are rolled out like in Carowinds.

By: Quil

Quil — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:09:01 +0000

The best part of a boomerang is easily the first drop. At TGE, if not everywhere else as well, you have to wait, or as some would say; "Be Tortured" waiting for the actual drop. It's relativeley steep and high, so the effect is rather nerve-racking.

By: Sébastien St-

Sébastien St- — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:07:22 +0000

Being towed and released on these coasters is as thrilling as it gets. I don't know, I just get an amazing ride each and every time that I ride those.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:57:46 +0000

They would be exceptional coasters if the restraints weren't so hard and there was no headbanging. I think these are worse than arrow loopers, because going backwards hurts alot. Ive only went on the sidewinder, but im sure, except for Carolina Cobra apparently, that they are all rough? Its a guess. And at least arrow loopers offer a fun ride with all those loops. But, boomerang coasters are good for a first looper because they don't look as intimidating as some larger coasters do (especially dive machines).

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:08:10 +0000

Sidewinder did seem pretty smooth when I rode it last year. My wife's first backward coaster and it was hilarious watching her face and hearing her scream when we were going backwards!!