Nighthawk • Carowinds

First Drop Location Intensity Inversions Discomfort

Fun, but I wouldn't ride it again.

Inversions Nice surprise! Location Rattle Harness

The first Flying Dutchman, and first real flying coaster, Nighthawk is far better than most people say it is. While the restraints are indeed pretty awkward and the track rattles like hell, there's still a lot to love about this revolutionary flying coaster. The layout flies predominantly low, skimming the pond that it's situated over; the layout also squeezes in a healthy amount of inversions, along with an intense vertical loop that almost feels like a pretzel loop on a B&M flyer on about the last third or so of the loop (especially in the back). Another element that really stuck out to me was the corkscrew towards the end, which was really unique and interesting in a flying position. With all of its faults, this classic still has a lot to give even today; here's to hoping that this example of this very rare model sticks around for years to come.

Nice surprise! Intensity Discomfort

Surprisingly fun when ridden in the right seat. (Front, middle two seats, every other seat is terrible)

Headbanging Capacity Discomfort

No

Inversions Nice surprise! Rattle Capacity Reliability

MUCH better than people say it is! It's not one of "the most painful rides in the world" as people sometimes say, but it certainly does feel like the train could fall apart at any moment. The restraints don't bother me that much, but the capacity is so awful. The longest line in the park when I went at 30-45 minutes, and it was a Thursday when school was still in session! I can't think of any other ride where the number of people in line (had to be less than 250) was that long of a line!

Location Capacity Harness Discomfort

The only good thing about this coaster is the needlessly gorgeous landscape, and its status as the first proper flying coaster. The line moves slow, the loading is slow, the capacity sucks, and it's the most uncomfortable I've ever been on a coaster. Crappy ride.

Harness Discomfort

The Vekoma Flying Dutchmen are... ok. I'm not a fan of the flying position overall, the restraint system of the Vekomas causes long loading/unloading times and they all lack the Pretzel loop (which is the only thing a flying coaster is worth for).

Capacity Discomfort

Inversions Location Layout Rattle Capacity

Headbanging Capacity Discomfort

Fun Capacity Discomfort

Nice surprise! Capacity

Fun Capacity