Reviews • NorCal Coaster Media

First half is filled with fun memorable moments, while second half is full of only dead spots. Still, it's impressive how the model manages to cram th...

First half is filled with fun memorable moments, while second half is full of only dead spots. Still, it's impressive how the model manages to cram this whole layout in a small space.

This B&M has a remarkable setting, which really is what makes this ride better than most B&M looping coasters. Ride in the back for the airtime on the...

This B&M has a remarkable setting, which really is what makes this ride better than most B&M looping coasters. Ride in the back for the airtime on the drop.

Outlaw run definitely seems overrated. The airtime moments are good, but fairly average, mainly due to the ride's tendency to staple riders easily. Th...

Outlaw run definitely seems overrated. The airtime moments are good, but fairly average, mainly due to the ride's tendency to staple riders easily. The inversions at the end are fantastic, though. I have mixed feelings for the first drop. While I love the first part of it, when the drop starts leveling out, my back gets slammed into my seat every time. Had this drop not given discomfort to my back, this would actually be a top-tier drop for me.

Not a big fan of the strong positive g's from the overbanked turn (I fully greyed out, could not see anything). However, there are some redeeming qual...

Not a big fan of the strong positive g's from the overbanked turn (I fully greyed out, could not see anything). However, there are some redeeming qualities to the ride, such as its first drop, first airtime hill, and sense of speed.

I couldn't believe how good this ride actually was! I always heard how infamous Zamperla Volares are for having one of the most uncomfortable restrain...

I couldn't believe how good this ride actually was! I always heard how infamous Zamperla Volares are for having one of the most uncomfortable restraint systems. Maybe I positioned myself well in the restraint, since I experienced no headbanging or pain whatsoever! And the inversions were sensational! I have no major cons with the ride.

This basically has all the same qualities as Flight Deck at California's Great America (my home park), so I like them equally. However, I rank this a ...

This basically has all the same qualities as Flight Deck at California's Great America (my home park), so I like them equally. However, I rank this a little higher since Raptor is objectively better (more inversions, longer)

Gold Striker is an awesome wooden roller coaster. The first drop is great, as it is completely enclosed by a tunnel. The ride has great intensity and ...

Gold Striker is an awesome wooden roller coaster. The first drop is great, as it is completely enclosed by a tunnel. The ride has great intensity and pacing, which is mainly because of the amazing laterals and twisted layout. Also, this coaster gives legendary night rides. However, there are some potholes in the track that causes rattle, even after the recent retrack.

Oh man, how fortunate I am to ride this for the first time just a couple months before it closed! I will definitely miss the hydraulic launch that pro...

Oh man, how fortunate I am to ride this for the first time just a couple months before it closed! I will definitely miss the hydraulic launch that provided great acceleration force. Hopefully after the coaster reopens, the train will still traverse the top hat at the same speed as before, as going up and over that top hat is a bizarre feeling, especially when done for the first time! The lap bar restraint also enhances the airtime feeling you get at the top. The weakest part of the ride is definitely the pull out of the top hat and the ending, although thematically the ride ended in a satisfying way with the finish line theming. Length was not a con for me, as the length met my expectations. The one bad part of the ride for me was that it was not reliable - the coaster did not open with the park, and it took me 4 attempts to finally get on when I saw it operating.

Best coaster I have ever ridden. I like that Maverick's layout is so diverse, as it includes a powerful mid-course launch, a quick lift hill that lead...

Best coaster I have ever ridden. I like that Maverick's layout is so diverse, as it includes a powerful mid-course launch, a quick lift hill that leads to a punchy 95 degree drop, two stengel dives that provide out-of-this-world laterals (I have not felt these particular lateral forces on any other coaster), explosive ejector airtime with the camelback airtime hill, nice sustained airtime with the speed hill, positive forces on the drop pullout and following turns, and satisfying inversions. The inversions typically receive criticism from others for being too bland, but I think they fit the ride perfectly well as it makes the layout more diverse, plus the turns going in and out of the inversions are similar to the turns after the first drop.

Arrow Dynamics was really creative with the layout on this mine train (It even inspired the first drop on time traveler!). The coaster does rattle a b...

Arrow Dynamics was really creative with the layout on this mine train (It even inspired the first drop on time traveler!). The coaster does rattle a bit, even in the front row, when traveling through the low points of this ride though.

The name of this coaster does not lie, it is truly a voyage. However, was a bit disappointed by the ride elements. The twister section in the back fel...

The name of this coaster does not lie, it is truly a voyage. However, was a bit disappointed by the ride elements. The twister section in the back felt pointless. The only really good moments on the ride imo are the drop and the third dip on the famous triple down element. Also, I liked this coaster more in the front than the back.