Coaster reviews

Lap Bar Pace Intensity

In my opinion, this was is my favorite coaster at Knoebels, even above Phoenix. The pacing is great and the laterals are some of the best on any coaster. It is like if Phoenix was Fury 325 and Twister was i305. They provide a foil to each other. It is a matter of preference, but Twister completely blew me away.

Pace Smoothness Ejectors

All around a fantastic RMC. Very rerideable and has a superb layout filled with awesome ejector and hangtime. It was also butter smooth. It was hard to choose only 3 pros because I could name at least 5. This is the best ride at the park, due to Superman's uncomfortable restraints holding it back.

Airtimes Pace Layout Discomfort Lap Bar

Superman: The Ride has a lot of things going for it. It has a fantastic layout, superb airtime, and great variety. The only issue is the trains. The U bricks slam on your thighs making it very uncomfortable. I am willing to look past it, but it does make the ride a lot less rerideable (when otherwise it would have great rerideability!) They should really do something about the restraints, because it would be a perfect coaster without them.

First Drop Inversions Hangtime Headbanging

Saw is a fun ride with a 100 degree drop, loads of inversions, and a dark indoor section. There were a few neckbangy moments on some of the inversions but overall it was a smooth ride experience. This was my first Gerstlauer I have ridden and I definitely excited to check out more from them.

First Drop Theming Inversions Rattle Too short

The Swarm is a fantastic dive coaster. I was expecting to rank it below Gatekeeper but after riding it I honestly do not know. The theming is very strong for Merlin, and the inversions are all stellar. There can be a bit of a rattle at times, especially in the back but the more intense ride experience in that row makes up for it. Definitely be sure to ride it both front and back because they both offer unique experiences.

Inversions Layout Hangtime Discomfort

Colossus is a pretty fun ride overall. It can provide discomfort due to the train design but the layout is solid and provides great hangtime on the 10 inversions. I would say it is one of the weaker Intamins I have been on, but that list has some insane competition so it isn't saying much. Colossus is still definitely at least worth a ride if you are visiting Thorpe and it was better than I was expecting.

Inversions Pace Intensity Rattle

Nemmy Inferno is a great invert that is unfortunately overlooked due to sharing a similar name to Nemesis at Alton Towers. This ride is still very fun though. The pacing is on par with Batclones and it still retains the whip found on the 90s inverts. I feel like this ride is slept on and it deserves a lot more attention that it receives.

Launch Fun Intensity

Stealth features one truly exhilarating launch that is a gut punch. The ride only lasts 15 seconds but it will leave you speechless. Very fun to marathon if the line is short.

First Drop Inversions Layout Rattle

ShieKra has a great layout and fun inversions, but it had a noticeable rattle throughout. Maybe it is because I rode it in an edge seat. That being said, though, it still has a fantastic first (and second) drop with excellent floater airtime and the ride still holds up well despite being the first dive machine in the North America. Overall, I prefer Griffon at BGW, but this is almost as good.

Theming Nice surprise! Fun Capacity

I definitely slept on this ride, I didn't expect it to be as fun as it was. Some exciting spinning sections and the whole ride is just pure enjoyment. The theming is also very good for BGT. It is a solid supporting coaster to an exceptional park lineup.

Launch Fun Layout Reliability

A fun coaster for all ages! It is marketed as a family coaster but it provides some punchy launches and solid airtime moments, especially in the back. The layout is long and super creative. One of my favorite night rides I've ever done.

Inversions Pace Intensity

My favorite B&M invert. It is like a longer Afterburn. The pacing is off the charts and the mid course barely slows the ride down. The batwing element is downright abusive. Definitely snag a back row ride later in the day, it will be one of the most surreal coaster experiences of your life.

Inversions Intensity Layout

A great floorless coaster that I find to be underrated. It is not the smoothest ride in the world, but it is way smoother than most people make it out to be. I love all the inversions and dives into the trenches. The new paint looks great too!

Airtimes First Drop Comfort

My favorite B&M hyper. The layout is great and it has some of the best floater airtime out there. It is a beautiful ride and is exceptionally smooth. Easily makes it in my top 15.

Location Intensity Smoothness

My favorite flying coaster. The ride is butter smooth and features fantastic inversions and near misses. The pretzel loop is the most intense inversion I have ever experienced. It crushes you with insane positive Gs. A wonderful ride that greets guests as they enter the park.

Launch Smoothness Ejectors Harness Discomfort

A very fun ejector-filled ride that is unfortunately hindered by the comfort collar restraints. The violent airtime makes for a very uncomfortable ride. However, I can appreciate the ride's layout and intensity. I just can't ride it more than twice in a row.

Theming Launch Fun Reliability

Such a fun coaster for everyone. I had a huge smile on my face the entire ride. It doesn't have crazy stats, but the launches are punchy and the elements are all great surprises. The theming is the best I've seen on any ride. The only issue is the reliability. Other than that, though, Intamin nailed it.

Pace Masterpiece Ejectors

I have thought long and hard about it, but I cannot find anything wrong with this coaster. I was in pure euphoria the whole ride. The airtime is incredible, so is the downright violent pacing. I was at a loss for words the moment the train hit the brake run. It is my new #1 and I don't know what will ever top it.

Theming Launch Layout

A fantastic ride from start to finish. I wish I could have added more pros. The launches are punchy, the airtime is phenomenal, and the theming is world class. I got front and back row rides and while both were stellar, the back delivered crazier airtime. Specifically on the top hat, the ejector is insane. I felt a little bit of a rattle (I think it is a wheel issue), but it did not detract from the ride at all. Universal knocked it out of the park with this one.

Theming Launch Fun Rattle

Verbolten is a very enjoyable ride that provides some nice surprises along the way. The indoor section is very thrilling and the rest of the ride has some solid laterals and pacing. The launches are nice and punchy. There is a noticeable rattle but it is not too bad. The ride is very fun so you do not focus on it. The theming is also probably the best I have seen at on a non Disney or Universal ride. A very unique coaster that is should not be missed at BGW.

Airtimes Intensity Hangtime Too short Harness Discomfort

Tempesto provides some great forces and transitions in a small footprint, but it is unfortunately hampered by the awful comfort collar restraints. Tall riders like me will be in pain almost the entire time. There is an extreme lack of legroom and the collars provide some neckchopping. It is also a pain to get in and out of. That being said, though, it is a fun ride otherwise.

Airtimes Nice surprise! Fun

InvadR is a solid GCI, and despite being labeled as a family coaster, it still provides great laterals and airtime. The first drop in the tunnel is great and the pacing is very strong. It provides the feel of a wooden coaster but it is still fairly smooth. A great fun ride that surprised me a lot.

Inversions Location Layout Headbanging Discomfort

Nessie is a solid Arrow looper with a nice location and a good layout, but it is unfortunately hindered by some rough transitions. I love the massive indoor helix. The best experience will be towards the back. I am glad the park still has this classic ride around, but it could benefit from some retracking.

Airtimes First Drop Smoothness

The first drop is awesome and it provides excellent floater airtime. There are moments of strong positive Gs as well. It is also extremely photogenic and is fun to just watch from the outside. It was my first dive coaster and it did not disappoint.

Airtimes Location Smoothness

Apollo's Chariot is a very underrated B&M hyper. It provides great floater airtime front and back rows and the location is beautiful. It is just a smooth, comfortable, and fun ride. I like the sideways airtime moments as well as the near misses. I don't know if I prefer it over Diamondback, Candymonium, or Nitro but it deserves far more praise and recognition than it gets.

Inversions Intensity Layout Rattle

One of my favorite inverts if not my favorite (haven't ridden Montu yet but will very soon). The first drop is awesome and the inversions are all very forceful. It isn't as whippy as some of the other inverts, but the elements are more drawn out and provide sustained positive Gs. I love the near miss elements and interactions with the terrain. There is a slight rattle but it does not impact my enjoyment of the ride.

Airtimes Pace Hangtime Theming

I am absolutely shocked how good this ride is. The airtime and hangtime is ridiculous. Every element delivers. I was laughing hysterically the entire ride. I could not choose my favorite moment, but the backwards launch and top hat are truly spectacular elements. It is a perfect addition to BGW and easily ranks in my top 10. I feel like many people will sleep on this ride because it looks rather tame in the POVs and even off-ride. You have to ride it yourself to see just how incredible it is. The only downside is the lack of theming but in terms of ride experience it is pretty much a perfect ride.

Airtimes First Drop Ejectors Dead spots

A very underrated Intamin hyper. The airtime is insane, rivaling Skyrush and many RMCs. The hill after the straight track section is absolutely bonkers. There are a couple dead spots but overall the sense of speed and helices make up for it. The modified T bars are not too bad but can possibly be uncomfortable for certain guests. Definitely the best ride in the park and landing in my top 15.

Airtimes Fun Layout Rattle

Wild One has a fun layout filled with airtime hills and laterals. The front row is pretty smooth but the back row was pretty rough. The finale sees the train picking up a ton of speed and the laterals on this section are insane. I am gladd that the park is keeping this classic alive.

Inversions Pace Rattle Headbanging

Firebird is a solid floorless coaster, especially if you sit in the back row and keep your head forward. There is some headbangy moments throughout the layout, particularly the corkscrew. It is probably my least favorite floorless I've ridden but in no way is it a bad ride. There are some fun inversions and pops of ejector airtime on the first drop and midcourse. I haven't ridden it in the front though, which I hear is way worse. The layout is not all that exciting compared to other floorless rides but it makes sense as it was originally B&M's first ever coaster and designed for standup trains in mind.