This is a great ride with a layout that's both unique and intense. The launches aren't too powerful, but maybe that's for the best in this position. T...
This is a great ride with a layout that's both unique and intense. The launches aren't too powerful, but maybe that's for the best in this position. The first launch also gets faster near the end, which kind of compensates for the lack of initial power. The inversions and airtime pops are floaty and just feel insane in this position. It also just looks cool flying around such a well themed land and interacting with the pathways. The pre-launch section also looks great. As for which row I prefer, it has to be row 1, as the airtime is more pronounced here. The back is also great. The lading system is also really efficient despite the lockers and metal detectors. Hey, Tokyo Dome City and especially Fuji-Q Highland, it's actually possible to be efficient with lockers and metal detectors, why not implement the same procedures as Phatasialand? My only nudge is that it's not the most comfortable thing in the world. My second ride on April 9th was perfectly fine, but my first ride was after lunch and the restraint just pressed against it on the positive G moments, and my only ride during my second day at the park was good, but the lap bar crushed my thighs a little bit my the end. A ride that needs to be ridden in specific conditions to really be top notch just can't make it up to my top 3. Number 5 is where it's at for now.
Update July 2024: Well, I have to say that everything that I said about discomfort doesn't stand anymore. I mean it can press on your stomach a little bit but it's fine. I really enjoyed it more this time and it was hauling through it's layout on my ride in row 1.
Update October 2024: I still really like this coaster, but I wasn't as impressed with it as I was in July. I prefer Black Mamba to F.L.Y. now actually. F.L.Y. is just not as dynamic or well paced as Taron or Black Mamba to be in my top 2 coasters in the park.
This is the best B&M invert that I've been on. Mind you, I've only ridden two but Black Mamba the better of the two. It has world class theming, espec...
This is the best B&M invert that I've been on. Mind you, I've only ridden two but Black Mamba the better of the two. It has world class theming, especially its gorgeous station. It starts off strong, with an intense loop and an insane zero-G roll. The pre-drop is weird but it gives a bit a character to Black Mamba. It's mainly about positive Gs, near misses and scenery. It also throws in a bit a weithlesness and two snappy corkscrews. It's one of the best looking and most confusing coasters I've even ridden. It also has the same weird double seatbelt as OzIris on the right inside seat of row 5. Just note that the max height is 1m95 due to its interactions with the scenery.
Update July 2024: After having ridden Monster at Walygator, I have to say that Black Mamba feels like a smaller version of Monster. It has a drop that reminds of the one on Monster, a similarly intense loop and zero-G roll, whippy corkscrews, an intense helix and intense turns. All of the elements on Monster have a bit more punch, but those on Black Mamba are still very intense. The theming is also wonderful, as can be expected from Phantasialand. I recommend the back or front if you can choose. You get the unobstructed view up front, and the better forces and drops in the back. There was no wait on a quiet Friday in July, and I managed to get 7 rides, which makes it the perfect coaster to marathon at Phantasialand (F.L.Y. had next to no wait too but the queue is physically very long and there are the annoying lockers and wait in the station, and Taron always had a 15 minute wait at a minimum).
Update October 2024: I like Black Mamba more and more after each and every re-ride. It never disappoints, even early in the morning. It's consiantently intense and relentless. It's my second favourite coaster in the park now. I actually prefered it to F.L.Y. this time.
