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Here are some of the coasters, and what
we think of them, at Geauga Lake.
- Head Spin
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This is the standard Vekoma Boomerang. Fun
as always, especially once you learn how to hold your head so it doesn't get
banged around.
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- Double Loop
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This steel Arrow coaster was the first double looping roller coaster in North
America. The ride also has a decent first drop and good speed throughout,
making this just a bit more than a one-trick pony.
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- Raging Wolf Bobs
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Stuck way in the back of the park, this wooden twister was too far away to ride
more than once. Its layout is kind of like a figure eight, so there were lots
of turns between the hills. Also, at 4000 feet long and over 3 minutes, there's
a lot of time to enjoy this ride. It has a lot of variety with all of its turns
and drops.
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- Big Dipper
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There's nothing like a traditional, wooden, out and back coaster. This classic,
originally built in 1926 is no exception. Its 65 foot lift hill is not
remarkable by today's standards, but this is a very fun ride. It's also very
smooth, thanks largely to its heavily padded seats. Good thing, too, since two
adults have to squeeze a little to get in them. This ride has been rebuilt and
reconditioned several times over the years, but it retains its original charm,
and thrills. Lots of hills meander through the trees, giving a great sensation
of speed while tossing you into the air on every hill.
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Another B&M floorless, like Medusa at
Great Adventure. The floorless gimmick (and it is a gimmick) is especially
effective in the front row, as the the illusion of flying out into the lake can
be pretty dramatic. Held up to the standard of other B&M coasters, though, this
one falls just a little short. But it's still an enjoyable ride.
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- Thunderhawk
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Its nickname, "Hang and Bang," doesn't do it justice. This is by far the worst
Vekoma SLC we've ever ridden. Headbanging is one thing, but this ride
somehow hurt us deep down in the back. We couldn't wait for our single visit to
this torture device to stop so we could get off. Look, even it's nearly
illegible logo is bad.
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This model, known as an Impulse coaster, propels you back and forth on a
straight track and then up and down vertical spikes on each end. The rear
spike, without the unnecessary corkscrew, provides lengthy and absolute airtime
as you coast, unpowered, up and down it. Ride in the back seat for maximum
float time, especially during the first unbraked backward trip up the rear
spike.
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- Villain
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A traditional out-and-back woodie (despite its steel support structure), the
Villain rattles severely. We couldn't keep our hands up since we needed them to
brace ourselves at every turn and at the bottom of every drop. It almost got
good during the second half when the hills were shorter, but it never got
smooth enough to be enjoyable. It's another hold-on-to-your-teeth bone-jarrer.
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- X-Flight
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Still another gimmick, this coaster starts by tipping you back and then
flipping you over so you're in a prone "flying" position through most of the
course. But unlike B&M's version of this
type of coaster, you don't get to fly face first through the loop. This coaster
is also not quite as smooth as the other company's. The best part here is the
ground-hugging helix near the end of the ride.
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