Intamin vs B&M

[RCTfangirl]

The main reason of this thread is not to debate who is better, Intamin or B&M. Its not to start flaming either company either. But instead just something came to my mind while I was doing my online "rollercoaster research". I noticed that Intamin has alot of accidents most notably those at Knotts Berry Farm, Cedar point, and Six Flags I think. Alot of them involving their "megacoasters"/"speed coasters". I think most of them involve riders too large or riders doing something incorrect. But still it could just be down to their designs... I mean some of the biggest, fastest, tallest modern marvels out there are Intamin built. So this is kind of unnacceptable in ways.

Now B&M was founded by former Intamin workers Walter and Claude, aka Bolliger and Mabillard. I have ridden a couple B&M coasters before (got stapled on one ;)) and they were pretty smooth rides indeed. Most B&M coasters that I know of have pretty good safety records. Infact I haven't heard of any accident involving a B&M coaster yet. Go B&M! (sorry I"m just a fan). Some of their coasters really give an ace similation of danger but at the same time being super safe too!

Now I am not trying to say "B&M is the best", or "Intamin sucks" or "Intamins are dangerous". You can't really judge a manufacturer just by something they built, but nobody likes ride accidents. I have never ridden an Intamin before but I had plans in the near future to ride like Xelerator, Millennium Force, Dragster, and of course the ultimate Kingda Ka. All Intamins. But now I'm skeptical...:eek:

[Moby]

Don't be skeptical. Where's the fun in 100% safe?!

[GOLIATHpov]

Both of them are pretty much 99.99% safe.

The .01 is Theme Park Review breaking the ride. :p

[Timberhawk]

Well, I can't talk much on this matter, as I have never ridden a B&M, and I've only ever ridden one Intamin, California Screamin'. I rode it when I was 8, so I don't remember much.

I've heard both companies are very good, though.

[RCTfangirl]

I'm not bashing Intamin in any way. I'm just abit skeptical about riding the certain Intamin's that have had accidents (such as severe injury or deaths).

[Rupeeman]

People have died on B&M`s too.:noob:

I would choose Intamin more,B&M`s are pretty rare at my place.And the only one we have breaks down several times.:(

[Moby]

People have died on B&M`s too.:noob:

That's a relief. I'm sure she feels more comfortable now :heart:

[SCAREcrow22]

I prefer Intamin over B&M for many reasons.

Design. Intamin has better designs, in my opinion. They are much better looking, aesthetically. Their designs are always innovative, rarely cookie-cutter, and offer the best airtime, speeds, inversions, and thrills.

Braking. Braking on most Intamins is heavenly smooth. Utilizing magnetic braking is smart.

Elements. Intamin's elements are very unique and offer the best experiences. There's something different on every coaster.

There are only a few things I think B&M have over Intamin. Capacity is one... Intamin should jump on 4-seater cars. Another thing is comfort. I've never been more comfortable on a coaster. The only way Intamin could beat B&M's comfort is if they replace their seats with recliners.

Both companies are very smooth, and I think Intamin may even beat B&M on this issue. "B&M rattle" is actually commonly found on B&M coasters.

Intamin. :up:

[SnooSnoo]

Intamin = bigger thrills with innovation
B&M = more reliable


To put it simply, Intamin creates the monster thrillers with more problems while B&M creates the reliable, down to earth thrills.. nothing out of this world.

[RCTfangirl]

Reliability = safety.

[tycooner55]

I prefer B&M. Always an awesome ride that never disappoints.

[Westcot]

Well, considering that 10 of my 15 favorite coasters are B&M's, I'll have to go with B&M. They're smooth, reliable, and uber-awesome! :D

I've never been on an Intamin before... so I really can't compare them. Though, I'm hoping to go to Hersheypark next summer.

[SCAREcrow22]

Another thing to argue... Intamin created the BEST woodies on the face of the planet, in my opinion.

El Toro, Balder, T-Express...

[RCTfangirl]

I did notice abit of the "B&M rattle" on Behemoth, but it didn't bother me.

Why does Intamin have to have so many accidents?

[Sno]

Another thing to argue... Intamin created the BEST woodies on the face of the planet, in my opinion.

El Toro, Balder, T-Express...

I couldn't agree more. All three of those happen to be on my top 10.

Generally, I think B&M is reliable on a different matter. They aren't unpredictable ride-wise. I feel that the layout they create are a little bland, as in you can expect what's coming next in some sort of way. However, I guess you could argue the simplistic layout of a standard Intamin Rocket, but those are built more for the height and speed. And saying Intamin has more accidents-- you should take into account that most of their rides are not only older than B&M, but they have 20+ more coasters. Also, with most of the Record Holders under Intamin, I feel that a ride like Kingda Ka would have more of a chance of an accident than Mantis would. Maybe I'm not making any sense. When I'm tired I think weird. :)

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

3 out of my top 5 are Intamins.So I go with Intamin.They make the big m,onsters and take the gambles.
However,B&M designs have always fascinated me.They give smooth,always thrilling rides and go with the proven designs.4 out of my top 10 are B&M's.

So I guess Intamin edges out B&M of the slimmest of margins.Both are behind GCI,though.

[RCTfangirl]

Intamin's "launched coaster" accidents most notably the ones on Xelerator, Millennium Force, and Superman ROS were caused by negligence mostly? And oversized riders trying to cram themselves on the seats.

[CedarPointer]

Xcel had an accident? I know Perilous did, but Xcel?

[Garfield 06]

^I think the cable snapped once, but even I don't know about that one.

B&M and Intamin are both great companies with great repertoires. I, personally, couldn't choose (though a B&M holds down my #2 spot: Behemoth) But what the hell do I know, my #1 spot is shared by an Arrow and an inhouse design (X2 and Space Mountain).

BTW, I have no earthly idea what you're talking about when you mention both pain and a B&M rattle on Behemoth. That coaster's smooth as glass and competely free of pain!

G-06

[Westcot]

B&M has a nearly perfect safety record with just about no accidents to where it was B&M's fault, just people with certain conditions and idiots doing stupid things. Intamin (for their coasters, their flat rides are another story) isn't bad either, except I've noticed that they seem to have problems with their restraint systems causing people to fall out. Ouch. :bulb:

Intamins from what I've heard are slightly less reliable due to their launch systems, but that's understandable as they require a lot of maintenance and power. Incredible Hulk is B&M's only launched coaster, and even the launched section was does by Intamin because B&M refuses to make coasters that way.

Though, if any of you really want to see a company with a bad safety record, look no further than Vekoma.

[SnooSnoo]

Reliability doesn't always mean safety.

It would seem like RCTfangirl is wanting to say Intamin is dangerous.

To sum it up, Intamin has more accidents because they tend to go, as I mentioned before, more toward untried and untested technology.

That will always lead to something going wrong, or an accident happening. That is true in everything, not just the coaster business. If you look at B&M.. they haven't changed their design or introduced a REAL new technology since the Invert. All their tracks/trains are pretty much right out of stock.

Or.. to put it REALLY easy. B&M's are basically cookie cutters, all of them the same, simple design and technology (hence the reliability) and Intamin are the snow flakes, complex design, interesting technology, not every coaster is the exact same (hence certain problems).

Why does Intamin have to have so many accidents?

So many? I hardly see these thousands of accidents you are implying. Yeah, they have accidents.. but with their technologies and designs, they are simply more likely to happen.

Does this make them unsafe? Hell no. You are more likely to die in a car accident going to the park then on MF.

You need to stop humping B&M's leg.


And I would like to know of these.. accidents.. you speak of at CP? A cable break, engine break down, ect ect.. are part of everything type of design.. and not an 'accident.'

[Sno]

^ Exactly.

[ytivarg]

People like to get their heads lopped off by B&M inverts.

...too soon?

[zackness5]

snoo... you summed it up very nicely:)

i've been on many intamins and B&Ms, and i have to agree with snoo...
so many B&M layouts are the same, and so are the ways they entertain you(sitdown...inverted...ect.)

intamin is constantly thinking of more ways to make us scream with pleasure, and really has come up with diffrent layouts for all of their coasters. plus...in my opinion...intamins are smoother

B&M really just need to think out of the box, and come out with somthing new...and find a NEW way to make us scream with pleasure...
now THAT would be nice!:)

[Cedar Point]

B&M has a phobia of launched coasters. They won't do anything out of the ordinary.

Intamin.

[RCTfangirl]

^I think the cable snapped once, but even I don't know about that one.

B&M and Intamin are both great companies with great repertoires. I, personally, couldn't choose (though a B&M holds down my #2 spot: Behemoth) But what the hell do I know, my #1 spot is shared by an Arrow and an inhouse design (X2 and Space Mountain).

BTW, I have no earthly idea what you're talking about when you mention both pain and a B&M rattle on Behemoth. That coaster's smooth as glass and competely free of pain!

G-06

B&M rattle wasn't that noticeable on that one. It was smooth as butter. THe only pain I"m talking about on Behemoth really...Is being stapled... Cuz I was stapled.

Now that you think of it, I realize that B&M's designs ARE just "cut and paste and toss a new name on it".

Westcot, I think some of those accidents did involve like i said before, people too big trying to cram themselves into the seats.

[zackness5]

oooo....double post.....:nono: lol!:haha:

[RCTfangirl]

Whops sorry! Bad Jessie bad!

[Coastergod]

Fav Intamin = CA screamin

Fav B&M (and only one ridden) = Riddler's Revenge.

...
...
...
:weird:
hmmm....
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...

[SnooSnoo]

Now I wouldn't go as far as to say each design is the same, as aside from the Batman clones, most designs are unique to that specific park.

More like the track design/technology is the same. Each ride has the same track type [aside from Inverts (normal track, inverted) and DM's (wider)], same braking type, same types of controls.. ect ect.

[BoRJoYZeE]

^IT'S A TRAP!

[Rupeeman]

As far as I know,B&M suck at woodies.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/350/p84lq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And I think we all know why.

[disneyland123]

They are both very smooth, i.e., no headbanger on any of them, and also they give big thrills.

B&M has large unique coasters with multiple inversions (very fun) with lots of hangtime (also quite fun). Intamins go for speed and big drops, which I actually do like, but are kind of "afraid" to try inversions, in my opinion.

I'm not a fan of inversions on corkscrew coasters, but on rides from these two, yeah! The California Screamin' loop was extremely fun to go through especially at the top; my stomach was in my brains (eww that would hurt). Behemoth was good for airtime.

Basically, I think that B&M is better than Intamin, but not that much better.

[Timberhawk]

As far as I know,B&M suck at woodies.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/350/p84lq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
And I think we all know why.
It was built by them, but I think it was created by the Dinn Corporation, B&M just put it together. I could be wrong, though.

[Rupeeman]

^B&M made the trains,at least.

[RCTfangirl]

I don't really see much wrong with the trains.

What was with that accident on MF though?

and B&M does had an accident. The ones on Batman: The Ride. as well as afew others.

[SnooSnoo]

WHAT accident on MF?

You are doing nothing but generalizing and not giving any actual evidence.

[BoRJoYZeE]

Yeah, didn't you hear that on the MF some guy got really angry while going up on the lift hill. He got so mad, he started to turn red. Eventually he exploded, due to all the rage inside him.

[deadstar]

Yeah, didn't you hear that on the MF some guy got really angry while going up on the lift hill. He go so, mad he started to turn red. Eventually he exploded, due to all the rage inside him.

You need to write a book!


Intamin. I've never ridden eighter one of them but I prefer intamin because of the design!

[Harpo]

The only incident I've heard about on MF is a cable break once.

Talking to some park execs, I get the impression that B&M tends to put in coasters that work well right out of the gate, whereas Intamin is more likely to have difficulty getting the ride up and running. However, there are some very nice design elements to Intamin, and quite a bit of innovation, making them attractive for that reason.

B&M can have some reliability issues, however. As I understand it, Cedar Point's Raptor needs to be shut down in certain wind conditions because the wind affects the anti-rollback mechanism. My understanding is that B&M has indicated that the problem doesn't happen on any of their other inverted coaster installations, so they don't have a fix for it. I'm told that Cedar Point's response was that, due to the lake effects, Cedar Point gets some wind conditions that are unlike the condiitons at any of the other B&M inverted coaster installations.

I cannot be certain, but I think that's why Cedar Fair now seems to be shying away from building more B&M coasters at Cedar Point. They seem to be willing to put them at parks that do not have the unique wind conditions of Cedar Point, however.

[RCTfangirl]

What about the one on Superman:ROS?

The one on MF has to do with a rider too large...

[zackness5]

Now I wouldn't go as far as to say each design is the same, as aside from the Batman clones, most designs are unique to that specific park.

More like the track design/technology is the same. Each ride has the same track type [aside from Inverts (normal track, inverted) and DM's (wider)], same braking type, same types of controls.. ect ect.

sorry for the confusion, i ment that the layouts were very similer, not the same exact layouts:)

They are both very smooth, i.e., no headbanger on any of them, and also they give big thrills.

B&M has large unique coasters with multiple inversions (very fun) with lots of hangtime (also quite fun). Intamins go for speed and big drops, which I actually do like, but are kind of "afraid" to try inversions, in my opinion.



lol! doesnt intamin hold the record for the most inversions with colossus?:haha:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aO4JAKTlVM

[CedarPointer]

What about the one on Superman:ROS?

The one on MF has to do with a rider too large...
That was SROS at Darien Lake.
As far as I know,B&M suck at woodies.

And I think we all know why.
The coaster wasn't bad until the Northridge Earthquake of '94. ;)

[Sno]

They are both very smooth, i.e., no headbanger on any of them, and also they give big thrills.

B&M has large unique coasters with multiple inversions (very fun) with lots of hangtime (also quite fun). Intamins go for speed and big drops, which I actually do like, but are kind of "afraid" to try inversions, in my opinion.

I'm not a fan of inversions on corkscrew coasters, but on rides from these two, yeah! The California Screamin' loop was extremely fun to go through especially at the top; my stomach was in my brains (eww that would hurt). Behemoth was good for airtime.

Basically, I think that B&M is better than Intamin, but not that much better.

How can you say that Intamin is afraid to do inversions? Try Collosus at Thorpe Park for example? I know theres at least three of those models lying around... Farenheight (6 inversions)... There's a bunch more.

Don't jump to conclusions that Intamin is afraid of inversions...

[zackness5]

Don't jump to conclusions that Intamin is afraid of inversions...

......but B&M IS afraid of launch coasters lol!:haha:

[Cedar Point]

Truth.

[Westcot]

......but B&M IS afraid of launch coasters lol!:haha:

Yes, it is true. B&M refused to build Incredible Hulk until they got Intamin to step in and help with the launch segment. Bolliger and Mabillard both have said that they build gravity-powered coasters, as they find that launched coasters are too unreliable.

You have to give them credit. At least they realize that they should leave the launched coasters to the companies that specialize in that kind of thing.

[zackness5]

Yes, it is true. B&M refused to build Incredible Hulk until they got Intamin to step in and help with the launch segment. Bolliger and Mabillard both have said that they build gravity-powered coasters, as they find that launched coasters are too unreliable.

You have to give them credit. At least they realize that they should leave the launched coasters to the companies that specialize in that kind of thing.
...which means there scared, in a way.

intamin uses launch & PLETY of gravity powered coasters...

every coaster is plagued with problems(true, launch coasters more than gravity coasters) but that shouldnt be a reason not to build one at all....

with that taken into account....i would LOVE to see a B&M launch coaster...:(

[Westcot]

^Well, you don't have to look far... http://rcdb.com/id557.htm ;)

[zackness5]

^Well, you don't have to look far... http://rcdb.com/id557.htm ;)
fist off...i ment more that ONE.:rolleyes:

second, i want to see one they do by themselves...that woud be nice:)

[SnooSnoo]

That was SROS at Darien Lake.

SFNE.. ;)

The one on MF has to do with a rider too large...

You still haven't explained HOW that is an accident?

[ytivarg]

I cannot be certain, but I think that's why Cedar Fair now seems to be shying away from building more B&M coasters at Cedar Point. They seem to be willing to put them at parks that do not have the unique wind conditions of Cedar Point, however.

That's got nothing to do with it.

Notice how every B&M coaster anywhere has some sort of garage/roof facility for storage tracks? Notice how Mantis doesn't?

[tycooner55]

The issue with the wind on Raptor is near the MCBR. Trains have valleyed (sp?) several times between the cobra and the MCBR because the wind slows the train down going up the helix that it doesn't make it to the top.

[CedarPointer]

SFNE.. ;)



You still haven't explained HOW that is an accident?

No, Darien Lake. It happened before the death at SFNE, and wasn't as widely publicized because the rider lived. :) The more you know! ;)

[Sno]

The issue with the wind on Raptor is near the MCBR. Trains have valleyed (sp?) several times between the cobra and the MCBR because the wind slows the train down going up the helix that it doesn't make it to the top.

I'm also pretty sure that Riddler's Revenge at Magic Mountain vallied as well, right before the MCBR. Either that or it was an accident. It happened like 2 years ago and I remember the train just sitting there for a few weeks or something.

[SnooSnoo]

No, Darien Lake. It happened before the death at SFNE, and wasn't as widely publicized because the rider lived. :) The more you know! ;)

Yet, it was the death at SFNE which lead to changes on all Intamin T-bar rides.

The more you know. ;)

[RCTfangirl]

Yet, it was the death at SFNE which lead to changes on all Intamin T-bar rides.

The more you know. ;)

The T-bar wasn't really even a good idea in the first place. They even had to make modifications to MF for those who've read about it. I heard those modifications make it EVEN HARDER for larger riders.

[SnooSnoo]

No, it is a fine idea. In fact, it is one of the reasons why TTD is better then KK.

And MF didn't have modifications to the T-Bars, but to the SEAT BELTS.

Modifications happened on S:RoS at DL and SFNE.. making them M-bars.

And.. of course, Intamin solved this problem with the U-Bars.. which are found on El Toro.. which are, IMO, the best restraints Intamin has produced.

RCTGirl, leave the fanboyism and come back to reality.

[RCTfangirl]

Companies such as B&M and Premier Rides have solved the problem with designs that don't even require the need for seatbelts. The design of the U-bars on Premier coasters eliminates the need for seatbelts. They can even hold a rider through inversions (like on Mr Freeze).

[ytivarg]

RCTGirl, leave the fanboyism and come back to reality.


I'm just quoting this cause I don't think she saw it the first time. :bored::confused::p

[Sno]

^^ B&M Inverts have seatbelts.. :)

Careful what you say. :)

[Harpo]

Well, others already beat me to the overlarge rider issue being on S:ROS, so I don't need to rehash that! (Been a busy week -- I haven't been able to keep up with the messages!)

Personally, I find the "M" bars to be remarkably uncomfortable. I rode S:ROS at SFNE both before and after the modification, and I found it much more comfortable before the modification.

I'm not too wild about U bars, either. I just don't like having my legs forcibly squeezed together.

[CedarPointer]

What is your opinion on the PTC ⌐ lapbars?

[SnooSnoo]

^The newer PTC's are much more comfy then older ones.. in my coaster journeys at least. I don't think the trains get better with age. (They all have the same design, if you were wondering.)

[RCTfangirl]

^^ B&M Inverts have seatbelts.. :)

Careful what you say. :)

Yeah, but what I was meaning is that on non inverting coasters. Megacoasters notably. Those by Premier and B&M dont require the use of seatbelts to keep riders in.

[BoRJoYZeE]

^Scared of Roller Coaster Safety you are.

[Boston]

B&Ms are sexy as hell. Love them curves.

[RCTfangirl]

Yeah, I love em too. But I really think their designs are just "cookie cutter cut and paste".

[RCT4me]

Having ridden little outside of Cedar Point, I can't speak much for them, but Intamin seems to be a little more innovative, while B&M goes with more smooth, interesting layouts. Of course, there are the exceptions; plain designs like TTD, KK, and even MF, but which are made up for with Maverick. B&M seems to stick to their tried and true twister designs, at least they have for a long time.

Safetywise, the company that does more and has more rides is more likely to have a few more accidents. Still, both are obviously much, much more safe than, say, the drive to the park.

[CedarPointer]

^The newer PTC's are much more comfy then older ones.. in my coaster journeys at least. I don't think the trains get better with age. (They all have the same design, if you were wondering.)
The ones on Mean Streak, Blue Streak, and to some extent Timber Wolf are atrocious. Kings Island's and Adventureland's are pretty good.

[SnooSnoo]

Meh. I get plenty of airtime with Blue Streak's.. and Mean Streak is just ALL crap.. even B&M Hyper restraints couldn't help that ride.

[BoRJoYZeE]

Mean Streak in the back is like sex!

[fathorse]

Mean Streak in the back is like sex with a giant fat person intent on squeezing the life out of you!

Minus the cheeseburger grease, you're right on!

[CedarPointer]

Meh. I get plenty of airtime with Blue Streak's.. and Mean Streak is just ALL crap.. even B&M Hyper restraints couldn't help that ride.
The restraints are that awful L shape though. On some of the turns (notably on Timber Wolf's helix and flat turn) you really get jammed into it, leaving bruises for weeks to come.

[RCTfangirl]

Thats why during helices, sit back and hold on or youre going to get "body banging". Its worse than headbanging.

[SnooSnoo]

Thats why during helices, sit back and hold on or youre going to get "body banging". Its worse than headbanging.

On what ride is this?

And.. might I ask.. have you ever even been on an Intamin coaster?

Or.. for that matter.. more then 20?

[RCTfangirl]

On what ride is this?

And.. might I ask.. have you ever even been on an Intamin coaster?

Or.. for that matter.. more then 20?

Most wooden coasters and rougher steel coasters.

[SnooSnoo]

You didn't answer the rest of my question.

And 'most' as in.. the 4 you've been on? I've been on 10x as many and hardly find this 'body banging' as you say. Even if, it is a wooden coaster, it wasn't made to be smooth as glass.. unless it is an Intamin PnP.

[RCTfangirl]

Oh I've been on 5.

[Garfield 06]

^Wow! What a Big Difference!!!

G-06

[Maylene]

Intamin Destroys B&M! Some my favorite ride is an Intamin. B&M's give a fun ride, but that's not what I want in a coaster. I want something quick and intense. B&M just doesn't much for me. I've been on a fair share of them too.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

RCTGirl, not to be mean, but have you been on an Intamin PnP or Inatmin rocket? Not to mention the awesomeness of the Inatmin Vertical Lift coaster?

They're amazing.

[RCTfangirl]

No I haven't. Mainly due to I don't go down to hte US much. But I'd actually like to. Kingda Ka is on my list to try though.

[BoRJoYZeE]

Minus the cheeseburger grease, you're right on!

:haha:

[Garfield 06]

^^Slightly off topic, but what's with your "No Stapling" obsession? For that matter, what the heck does it even mean...

BOT, for anyone that shakes a finger at B&M rattle, 2 out of three of the Intamins I've been on also shook me up a little bit.

G-06

[zackness5]

.
BOT, for anyone that shakes a finger at B&M rattle, 2 out of three of the Intamins I've been on also shook me up a little bit.
G-06

i think there both really smooth, and i prefer intamin;)

[Sno]

^^Slightly off topic, but what's with your "No Stapling" obsession? For that matter, what the heck does it even mean...


G-06

I could be totally wrong but isn't stapling a term used for when the ride op pushed down on the lap bar really, REALLY tight?

[Garfield 06]

^^And you know which two I'm referring to how?

^Oh yeah. Right...(No, I'm not being sarcastic)

G-06

[BoRJoYZeE]

^^Slightly off topic, but what's with your "No Stapling" obsession? For that matter, what the heck does it even mean...

BOT, for anyone that shakes a finger at B&M rattle, 2 out of three of the Intamins I've been on also shook me up a little bit.

G-06

*Shrugs*

Snoo? :mad:!

[SnooSnoo]

Well.. ok..


Garfield, might I ask.. how many Intamins HAVE you been on? ;)

[RCTfangirl]

I could be totally wrong but isn't stapling a term used for when the ride op pushed down on the lap bar really, REALLY tight?

Yes. So tight that it's painful. It's a coaster fanatic slang term.

And I meant to say i"ve been on 0 Intamins. I mean to say I've been on 5 WOODEN coasters. All not Intamins.

[~LoveTulie]

The issue with the wind on Raptor is near the MCBR. Trains have valleyed (sp?) several times between the cobra and the MCBR because the wind slows the train down going up the helix that it doesn't make it to the top.

Haha, that has actually happend before? That would be fun.

Why doesn't this stuff ever happen to me? :mad::down:

Yes. So tight that it's painful. It's a coaster fanatic slang term.

Oh dear god, that brings up memories.

When the ride-ops do that to me on Magnum... ugh! When they staple you on that coaster, the camel-humps are like hell (but they are always lovely when the restraint isn't stapled!).

I've always wondered this about MF and TTD. Why do they have the seat-belts small-ish where fat people can't fit on them? :p

[ytivarg]

Ride ops usually only staple you when you're BLATENTLY trying to leave your lap-bar too far up.

It's a "you shoulda known better" type scenario. We've all done it to those coaster nerds who think they're slick. Leave it up a bit, and we didn't care... too much, and you got "99'd"

Edit: And to be completely honest... RCTFanGirl, the giddy-super-enthusiast behavior you have as what comes across in your posts, (not to mention the number of threads you've started in amount of time here) you seem just like the type of super-irritating enthusiast a bitter under-paid, over-worked operator would enjoy stapling --If they decided to be cute and leave the lap bar UNSAFELY up.

There's a point where we will accept where you've pulled it down to, and just perform a light resistance check to the harness. But when you've got it to an unsafe point where we know it needs to come down SOME, one of two things will happen. Either A) We will gently push the harness to a safe point and then pull back up for a resistance check... or, B) Mercilessly slam the harness into your bones and pull up, then move on to the next harness, chuckling in triumph at your moan... then laugh with other ride ops at your reaction as you pull out of the station.

There's usually one factor that decides A or B... your behavior.

With complaining about stapling SO much on here, I'm guessing you're getting stapled a lot, or violently... if that's the case, I question your behavior on a ride platform. Are you that kid everybody hates and wishes that somebody would just calm you down?

[Boston]

Ride ops usually only staple you when you're BLATENTLY trying to leave your lap-bar too far up.

It's a "you shoulda known better" type scenario. We've all done it to those coaster nerds who think they're slick. Leave it up a bit, and we didn't care... too much, and you got "99'd"

I usually try to leave the restraints one click above ball-crunching but the ride operators always feel like crunching my balls anyway.

[ytivarg]

I usually try to leave the restraints one click above ball-crunching but the ride operators always feel like crunching my balls anyway.

That's when you need to compensate by leaving it two clicks and let us push it down to one. SOME ops don't know any better other than listening for a 'click', and they'll try to get that click no matter what. Give em' one... if they don't take it, you can click one more on the lift.

[CedarPointer]

It doesn't matter on TTD. I staple myself anyway. (mainly because I don't keep arms down)

[ytivarg]

I got a lot of experimentation with Dragster.... test riding it every morning allows plenty of opportunity to see how a ride is with various combinations of belt/harness.

I've ridden it once in a way-too-much-slack, and it was terrifying. Enough so that I'd never do it that slack again. But, now I know exactly where my comfort zone is, and I still know over half the current Dragster crew... so, I ride happy a lot.

[elljhitch]

It doesn't really bother me too much because I have never been "stapled" severely.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

I got stapled really tight on El Toro. Didn't matter. INSANE airtime and never hurt at all. That's the only time I've ever been stapled.

[zackness5]

i always get stapled on a B&M hypers!:haha: (and so does everyone else lol)

[Alpengeist]

I've never been stapled on any B&M hyper or El Toro. As a matter of fact, I've actually clicked my own restraint tighter a few times on the lift hill because I felt it was a little too loose.

[zackness5]

.....As a matter of fact, I've actually clicked my own restraint tighter a few times on the lift hill because I felt it was a little too loose.

no such thing as to loose;) (unless you fall out!:haha:)

[Alpengeist]

When you can fit your whole fist under the restraint on Apollo's Chariot, it's a little too loose.;) ...sometimes my methods to get extra airtime work a little too well.:p

[~LoveTulie]

Aha I love on Raptor.. sometimes the restaint is really loose, so at the top of Raptor, on that little hill at the top of the hill, I slide forward in the seat. It's rather terrifying, yet fun! :p

[Cedar Point]

I got a lot of experimentation with Dragster.... test riding it every morning allows plenty of opportunity to see how a ride is with various combinations of belt/harness.

I've ridden it once in a way-too-much-slack, and it was terrifying. Enough so that I'd never do it that slack again. But, now I know exactly where my comfort zone is, and I still know over half the current Dragster crew... so, I ride happy a lot.
Dragster's the one ride that I don't mind getting stapled on..

[SnooSnoo]

I've never been stapled on any B&M hyper or El Toro. As a matter of fact, I've actually clicked my own restraint tighter a few times on the lift hill because I felt it was a little too loose.

Been stapled on both.

El Toro I don't mind, as it isn't painful.. as the restraints are great.
Goliath (SFoG) hurt though.. for a whole ride.

[BoRJoYZeE]

Been stapled on both.

El Toro I don't mind, as it isn't painful.. as the restraints are great.
Goliath (SFoG) hurt though.. for a whole ride.

:downcast:

[Harpo]

Ride ops usually only staple you when you're BLATENTLY trying to leave your lap-bar too far up.

It's a "you shoulda known better" type scenario. We've all done it to those coaster nerds who think they're slick. Leave it up a bit, and we didn't care... too much, and you got "99'd"

"Usually" is the key word. I rarely get stapled, because I've been around these rides long enough to know that leaving too much slack is foolish. Also, for the amount of slack that I do want, I know how to position my body so it doesn't look like there's slack, and, when checking, the operators find my harness to be snug.

However, there is the rare time when I get stapled, and it definitely isn't because I left too much slack. On those times, it appears to be an operator who is in a bad mood and is slamming the bars down on everyone, giving an extra shove with all their weight.

I'm a friendly person who generally smiles at and is nice to the operators. I understand their situation, and I try to make their day a bit more pleasant, with the hope that they will return the favor and try to make my day a bit more pleasant. When I get an operator who slams down my harness, I know I don't deserve it, and I definitely don't appreciate it.

[SnooSnoo]

I found my worst pin to be on Wicked Twister, when I did nothing wrong.

I have rather large thighs.. and this op INSISTED that he put the belt into the back buckle. I told him, quite a few times before he managed to do it, that it wouldn't fit and it was uncomfy before he even got it in.

Of course, when he finally got it, my legs were STAPLED, and the blood flow was already slowing down.

By time I got off the ride, my legs were numb. When I jumped off the seats, I nearly collapsed to the ground because of it.

I'm usually fantastically nice to Operators, because I've heard stories and understand what they have to deal with on a daily basis.. but this time I went OFF on the guy when I was able to stand.. causing quite the scene. I don't think I've ever sworn at an operator, aside from this instance.

It was the first and only time I have EVER went to complain to his supervisor and the park about a bad operator. All the other times, like most above, I deserved it or it was just a bad day.. which was understandable.. but that was just atrocious.

Apparently he had 5-6 complaints that day. I didn't see him working the ride for the rest of the season.

[RCTfangirl]

I got stapled on the only B&M hyper I've ridden, Behemoth. Wasn't too great but despite that the ride was awesome!

Also yesterday I was at playland, and I rode corkscrew, I got an OTSR slammed on me by an operator... I had won a stuffed fishy from a midway game right before i got on, so I had stuffed that in my pocket before I sat down. Good thing I had a stuff fish in my pocket or i would been stapled. I just said to her "excuse me you squished my fishy..."

[tycooner55]

Why does everyone get stapled so often? :bulb:

I pull the restraints to the proper and comfortable position and have never had a problem. Maybe it's just me, I don't know...

[zackness5]

Why does everyone get stapled so often? :bulb:

I pull the restraints to the proper and comfortable position and have never had a problem. Maybe it's just me, I don't know...

.......i mostly get stapled with clamshell lap bars.....
it depends where you are, and what type of ride your on

[Cedar Point]

.......i mostly get stapled with clamshell lap bars.....
it depends where you are, and what type of ride your on
Those are the ones that I get stapled the least on...:weird:

[zackness5]

Those are the ones that I get stapled the least on...:weird:

weird how it works out that way:haha:

[RCTfangirl]

Yeah, same for me...

It's just because the operator was already tell me to "sit down sit down" so basically he closed it for me. And I was sitting pretty close to the front and the always if not most of hte time check front to back.

[BoRJoYZeE]

I found my worst pin to be on Wicked Twister, when I did nothing wrong.

I have rather large thighs.. and this op INSISTED that he put the belt into the back buckle. I told him, quite a few times before he managed to do it, that it wouldn't fit and it was uncomfy before he even got it in.

Of course, when he finally got it, my legs were STAPLED, and the blood flow was already slowing down.

By time I got off the ride, my legs were numb. When I jumped off the seats, I nearly collapsed to the ground because of it.

I'm usually fantastically nice to Operators, because I've heard stories and understand what they have to deal with on a daily basis.. but this time I went OFF on the guy when I was able to stand.. causing quite the scene. I don't think I've ever sworn at an operator, aside from this instance.

It was the first and only time I have EVER went to complain to his supervisor and the park about a bad operator. All the other times, like most above, I deserved it or it was just a bad day.. which was understandable.. but that was just atrocious.

Apparently he had 5-6 complaints that day. I didn't see him working the ride for the rest of the season.


Wee! Uhh, there goes my legs!!!

[thetrooper]

I never get stapled on rollercoasters since I usually pull it pretty tight myself lol.

The worst was on a swinging inverter ship flat ride (I think they're called) where your legs are dangling. One of my ********s was crushed everytime we went over the top and it was even worse on the other times when you nearly get over but then go backwards...such a horrible experience. :downcast:

[elljhitch]

^ OMG, that just reminded me of the Submission at Alton Towers. Stapling to the extreme!

[tycooner55]

I will admit that top spins are not very friendly to the guys, but that's the ride's design, not the my fault or the fault of the operator.

[RCTfangirl]

^ Yeah even for girls too its pretty bad. Hells Gate at Playland is a perfect example, lots of complaints!

And speaking of stapling... http://www.xkcd.com/478/

[BoRJoYZeE]

Come on! Take the pain!

[TheFreshEffect]

So much for 'vs' then.

[SnooSnoo]

There never really was a versus.. just RCTgirl saying Intamin staples and sucks and Behemoth introduced her to a fun time last night.

[TheFreshEffect]

Well it is called 'Behemoth' for a reason!

[sr3d]

Aha I love on Raptor.. sometimes the restaint is really loose, so at the top of Raptor, on that little hill at the top of the hill, I slide forward in the seat. It's rather terrifying, yet fun! :p
I love loose restrains on rides like Nemesis as long as it's not so much ya gonna fall out, done it on Nemesis, Dragon Khan, Oblivion and a few others, fun of the zero g or sorkscrews when ya fly to the side a bit, that is intense haha.

I've never been "stapled" on a ride though, infact another example of really lose restrains is Stampida at Port Aventura or The Grand national on the back seat, INSANE airtime, Grand national ya basically standing almost over the bunny hops, can't wait to do that again. :D

[RCTfangirl]

Don't like stapling...Period.

So... I dont' have any doubts about Kingda Ka's safety anyways!

I never really intended to bash intamin!

[BoRJoYZeE]

One thing straight.

Roller coasters are very safe.

Hmm.. what are the odds of YOU getting hurt and dying on a rollercoaster?

[elljhitch]

Grand national ya basically standing almost over the bunny hops, can't wait to do that again. :D
I am in love with the airtime on the Grand National!:heart:.

[A Clone]

To back up Snoo...

The company generally does not use powered launches on their coasters due to perceived problems with reliability; they prefer gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity)-powered roller coasters. The only B&M launched roller coaster in existence is The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure, which has a pinch-wheel-propelled launch designed by another company that specialized in powered roller coasters.Source: Wikipedia

B&M really just need to think out of the box, and come out with somthing new...and find a NEW way to make us scream with pleasure...
now THAT would be nice!:)
Was that a pun? Because B&M uses box tracks :p.

[northpaw]

Hmm.. what are the odds of YOU getting hurt and dying on a rollercoaster?

Chances are more than slipping on a roller skate and falling into the street while attempting to use the crosswalk right as a Baking Soda Truck careens out of control and hits a vinegar trucks and covers the entire intersection in a smelly goo while a massive earthquake opens up a crack in the Earth right where you happened to fall and you get swallowed up in a fiery fury.

But yeah, mostly people only die on roller coasters when they are being very stupid.

[zackness5]

To back up Snoo...

Source: Wikipedia


Was that a pun? Because B&M uses box tracks :p.

lol INTAMIN uses "box style" tracks:haha:

intamin- http://themeparks.about.com/library/graphics/cpdragster6.jpg

B&M- http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/basics/ids/b_and_m/b_and_m_standard.jpg

[tycooner55]

lol INTAMIN uses "box style" tracks:haha:

Intamin uses bi, tri, and quad track. The pic of TTD you posted is considered to be quad track.

B&M uses box frame track.

[zackness5]

Intamin uses bi, tri, and quad track. The pic of TTD you posted is considered to be quad track.

B&M uses box frame track.
ok.(and btw...i was not thinking of that pun.....but lol!)

[BoRJoYZeE]

Chances are more than slipping on a roller skate and falling into the street while attempting to use the crosswalk right as a Baking Soda Truck careens out of control and hits a vinegar trucks and covers the entire intersection in a smelly goo while a massive earthquake opens up a crack in the Earth right where you happened to fall and you get swallowed up in a fiery fury.

But yeah, mostly people only die on roller coasters when they are being very stupid.

Exactly!