Dominating the skyline of Six Flags America, Superman: Ride of Steel is not just a roller coaster; it’s an experience. This towering testament to engineering prowess promises an adrenaline-fueled journey, and for the most part, it delivers. From the moment you lay eyes on its crimson track, twisting and turning against the backdrop of the park, a sense of anticipation begins to build. This review will delve into the highs and lows of this iconic ride, exploring its design, thrills, and overall impact on the Six Flags America experience.
A Colossus of Steel and Speed
The sheer scale of Superman: Ride of Steel is immediately striking. Its towering height, necessary for the heart-stopping drop that awaits, makes it a focal point of the park. The vibrant red color of the track is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a visual declaration of the intensity that lies ahead. Even from a distance, the steep incline of the first drop is enough to quicken the pulse.
As you approach the ride’s entrance, the anticipation intensifies. The sound of the train roaring along the track, punctuated by the screams of its passengers, creates an atmosphere of exhilarating fear. Stepping into the queue line requires a certain level of courage, a willingness to surrender to the forces that are about to be unleashed.
The Open-Air Experience
The coaster cars themselves are designed to enhance the feeling of exposure and vulnerability. Elevated seats and low-slung sides provide an unobstructed view of the track ahead, maximizing the sensation of speed and height. Unlike some modern coasters that employ over-the-shoulder harnesses, Superman: Ride of Steel opts for a simpler restraint system: a seat belt and a single ratcheting safety bar. This minimalist approach contributes to the ride’s open and exposed feeling, adding an extra layer of psychological thrill. The absence of a bulky harness allows for greater freedom of movement, further amplifying the sensation of flying.
The design is intentional, stripping away any unnecessary barriers between the rider and the raw power of the coaster. This creates a more visceral and immersive experience, heightening both the excitement and the fear.
Ascending to Krypton: The Lift Hill and First Drop
The journey begins with a traditional lift hill. The rhythmic click-clack-click of the train as it ascends the steep incline is a familiar sound to any coaster enthusiast. This slow, deliberate ascent serves as a period of mounting anticipation. As the train climbs higher and higher, the world below shrinks into insignificance. The feeling is almost spiritual, as if you are being transported to another realm.
Finally, at the summit, there’s a brief moment of stillness, a pregnant pause before the plunge. This is the point of no return. Then, all hell breaks loose.
The first drop is the defining moment of Superman: Ride of Steel. It’s a breathtaking freefall that plummets riders into a whirlwind of speed and G-forces. The initial sensation is one of weightlessness, as your stomach leaps into your throat. Then, as the train accelerates down the incline, the full force of gravity takes hold. The wind whips past your face, and the ground rushes up to meet you with alarming speed. This initial drop is a pure adrenaline rush, a moment of unadulterated exhilaration.
Following the initial plunge, an equally impressive second drop awaits. This subsequent descent provides another surge of adrenaline, further cementing the ride’s reputation as a thrill machine. A brief pop of airtime just before the second drop adds an extra layer of excitement, lifting riders out of their seats for a fleeting moment of weightlessness.
The Second Act: A Dip in Intensity
While the initial drops of Superman: Ride of Steel are undeniably spectacular, the second half of the ride fails to maintain the same level of intensity. The coaster doesn’t exactly limp along, but it doesn’t quite live up to the promise of its opening act. The latter portion of the ride features an over-banked double helix, a series of tight turns that send the train spiraling in circles. While these elements are certainly exciting, they lack the raw power and exhilaration of the initial drops.
For coaster enthusiasts, this section of the ride can feel like a missed opportunity. The sheer momentum of the train, hurtling along at 73 mph, seems to be somewhat wasted on these circular maneuvers. It’s as if the ride is running out of steam, failing to capitalize on the energy it has built up. More airtime hills or a more varied sequence of elements would have helped to maintain the excitement and prevent the ride from feeling anticlimactic.
A Legacy of Steel: Comparisons and Context
Superman: Ride of Steel shares a common lineage with other coasters of the same name, most notably the ride at Darien Lake in New York. Both coasters were originally branded as Superman: Ride of Steel when Darien Lake was owned and operated by Six Flags. However, after Six Flags sold the park, the Superman branding was removed. While Six Flags has since repurchased Darien Lake, the Superman name has not been restored to its signature ride.
Furthermore, the Superman coaster at Six Flags New England, now known as Superman the Ride, represents a second-generation version of the design. This updated iteration is widely considered to be a superior ride, offering a more intense and thrilling experience. The New England version minimizes the helices, incorporates a second tunnel filled with fog, and maintains a relentless barrage of airtime and thrills throughout the entire course.
All three coasters were designed and manufactured by Intamin of Switzerland, a renowned name in the roller coaster industry. The New England version stands taller, moves faster, and sustains a higher level of excitement from start to finish. Its location within the park also contributes to its overall impact, as it is situated in a more prominent and visually stimulating area. In contrast, the Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags America is tucked away in a more remote section of the park, which can diminish its perceived speed and intensity.
Smoothness and Airtime: Saving Graces
Despite its shortcomings, the Maryland coaster boasts one significant advantage: its exceptional smoothness. The ride glides effortlessly along the track, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the coaster features a few well-placed bunny hills that deliver brief but satisfying bursts of airtime. These moments of weightlessness are a welcome addition to the ride, adding a touch of excitement to the latter portion of the course.
More of these airtime hills would have undoubtedly elevated the ride to a higher level, transforming it from a good coaster into a truly great one. However, even with its flaws, Superman: Ride of Steel remains a popular and enjoyable attraction at Six Flags America.
Final Verdict: A Super Ride, But Not the Ultimate Flight
Superman: Ride of Steel is a thrilling roller coaster that offers a memorable experience. Its towering height, impressive first drop, and open-air design create a sense of exhilaration and vulnerability. While the second half of the ride may not live up to the promise of its opening act, the coaster’s smoothness and brief bursts of airtime provide some redeeming qualities.
Overall, Superman: Ride of Steel is a solid coaster that is sure to please thrill-seekers of all ages. It may not be the ultimate steel coaster, but it is certainly a super ride that is worth experiencing. It embodies the name Superman: Ride of Steel in its design and thrill factor. Superman: Ride of Steel, while not perfect, remains a jewel in the Six Flags America crown.
