There was a very obvious and quite worrying rubbing sound developing on the station exit lean element, sounded like metal on metal. It was on both trains. Was that concerning that me and some other goons considered reporting it, but we had time for another ride and didn't want them to close it.
MY review.
Firstly, the organisation was very very good, honestly, after Voltrons opening, to see a UK park smash it out of the park like that was refreshing. The crowds that turned up, for one thing only, could have lead to serious issues, but the planning they put in, and the way they executed it, was fantastic. Massive well done.
We waited 7 hours for our first ride, I **** you not. We got there at 8:45 just after they filled the holding area inside the park, so had to wait in the hold outside security. It was 15:45 when we finally got on. I eventually got 3 rides. one back right seat, which was insane, one row 8, and one row 2. You do not need the back to feel the ejector, which surprised me, you get good airtime towards the front too, in fact, it's less aggressive and smoother at the front, but definitely still there, so some may prefer it. However, at the back is where that ejector becomes world class.
I DO LOVE the area, even more than I did seeing it in pictures. It's not finished, that's no surprise, we all knew that was going to be the case, but it's a lot more 'complete' than I expected, and the general aesthetic of the area is fantastic imo. If this is what stylised means, bring on more stylised coasters! I can definitely see how this is very subjective though.
The station is a bit disappointing, although it looks much better at night with the lighting, projections and smoke effects.
Would I like the ride to be longer? Sure, it's a shame the trim needs to be there to slow the train down. However, did it feel too short? Not at all, it actually feels very satisfying in length. The elements hit so hard, and are each such big moments that by the time you've done them all, you're absolutely satisfied.
That first drop is by far, THE BEST FIRST DROP I've ever experienced in my life. And that's coming straight from riding my previous favourite first drop, Hyperion, the very day before!!! You're thrown out of your seat the entire way down, and then spun around, causing awesome ejector to become even crazier, due to what I like to call 'The Tumble Dryer Effect,' (centrifugal force... Obviously.)
The immelmann is fantastic, looks like you'll only get ejector in the back, but you get some sustained ejector on this element in the front and middle too.
The outer bank is every bit as insane as it looks, I expected it to feel like hang time, but the way it kicks you out the seat whilst you're still fairly upright, then introduces that tumble dryer effect again, makes the whole element feel like some of the longest 'none first drop' ejector I've ever experienced.
Stall is fantastic, it felt like hang time on the first ride, but felt more floaty in the evening. I don't think it's better than Zadra's stall, but it is bloody fantastic still.
The Stengel offers some more very strong ejector, though a much shorter, sharper pop this time, more akin to the kind you find on RMC or intamin.
Much better than Voltron for me... And silky smooth in comparison too... So far at least!
Overall, I'm in love, move over Nemesis, your 30 years was good, you've served us well, but anybody that rides this and still thinks you're the best coaster in the UK is being a sentimental old bar-steward.
