Interesting! Do you consider Dinoconda to be better than the other 4D coasters? It seems rather similar to Eejanaika. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on how it differ from it's siblings! (having only been on X2 myself)
So I've only ridden Dinconda and X2 - yet to make the trip for Eejanaika - but for me there was something a notch up in intensity from X2 with Dinoconda. It's quite hard to put my finger on exactly, but X2 felt almost like a slightly reigned back version on Dinoconda. In addition, the full zero-g that Dinoconda has is incredible as the seats are doing a full flip at the same time. Whilst the 'top down' layout is different, that's the only significant trackwork difference between the two, but it's next level. I genuinely dread (with almost uncontrollable excitement) how much further Eejanaika would push this, as I've heard that it runs even more intensely than Dinoconda (even though layout-wise I believe it's the same).
Objectively, they're both not very good really, but they earn a spot in the Top 20 for being so far off the 'crazy' spectrum it's unthinkable. They are genuinely terrifying, in a very good way, and complete sensory overload. As long as you overlook the horrendous operations, that is.
More detail on my thoughts here too:
https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/china-march-2018-day-10-–-suzhou-summary.42416/page-2#post-1021263
Also: interesting with Soaring with Dragon that high in your rankings. The layout looks rather uninspired. It's a coaster that really never have cought my attention (up until now).
So for me, there are a few things that push it up as a piece of hardware.
- The launches really, really, punch. The final forwards launch is the weakest of the three, and I reckon is comparable to the launches on Helix (that ride is fresh in my mind after @Matt N's topic). The first forwards and backwards launches are wild. There's a true sense of raw power as the train is vibrating and roaring through each pass of the launch.
- The non-inverting loop is probably the best one of its kind - especially in the back, where is had some amazing whip.
- The next turnaround is decent, but not earth shattering.
- The speed hill is great and a really well done change in pace from the massive elements preceding it.
- I actually really enjoyed the weaving bit following the turnaround.
- The trains were (/are) fantastically comfortable.
Then looking at it a bit more subjectively - I was basically just lapping the coaster as a nearly solo rider, it marked the furthest leg of a China trip where all my planning had worked out and everything was going smoothly and I was having a blast, and the rest of the park was a bit of a dump (except their big show), so it really, really stood out.
Again, some more thoughts here:
https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/china-march-2018-day-10-–-suzhou-summary.42416/page-2#post-1021897
I think an additional coverall comment that applies to both of these comments, is that I'm also a big believer in ranking rides based on my 'all in' experience of riding them. Both Dinoconda and Soaring With Dragon were very memorable rides to me and they hold a big place in my heart, in that sense. First proper, solo, theme park trip through China and all of the additional adrenaline that brings with it, means they get to stay in the Top 20. I suppose I'm ranking ride experience along with ride hardware - that's partly why Lightning Rod and Boulder Dash remain so high on the list, even though I suspect they'd tumble now, because the overall memory I have of riding them is a Top 20 coaster experience - if you know what I mean?[/list]
