Water splashes

[Ian]

Water splashes have become a feature in recent seasons, namely on B&M dive machine coasters.

We all appreciate that a roller coaster has to slow down at some point during the circuit. A conventional brake run appears lazy, abrupt, unwelcome and inconvenient.

On a dive machine such as Griffon or 2011's Krake, the drop will generate a lot of speed so it must be slowed down. The best way is using the resistive force of water like a natural brake run.

The water splash creates a pleasing aesthetic, crowd pleasing moment, but I really feel that it's really disguising a flaw in the coaster's momentum.

The thrill of a coaster is in the experience, not what non-riding people can see.

What do you think?

 

[SaiyanHajime]

Maybe they are in part hiding a "design flaw", don't really know, or care, because I think their use as spectacle elements completely overides it.

Busch's use of them has been impressive. Griffon in particular has a really open area where the main drop and water splash are within the same like, area. The design of those pathways to make the most of the ride's visuals is truly impressive.

Diamondback's annoyed me. What a WASTE of the element. People (not... me, I'm apparently not normal) love to get wet at themeparks, to deny them that was retarded.

I dunno if it's actually confirmed? But it certainly sounded like X-Raptor will have one, or a pseudo one, like Manta.

The fact that Manta's exists proved you wrong, Ian.

 

[Mike]

disguising a flaw in the coaster's momentum.

I don't get it? :?

Nevertheless, water splashes normally make a great visual element of a ride (unless it's designed to also get you soaked in the process... Grrr Fire in the Hole), and they seem a great way to save a little bit of money, so I don't really understand what argument you're trying to put across here Ian...

 

[trav]

The thrill of a coaster is in the experience, not what non-riding people can see.

I'm surprised noone has responded to this actually. Surely what you can see before you get on the coaster adds to the experience? The tallest rollercoasters in the world offer an imposing feel, adding to the fear. Same with inversions, speed, etc.

 

[El Patricko]

Well i agree with what point i feel is coming across here, a splash feature straight after the first drop!. It seems like a waste of potential energy (although probably not as much as i state) I mean here in the UK we do not usually have ample height to play with so most designs make good usage of the speeds achieved from the initial drop. Of course being against all types of trim/MCBRs (however inpractical it seems) i would naturally look on in shock when i saw the picture in the "2012 Coaster" topic related to Thorpe park. :shock: :evil:

 

[Naemuti]

What do you think?

I don't care about water splashes whatsoever. You don't even get wet and it doesn't look that cool.

 

[Screaming Coasters]

I think.....

Umbrella.

 

[walker1104]

To be honest, I like the water splashes on rides. Although it doesn't add anything to the ride whilst you're on it, I think they look cool whilst walking up to the ride. They add another visual aspect to the ride.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

I just look at it as another aesthetic factor, just like any theming. I don't think it has anything to do with disguising a pacing problem!

That's about it.

Oh, and on some, you do get wet. Like Mike said, Fire in the Hole, and even Diamondback if you put your hands up and sit in the back!