Roller Coasters: Types and Custom Options

Roller coasters are one of the most exciting and iconic attractions in amusement parks around the world. Known for their thrilling drops, high-speed twists, and gravity-defying loops, roller coasters provide an unforgettable experience for riders of all ages. Whether you’re an amusement park owner looking to invest in a new ride or simply an enthusiast of adrenaline-pumping fun, understanding the different types of roller coasters available and the possibility of custom roller coasters can help you make the right choice.

What are Roller Coasters?

A roller coaster is a type of amusement ride that consists of a track, typically made of steel or wood, along which a train of cars (also called coaster cars or trains) travels at high speed. The ride typically includes elements such as steep drops, inversions (loops), sharp turns, and sudden acceleration or deceleration that create thrilling sensations for riders.

The history of roller coasters dates back to the early 19th century, with the first modern roller coaster being built in the 1880s. Since then, roller coasters have evolved significantly, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of speed, height, and innovation.

Types of Roller Coasters

Roller coasters come in many different forms, each offering a unique experience for riders. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of roller coasters that you can find at amusement parks:

Wooden Roller Coasters

Wooden roller coasters are the classic form of roller coasters, known for their nostalgic feel and unique ride experience. These coasters are constructed primarily from wood and have a rougher, bumpier ride compared to their steel counterparts. The wooden structure allows for a more natural, "old-fashioned" feel, with riders often experiencing a more intense sense of speed.

1. Key Features:
   1. Made primarily of wood.
   2. Known for a more intense, jolty ride.
   3. Often have a nostalgic, traditional feel.
   4. Limited to more classic designs, but still a favorite among enthusiasts.

Steel Roller Coasters

Steel roller coasters are the most common type found in modern amusement parks. These coasters are made with steel tracks and can incorporate more complex and intense features like inversions, loops, and sharp twists. Steel coasters are known for their smoother ride compared to wooden coasters and are capable of higher speeds and greater heights.

1. Key Features:
   1. Made primarily of steel.
   2. Smoother and quieter ride than wooden coasters.
   3. Capable of high-speed loops, inversions, and sharp turns.
   4. Common in large, modern amusement parks.

Inverted Roller Coasters

Inverted roller coasters are a type of steel coaster where the track is above the riders, and the riders sit in suspended seats beneath the track. This inversion creates a unique experience where riders feel as though they are "hanging" during the ride, adding an element of suspense and thrill. Some inverted coasters have multiple inversions, including loops and corkscrews.

1. Key Features:
   1. Riders sit below the track, creating a “flying” sensation.
   2. Typically made of steel.
   3. Feature multiple inversions and twists.

Floorless Roller Coasters

A floorless roller coaster is similar to an inverted coaster, but instead of being suspended from the track, riders sit in cars that have no floor beneath them. This creates the sensation of floating above the track, which adds to the thrill. Like inverted coasters, floorless coasters often feature intense inversions, steep drops, and fast-paced elements.

1. Key Features:
   1. Riders are seated with no floor beneath them.
   2. Gives the sensation of "flying" or being suspended.
   3. Often includes inversions and sharp twists.

Launch Roller Coasters

Unlike traditional roller coasters that use a lift hill to gain initial speed, launch roller coasters use either hydraulic or magnetic systems to rapidly launch riders from 0 to high speeds in a matter of seconds. These coasters often start with intense acceleration, followed by inversions, twists, and steep drops.

1. Key Features:
   1. No lift hill; instead, riders are launched at high speed.
   2. Can reach top speeds very quickly.
   3. Often have unique, high-speed thrills and elements.

Hypercoasters

Hypercoasters are an extreme type of roller coaster, typically exceeding 200 feet in height. These coasters are designed to provide a combination of high-speed drops, airtime hills, and intense thrills, all while maintaining smoothness and safety. Because of their large size and thrilling elements, hypercoasters are often a signature attraction at major amusement parks.

1. Key Features:
   1. Typically over 200 feet tall.
   2. Focus on high-speed drops and airtime.
   3. Can include some sharp turns but no inversions.

Giga Coasters

Giga coasters are larger than hypercoasters, with heights between 300 and 399 feet. These coasters offer intense airtime and speed, often including very high, thrilling drops. While these coasters don't feature inversions, they make up for it with speed and long, heart-pounding airtime sections.

1. Key Features:
   1. Heights between 300-399 feet.
   2. Focus on drops, speed, and airtime.
   3. Typically no inversions.

Strata Coasters

The strata coaster is the tallest and most extreme type of roller coaster. These coasters reach heights over 400 feet, creating massive drops and intense thrill factors. The Kingda Ka in New Jersey is one of the most famous examples, reaching an incredible 456 feet in height.

1. Key Features:
   1. Heights over 400 feet.
   2. Extreme drops and thrilling speeds.
   3. Designed for adrenaline junkies looking for the ultimate thrill.

Custom Roller Coasters

In addition to standard types, many amusement parks and theme park operators opt for custom roller coasters to offer a unique experience to their visitors. A custom roller coaster can be designed to fit specific themes, locations, or thrill factors that aren't covered by existing models.

Custom-built roller coasters may involve working closely with ride manufacturers to design unique features such as:

Theming: Creating a narrative experience where the coaster integrates with the park's story or setting. For example, a pirate-themed coaster may have water elements, or a space-themed ride might feature futuristic visuals.

Unique Elements: Custom features like multi-dimensional twists, multi-launch segments, or even hybrid structures that blend wooden and steel elements.

Size and Layout: Custom roller coasters can be designed to fit specific park layouts, whether it's creating an ultra-large coaster that becomes a park’s centerpiece or a smaller ride that fits into more compact spaces.

Innovative Technology: Some custom roller coasters include advanced technology such as virtual reality integration or magnetic launch systems for higher speeds and smoother transitions.

Where to Buy Roller Coasters

When looking to purchase a roller coaster, especially a custom roller coaster, you’ll need to connect with specialized roller coaster manufacturers or amusement ride suppliers. Some well-known companies that design and manufacture roller coasters include:

• Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M): Famous for producing high-quality steel coasters, including many inverted and hypercoasters.
• Intamin: Known for their high-speed, launch-style coasters and innovative designs.
• Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC): Specializes in creating hybrid coasters, blending wooden and steel designs.
• Zamperla: Offers a wide range of customizable coaster options.

Whether you're looking for a classic wooden roller coaster, a modern steel marvel, or even a custom-built masterpiece, understanding the different types of roller coasters and the possibility of custom designs allows you to choose the right ride for your amusement park or personal collection. With the evolution of coaster technology, the thrill factor continues to push boundaries, offering more exciting, unique experiences for adrenaline enthusiasts.