TOP10WOODENCOASTERS — #4 _________________________ Fast, furious, and it’s got F-A-N-G-S. Rocky Mountain Construction came in and refurbished a classic in the 2012 – 2013 off-season, and boy howdy did they make some changes! Besides shortening the distance from just over 5,000ft to just under 3,300ft they increased the length and pitch of the first drop(from a moderate 61° to a hair-raising 81°), added 4 overbanked turns and a zero-g-roll, and – perhaps most importantly – took what was widely known as a physically rough ride and made it as smooth as glass. This is Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ flagship ride and one of the best«wooden» coasters in the world. It’s «wooden» in the sense that the structure and supports are made of wood, but the track itself is a steel ‘I-Box’ design patented and perfected by the aforementioned RMC group. This layer of steel track allows for intense elements normally reserved for steel coasters and banking that would shake a normal woodie to pieces. Every row provides an exhilarating ride, but the front lends the best view(duh) and the back yields the most airtime. Restraints are surprisingly comfortable and very secure. Ride crews were efficient in dispatching trains. The first drop will undoubtedly make you go ‘oh SH*T’, it is absolutely insane. The tunnel through the quarry has some lighting effects and is normally filled with fog, but on my visit the effects were turned off. Nevertheless, IR delivered a breath-taking ride and has immediately made my list of the best wooden coasters in the world. And check out how awesome the trains are themed to look like a snake(complete with tail on the last car)! ~Special ride elements~ *171ft drop @ 81 degrees(but it sure looks straight down) *4 overbanked turns(greater than 90deg, which is completely vertical); note that these are not technically inversions *Zero-g-roll *Tunnel Protip: rides in both the front AND back row are needed to fully enjoy this venomous variation of a coaster.
Mel E.
Classificação do local: 5 Houston, TX
This ride has got to be the most thrilling/terrifying ride there! The first drop, which drops at an 81 degree angle is insane, feels like you’re free falling and from 171 feet from the ground, it just gives me chills, but it is definitely AWESOME! I screamed my head off with the first drop and continued to scream throughout the ride with the unexpected other drops and fast turns. It is made out of wood and steel so it’s such a smooth ride! The line may be long, but it is definitely a must to go on when you visit Fiesta Texas San Antonio!
Scott R.
Classificação do local: 5 San Antonio, TX
After experiencing Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, I figured not much would impress me. However, I rode the Rattler when it was insane it’s first year and loved having my ass kicked. Now, the Iron Rattler has created a new place on my favorites list. The first drop is excellent, the barrel roll is cool, and the tunnel rocks. Check it out.
