I’m not the biggest fan of wooden coasters. Although, after a trip to Six Flags Great America, I might have to change my tune. Viper, one of the parks wooden coasters, has become one of my all-time favorites. It’s still puzzling to me as to why I have it ranked so high, but for some reason, it just blew me away.
Built in 1995, Viper is the only coaster Six Flags had ever built in-house. That surprised me at first because I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from it. I’ll try to ride any coaster I can, but, as for wooden ones, I try to stick to the GCI and RMC creations.
Maybe the fact that Six Flags created this coaster from scratch is the reason I loved it so much. To be honest, I really wasn’t expecting a lot from this coaster. However, after the ride was over, I was left wanting more.
The one thing that stood out for me on Viper was the insane amount of airtime you get throughout the ride. Six Flags claims the coaster only has a top speed of 55 mph, but it feels so much faster, especially as you fly over those drops.
I’ve found that on Viper, and most other coasters, the back row is the ideal spot for the most airtime, and roughest ride. That’s probably why I loved the coaster so much. I’m always a sucker for the back row, and this coaster is one of the reasons why.
Viper is an exact clone of the Coney Island Cyclone, one of the world’s most recognizable coasters. I’ve got to say that after my ride on Viper, I’m much more excited to ride the Cyclone, and for the matter, some other wooden coasters that I wouldn’t have given a thought to.
I’m not going to call Viper my favorite wooden coaster, as The Beast at Kings Island holds that crown. However, for the select woodies, I have been on, it’s definitely in the top-three. This ride truly surprised me and is one of the top coasters at Six Flags Great America.