There is something about the feel that comes from sitting at the top of a hill and seeing the world around you before the bottom drops out. That sensation is one that you can only get on one of the best roller coasters in the world.
While some people still think that the best coasters are the few wood coasters left in the world, others know that the best roller coasters are the modern steel ones. After checking out some of the modern coasters, you might have something new to add to your bucket list.
Kingda Ka
Opened in 2005, people from around the world headed to New Jersey in the hopes of riding the Kindga Ka. One of the signature rides at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, people waited in line hours to ride the coaster on opening day, and park visitors still wait in line for hours to ride it to this day.
The ride goes from 0 to 128 mph in less than four seconds, and it takes guests on a thrilling ride that covers more than 3,100 feet. Fans of the coaster also love that its tallest hill is more than 450 feet up in the air.
Top Thrill Dragster
Ohio residents have a hot debate over which amusement park is the best: Cedar Point in Sandusky or King’s Island in Cincinnati. Truth be known, the same company now owns both parks, King’s Island fans can look forward to seeing rides like the Top Thrill Dragster added to their park.
Located at Cedar Point, this was the first roller coaster in the world to feature a hill higher than 400 feet, and until the creation of Kingda Ka, it was the tallest coaster in the world. Top Thrill Dragster is 2,800 feet long and reaches speeds of up to 120 mph.
Superman: Escape from Krypton
Built in the late 1990’s, Superman: Escape from Krypton was a sign of the coming times. As one of the most popular steel roller coasters in the world, it wowed and amazed fans from day one.
Rising 425 feet in the air, it features a stunning and thrilling 328 feet drop. With a G-force of 4.5, a track length of more than 1,200 feet and speeds of 100 mph, it’s a must see for visitors to Six Flags Magic Mountain. As an added bonus, the park refurbished the ride in 2011, giving riders the chance to go forward or backward.
Steel Dragon 2000
Opened in 2000, the Steel Dragon 2000 is one of the most expensive roller coasters ever built at an estimated cost of more than $50 million. Though the ride closed for more than three years after a rider suffered a serious injury, it later reopened to the delight of fans. Located at Nagashima Spa Land in Japan, the coaster is popular with international thrill junkies.
Whether you have a fondness for steel or wood coasters, you will want to check out some of these amazing steel roller coasters, and see what a rush all the buzz can be.
Jason Kane is what some would call an adrenaline junky, at least when it comes to thrill rides. He loves steel roller coasters, a passion which manifests itself in his blogging for Federal Steel Supply Co.
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