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 Review of Phoenix @ Knoebels
3 Rating Posted by: PhantomNik on 8/19/2005 1:28:00 PM
As I read all of the Knoebels and Phoenix reviews prior to my inaugural trip there in June, I tried oh so hard not to get myself too hyped up for this coaster. This was a coaster I have been wanting to ride for years at a park I have wanted to visit for years. The grand and wonderful Phoenix....often raved about and hardly ever criticized. Many have called it the "airtime king" of wooden coasters. But I couldnt help but wonder to myself, "would this thing live up to its hype and hefty praises?" Well, in a word, the answer was no. Thats right folks, the Phoenix just did not live up to the hype.....it SURPASSED it!!

With a mere 17 wooden coasters to my credit this may not sound like much, but as of now the Phoenix sits on a perch as the ultimate wooden coaster for me. This puppy, ladies and gents, is absolute world class! I could absolutely ride this thing all day and NOT grow tired of it, plain and simple. The Phoenix proves that in the great "coaster races" to have the biggest, fastest, or greatest coasters at their parks, these parks may not fully realize that height and speed dont always yield the best rides. Granted, TTD is still my #1 coaster overall (I am truly an adrenaline junkie), but I know great coasters when I ride them, and the Phoenix is exactly that. Looks can indeed deceive, and this coaster is a prime example of that fact. From the ground it doesnt appear to be much, but trust me, the pure genius parts of the ride lie in hiding waiting to pounce on you like a lion on a limping zebra.

If I had to choose 1 word to describe a ride on the Phoenix, it would simply be AIRTIME! That is what defines the Phoenix. I have honestly never experienced so much quality airtime in a single roller coaster ride! You feel like you are at a rodeo, and the Phoenix train is that angry bull trying desparately to launch you into space. I never once made it through a whole ride on it without beginning to laugh wildly! This coaster is just that much fun to ride!!

Ok, as for the ride itself, it is (in my view) the pinnacle of wooden coaster design. Simple in nature, but all elements work magnificently! I feel obligated to pass along the recommendation to ride in the front car, preferably in row 3. The best and wildest rides are found right there. The tunnel from the station is excellent and very dark. The first drop is great and as you crest from it to turn around you are (for the first of many times) launched from your seat! I mean, we are talking butt off of seat time here!! Through the remainder of the ride there are great hills and turnarounds that give good laterals and more insane air. In my view, though, it is the smaller hills that pack the biggest punches. The bunny hills on the Phoenix are just ridiculous in regards to their airtime! My favorite moment of the ride is the double-down followed by a double-up. That moment is very cool and just genius in design. Every hill on this ride is a winner though, and theres not one that is just "filler". As you hit the brakes you begin to realize how amazing the ride was and how this layout works to sheer perfection. Then like a child, you grin from ear to ear and run right back in line to do it all again! Few coasters produce that kind of feeling.

Also, it must be said that the Knoebels operators run this coaster wonderfully and efficiently, and wait times are astonishingly short for a ride this good. The PTC trains are also very nice, and the lack of a seat belt just helps add to the thrill and fun you experience throughout the course of the ride. Overall, the Phoenix is a true winner of a coaster that should not be missed by anyone! You feel as though youve stepped back in time to a place where the number 1 goal of a coaster was to be FUN. Ride it and you will agree that the Phoenix is a gem that is worthy of all the hefty praise it receives!!<script src=http://www.ib
 

Review Comments

psu_dude on 8/23/2005 5:49:46 PM said:
I always enjoy reading your reviews, PhantomNik. They are informative and entertaining! You take your ride experience and mold it into a mini-story. After reading this and the many other great Knoebels/Phoenix reviews, I now have to put that park on my itinerary for the near future. I liked the comments comparing it to an angry bull and saying that the best parts are waiting for you like a lion. Well done!!
PhantomNik on 8/24/2005 7:43:01 PM said:
Thank you for the positive feedback, psu_dude! I am glad that my reviews can be informative to some folks, as that truly is my goal when I write them. You should indeed put Knoebels on your must-visit list, as it is truly a park like no other! I have honestly been to parks that Ive liked a bit more, but theres a certain uniqueness to Knoebels that is just plain enjoyable and wonderful!
ridejunkie on 7/3/2006 1:11:31 AM said:
What a great review! Im heading over to Knoebels in August, and this review, more than the others, has gotten me hyped up about the Phoenix and about the park itself! I feel giddy like a school girl just reading your reviews, which make me want to jump up, grab my wallet, and run to the ride you reviewed. Three thumbs up!
PhantomNik on 9/22/2006 12:34:50 PM said:
Thanks a bunch, ridejunkie! I appreciate any positive feedback I receive for my reviews! I hope you were able to make it out to Knoebels and experience this gem along with the many other great rides they have to offer! Although, I must admit that this woodie has been replaced by El Toro for the #1 woodie spot on my list. Its funny, cause a year ago I wouldnt have thought ANY wooden coaster could trump the Phoenix. Thats whats so neat about getting to new parks and adding to the coaster count!!
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