just rode it today as my 96th wooden coaster. This is a great addition for SFGAdv to fill a much needed niche in the wood department. It seems like two different rides with the front half providing air and the last third acting like a twister.
This ride falls just short of a 10 for a couple of reasons. While there is airtime you are stapled in too tight to enjoy it. Also, the change of directions in the last third just doesnt feel right. If they are there for you to enjoy the overbanked turns they do it too quickly but if it is meant to feel like a trick-track it is done too slowly.
This is a new generation woodie that provides air, speed and overbanked turns after the 76 degree drop. It should be a big favorite with the general public.
Before anyone gets all over me for "only" a 9, please keep in mind I think it is very close and the rating may go up as I ride it more. Im trying to limit my ratings of 10 to only the 10% of my wooden coasters and there are at least 9 other wooden coasters I prefer over El Toro.
Edit: 9/11/06 Ater riding two more times yesterday I have increased the rating to a 10. While the operations still have room for improvement it is a vast step forward from the rest of the summer. The transitions in the last third seem crisper and more fun than earlier in the season.
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