originally posted on 7/11/2021
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
It’s easy to lament rehashed ride names, if not roller coaster clones even more so, but that’s not the case here. Also, it’s not the first time a state’s name has been thrown on a coaster’s title, but Jersey Devil Coaster is a wonderful contrast to such things. The ride’s moniker is so fitting to the region, it is rather a brilliant move.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
This monstrous new sighting takes place at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey). The urban legend of the Jersey Devil seems a natural fit for an exhilarating new attraction. In years past, the park has used its own tie to the tall tale with its terror trail at Fright Fest. The scare zone told the story of Guinevere, who was set to marry the Jersey Devil disguised in human form. Before the ceremony, his true self was revealed under a full moon, and she fled into the park’s lake, never to be seen again.
Now the creature has taken a more terrifying form, or in an enthusiast’s case, a delightful addition to Great Adventure. Jersey Devil Coaster debuted rather appropriately as the park’s 13th coaster. Creating a new plaza, the park wanted the attraction (near Nitro) to help bring back traffic flow to that side of the park.
More important, it’s what the ride has to offer. Park President John Winkler stated, “It has features that none of our other rides have, which is a reason why we selected it.” Previously, Winkler led Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts) and was familiar with the work of Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) from its Wicked Cyclone. The maneuvers on Jersey Devil Coaster are like nothing found on the park’s Bolliger & Mabillard or Intamin offerings. It’s fresh for loyal fans of the park.
A zero-G stall suspends riders upside down.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Six Flags has been a long-time customer of RMC, starting with New Texas Giant (Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington) as the company’s first coaster project. Several wood-to-steel conversions have taken place, but the theme park chain was also the first to step up to buy RMC’s single-rail concept, which it dubs Raptor track. The first of this genre opened in 2018 as Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio). Fortunately on this installation, the name is much more fitting.
View full-sized image.
Photos: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
It is, however, natural to compare the two. Fans are split on claiming which one is better. Those who like the fierce snap of Wonder Woman still call it the better ride. Others point out all the bragging rights of Jersey Devil Coaster. By looking at those statistics, it clearly illustrates the vast differences between the two.
Start with the trains. Not only does Jersey Devil have longer trains with 12 cars, but four of them run simultaneously. To watch them all in motion is almost poetic, and the timing of two trains out on the course can make for some fun fly-bys. Restraint straps have cushioning and offer a bit of give. The demonic visage on the front of each train also helps distinguish the ride from its brethren.
It is as if the face on the front of the train is screaming for more airtime.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
The dive loop is the first inversion.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The records, of course — tallest, longest and fastest for this genre — really elevate the genre to the next level. Standing at 130 feet, the bright yellow track rises above the trees. Speed hits 58 mph (six mph faster than its predecessors’ 52 mph) and the coaster boasts a track length of 3,000 feet.
While the earlier models were compact twisters, Jersey Devil leans more toward an out-and-back configuration that doubles back on itself. However, some fast curves and three inversions still give it some wild kick. The first drop is deliciously steep at 87 degrees. Once unleashed, Jersey Devil soars through a dive loop, zero-G stall, an inline roll and numerous airtime hills. Because it keeps traveling through its structure, the coaster has great visuals as it screams within its red steel supports. The brake run is filled with cheers and applause.
Jersey Devil Coaster’s first drop is a steep 87 degrees.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
There is a notable restriction riders should know. The park is adamant about no loose articles. Nothing is to be in pockets (after all, this beast is wild). Lockers are mandatory, but thankfully nearby and only a dollar. The positive side to that is that it makes loading and unloading so fluid, the majority of the time trains never stop. As the incoming train crawls into the station, one rider steps out as the next rider takes his or her place. Once the train is fully loaded, it makes its way to the steep lift hill, and the process continues to flow.
The date of the coaster’s official opening was June 13, another fitting “13” to the unnerving thrills of Six Flags Great Adventure’s newest addition to its coaster arsenal.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
View full-sized image.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
#ACENews