|
MANTIS |
1996 Cedar Point saw the addition of yet another record breaking
coaster. Mantis debuted as the tallest, fastest and steepest of the Stand-Up coaster
genre. Blue, Red and yellow tracks fill Ohio's skies, oh yea, screams as well.
Four weird inversions coupled with six elements have riders preying while standing
up. At $12 million, Mantis is by far the best investment in recent years for Cedar Point. |
Originally named "Banshee" for the female spirit that presage
(to foretell) a death in the family by wailing outside the house. I tell you what,
this "PC" junk has gone too far. The staff at Cedar Point believed that
this title would offend patrons. You know what? The name Mantis offends
me. Mantis, I dont get it? Do preying mantis stand, scream, hover,
twist, drop, zoom? No! Well this ride does and then some! My intent is
to talk about the ride, not the name, sorry.
|
One must cross a moat, so-to-speak, to get to the loading
station as it is positioned above a portion of the lagoon. The insect crosses over the
water weaving in and out of itself many times. Mantis looks, feels and sounds like
no other ride I've been on. I could spend my whole day here riding it again and
again. My favorite ride? Too many to choose from, but if I had to cast a vote,
the Mantis lever would be pulled. I love Mantis, I dont like the name, but
hey, "What's in a Name"?
|
|
|
|
STATS
Lift Height: |
145 feet |
Track Length: |
3,900 feet |
Vertical Drop: |
137 feet |
Time: |
Approximately 2 minutes, 40 seconds |
Angle of Descent: |
52 degrees |
Speed: |
Approximately 60 mph |
Vertical Loop Height: |
119 feet |
Ride Capacity: |
Approximately 1,800 riders per hour |
|
Structure: |
Steel tubular track supported by steel columns |
Coaches: |
Eight rows of passengers standing four-across Three 32-passenger
trains |
Design: |
Single ergonomically adjustable pillars with shoulder harnesses |
Investment: |
$12 million, the most expensive single ride investment in Cedar
Point history |
Ride Designer: |
Bolliger & Mabillard (B & M), Monthey, Switzerland |
|
|
|
|