The Coaster Critic's Blog

What is an Inverted Coaster?
Throughout the 80's and into the 90's, steel coasters and loops (also known as inversions) were all the rage. Coaster designers were busy trying to find new ways turn riders upside-down. In 1992, genius Swedish designers Bolliger and Mabillard shocked the industry with the world's first inverted coaster, Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America. On inverted coasters riders are seated below the track in ski-lift style trains. They're made of steel, usually have loops, and offer more of a flying sensation than traditional seated coasters.

B&M's inverted coasters were wildly successful. Batman The Ride has been cloned more than a dozen times. Rival coaster designer Vekoma created its SLC (Suspended Looping Coasters) in 1995. It has spawned over 25 clones all over the world. Many of the Vekoma SLC's in America are known as Mind Eraser. Now it's fairly common to find an inverted coaster in a park near you. Towards the end of the 90's the stock installations led the way to some very interesting custom designs.

Last Fall, I counted down my Top 3 Inverted Coasters.

Check out this onride roller coaster video of Montu at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa.

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