BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS
This huge, terrific B&M out-and-back coaster dishes out ample airtime and is one of the best "hypers" I've ridden in my day.
Of all the roller coasters at Atlanta's major theme park, 'Goliath' stands above them all......literally. As both the tallest (200ft) and fastest (70mph) at Six Flags Over Georgia, I have to say that it's king of this particular 290-acre hill.
Although located in the center of SFOG, the majority of the ride's layout takes you outside the park's boundaries. The numerous fan turns, camelback humps, and helical turnaround all take place beyond the entry gates, adding to the fun.
At 4,480ft in length, 'Goliath' is shorter than its brethren of similar ilk 'Apollo's Chariot' at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This was built in 2006, making it the 4th B&M hypercoaster constructed in the United States and was the 1st of its class to debut in the southeast.
I was thrilled to see that much like my own 'Raging Bull', trains here used the 4-across in 9-rows arrangement with dual train operation. This chews through the line of guests very quickly, and even for the front row my wait time was less than 30 minutes.
The only restraint is a SUPER comfortable lapbar which has become the accepted standard on Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoasters: snug, ergonomic, very pleasing on the hips and legs. Trains are open, giving riders a freeing sensation throughout the 3-1/2 minute excursion.
Another thing that makes this exceptional ride stand out among the rest is the notable lack of a block brake or MCBR. However, there were 1 or 2 trims installed at some points during the ride, and though they were active, neither slowed the train down by much.
Aside from a lovely diving turn on the return trip back to the station, the ride's unequivocal highlight is a 540° downward helix that produces some wicked G-forces along with a delightful "headchopper" moment. Riders sitting on the left side of the train will notice the support beams whizzing by in unusually close proximity.
Eric S's Six Flags Over Georgia coaster rating : *1ST* out of 9!!!
Final verdict --- this tremendous steel beast is likely in the same boat as 'Nitro' @ SFGAdv, and 'Mako' @ Seaworld Orlando in terms of layout and accrued airtime. But, I've never had the pleasure to experience either of those so I can only compare 'Goliath' to those I've ridden.
That said, this is better than the smooth-but-snoring hypertwister 'Raging Bull' @ SFGAm and slightly inferior to 'Diamondback' @ Kings Island.
The re-rideability of this one is incredibly high: comfy (and minimal) restraints, floater airtime like no one's business, and plenty of speed all add up to a fantastic trip. It's easily the best roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. While the front row offers a terrific view, it's the back row that's got the edge on negative-G's, so that gets my vote errday of the week.
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Well sports fans, that just about wraps it up for me on my 2017 coaster journey. While 23 new thrill machines - and their respective reviews - is nothing to complain about, it's a big step down from 2016 when I logged a mind-boggling ((54)) across 6 parks. I expect 2018 will see plenty more in store for yours truly.
.....but for now.....
Put those hands in the air, and keep ridin'. PEACE! read more