America's 25 Most INTENSE Coasters

[@Cje_-yj8ov]

No, your experience on the Hulk was not due to lack of sleep. I’ve been to universal several times over the years, so going into this year I thought had a really good feel for it. My mom and I rode it back to back in row 8 towards the end of our first day, and to say I was shocked is an understatement. I got off dizzy and having greyed out, and my 59 year old mother looked at me and asked if it was normal to experience temporary vision loss on a coaster. On a coaster we have both ridden dozens of times, and had some pretty weak ones during my most recent visit, I’ve never been as shook as I was this time around. I don’t know what the hell happened to this ride but I’m all for it.

[@LP-wv9pr]

Yeah this one slaps hard, I hadn’t ridden it since the early 00s and I’m having a hard time believing it was this intense back then. I kept getting assigned back row and couldnt marathon it like I wanted to.

[@bigc1280]

I think after the retracking and them redoing the launch made it smoother and more intense.

[@deezulboy]

Came here to say almost exactly this. I'm in my mid 40's and I had never to my knowledge experienced a gray out or black out. Granted I also had been riding a ton of coasters over the past couple of days with a lack of sleep, but I was at IOA a few months ago and I was riding the Hulk. I had sunglasses on and it was right after the water splash where I had some mist cover the sunglasses. At the same time I felt a little woozy and it seemed like I was starting to lose vision. I wasn't sure if it was the mist on my sunglasses messing with my head but the more I hear things like this the more I am sure that was my one and only gray out.

[@jacobhermann2919]

Just went to Islands of Adventure on a school trip. The line for Hulk never topped 30 minutes, and you never had to wait more than 5 for the single rider line. Rode it 5 times, and it was totally worth it!! Hopefully I will get back to it again in the future.

[@DaveWingardJr]

Exactly. This is the only coaster that I grayout on, and it happens about 75% of the time. I'm 34 and have been riding coasters my whole life. It's certainly a pretty good coaster, but I'd say it's more intense than fun. Whereas a Hagrid's is more fun than intense.

[@robertpolk9910]

I’m 53 and will be getting credit #600 in a few weeks with Iron Gwazi. You definitely feel the G forces more with age, especially the inversions on inverts. You’re not old yet Chris! Enjoy it!

[@johnulmerRacing]

Dr., I concur. 600? Damn man, that's awesome. I've got to step on the gas, I'm 47 and thought I was doing good as I approach 150.

[@AirtimeThrills]

600 would definitely require me to leave the country unless i start getting desperate with the portable and kiddie creds. IG is an awesome 600 tho

[@johnulmerRacing]

@@AirtimeThrills Yeah, everytime I approach a kiddie coaster, I decide it's not worth the credit.

[@robertpolk9910]

@@AirtimeThrills All my credits are in the U.S. and Canada, so it can be done without kiddie credits. I have about 35-40 defunct credits, so that makes it easier! I can get to about 630 before I run out of new U.S. credits to get.

[@touchblackproductions2559]

Iron gwazi is good..but steel vengeance is way better

[@lexsellsmerch3512]

Yeah I305 still one of my favorites because of it’s intensity and I haven’t ridden it about 10 years. Hoping to go back to Kings Dominion this year though!

[@lunarpunk2380]

I went 9 years without riding it, I was 8 the first time. This year at 17, I was floored by how intense it actually was

[@sdc5914]

Backrow of Aftershock at Silverwood was like riding a drop tower and coaster all in 1! Rest of ride is nuts, including getting caught on the back spike backwards.

[@AirtimeThrills]

The spikes on Aftershock are phenomenal

[@shanedenmark5536]

I haven’t ridden Aftershock per se, but Deja Vu at SFMM was fantastic. I was sad to see it go to crap at SFNE and to see the GIB in general die out before it caught on. I hoped one would wind up at SFDL.

[@Onoitsbroko]

I'm 34 so I guess I'm old too..HAHA! But I definitely cannot handle intense coasters like I used to. It's insane how I could marathon a Batman The Ride clone 10 years ago, and now I ride twice and need to take a break lol. When I go to SFMM I'll ride X2, Twisted Colossus, Viper and Tatsu and I am completely wiped after them. It's insane.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Getting old sucks man, I'm right there with you

[@robinstamper2446]

Oh boo hoo, lol. I’ve ridden all but one of these. I’m 62 and have had no issues riding 7 or more rides in a row on I 305, Kumba, Montu (live less than 5 miles from BG, Tampa) Maverick and Hulk. Zero… Most of the rest I haven’t had the time to marathon. The only exception: X2. It owns me.

[@NMAfreak]

Batman when they put the trains on backwards is NUTS, my older daughter always blacks out.

[@showbizcec4985]

I’m not even 20 yet and roller coasters make me extremely sick and they didn’t do that a year or two ago! I’m very upset about this as a coaster enthusiast! Wonder if I can build up a tolerance

[@chris_allupinya5613]

Man.... Batman and Riddler's Jack me up now for some damn reason -_- I'm good on all others tho. I can actually marathon X2

[@JohnDoe-hx9vm]

Incredible Hulk was absolutely hauling this year. Hadn't ridden it in a while, and when I went back over the winter, I was amazed at how intense it was. Had to brace myself, and I was still graying out entering the cobra roll. The crushing forces plus the slight rattle combined into an absolutely amazing experience, definitely moved it up my list in my opinion.

[@Lukester1234]

Surprised that none of the larger rmcs were here. Steve, Iron Gwazi, and Zadra are some really intense rides.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Ive only ridden steve and didnt find the forces that intense

[@Lukester1234]

@Zacheroni woops mb, I forgot it was americas top 25

[@OriginalJoe]

Nice representation of older coasters. I think mfg's are much better at smoothing out overly intense elements today and in days gone by some pretty crazy forces made it through to the final product.

[@toptiercomments840]

Definitely agree with putting Batman over Montu. Montu's individual elements are probably more forceful; but they're spread out over a much larger course, giving the rider a chance to breathe between doses of positive Gs. Batman is far more relentless. Also agree that Hulk is more intense (and also better) than Kumba. The first section before the misty tunnel is just insane. I need to give X2 another shot. My one ride on it was super uncomfortable. I couldn't quite get the restraints tight enough to prevent me from being jostled around, and I was in an outboard seat. If pain equals intensity, X2 easily tops my list, lol.

[@will4486]

Do X2 on the inside seat in the back row and you will not be disappointed!

[@toptiercomments840]

@@will4486 That's what I'm thinking. The drop must be wild in the back row.

[@will4486]

@@toptiercomments840 it absolutely is. My favorite ride experience ever is exactly that.

[@LTstinkysocksMcGee420]

afterburn is so whippy that it twisted my ankle when i was in the back row (i probably hit my foot on my other foot)

[@Coyotek4]

"Twister" at Knoebels, with its nonstop laterals, always leaves me shaken up when I get off.

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

Legend is easily one of the most intense coasters I’ve ridden. The laterals on it are no joke, especially in the wild helix

[@djsugarc1075]

agreed and it was running like a jackhammer this year so it definitely felt even crazier

[@andrewiscool719]

I could beat you in Justice League: Battle For Metropolis lol

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

@@andrewiscool719 what’s your high score? I’ve maxed out 2 blasters in the same ride before

[@andrewiscool719]

@@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239 idk pretty high. Next time I go I’ll tellyou

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

@@andrewiscool719 which one do you ride the most? Depending on which one you’ve ridden, I could help you out

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

After riding Kumba and Kraken basically back to back this year I'm absolutely amazed at how smooth Kumba remains and just how good it is. Kraken unfortunately is in dire need of a refurb but Kumba runs every bit as well as it did the last time I rode it 20 years ago. A 30 year old coaster has no business being this smooth and this good! The Hulk is a great coaster but it's almost TOO much for me at this point. I still enjoy it a lot but I always come off of it with a slight headache. And you aren't that old. I'm 51 and my mom is 69 and we both still ride coasters.

[@Mustard_Tiger0]

I'm glad the intensity of roller coasters increases with age. I always thought that roller coasters needed to be more intense.

[@bartplays3392]

The really old intense coaster I’d say I went on is Hades at Mount Olympus as after I got off I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

[@Stratiis]

Its not that old

[@bartplays3392]

@@Stratiis I know but it just felt way too intense for me

[@3eatle]

I’ve always found El Toro to be really intense ride. It rips through the second half.

[@RailfanRowan]

Excellent work 👍🏻! Definitely agree with Intimidator 305 being number 1. I've heard it said that Intamin blended the height and speed of Millennium Force with the intense layout of Maverick to create I305. I definitely agree with that, and, you're assessment at number 1. Love your channel man, seeing things about your presentation that I may start to add into my own niche! Well done!

[@DanielCollinsBachata]

I can’t believe you didn’t find Steel Vengeance that intense. I’ve been on many intense coasters on this list and otherwise, I305, Batmans, Wonder Woman, Titan, etc., and expected SV to be very intense. I was still blown away. It’s like a marathon, with strong/sudden/sustained air, HARD lats at points (slammed my ribs against the seat many times), combo ejector air and lats, quick direction changes, rapid fire elements at times, high speeds. Maybe it’s not super heavy on positives like say I305, and I respect that these are your thoughts, but I know for sure it would be near the top of my list if I were to make one. Xcelerator on the other hand…just perfect launch and tophat, but the rest was decently fun but not remotely intense to me.

[@raptor9775]

Cuz it’s not

[@DanielCollinsBachata]

@@raptor9775 thanks for your in depth insight 😅

[@IAmAnonymyz]

Your content and research is nothing short of amazing. Being an "old" coaster enthusiast myself I definitely can't hang the way I used too. That being said, Tastu deserved a spot on this list. The lift hill looking STRAIGHT DOWN over 180ft in the air is a hell of an intense way to start the ride. The Zero-G roll is a Tatsu exclusive, the dive toward the ground by Ninja and let's not even mention that pretzel loop that pulls 4.5gs. Joker at SFDK also could have made the list. The underflip inversion topped off with the stall, heart line rolls and wave turn in such a compact layout definitely fits the rapid-fire intensity definition and the airtime humps will throw you out of your seat ESPECIALLY in the back. Now about the Great Nor'easter. This is the ONLY SLC I actually WANT to ride. It was updated in 07 with the freedom restraints (shoulder bars with rubber straps like Blue streak at SFOG) and again in 2009 with brand-new track from CMS that used a slightly more flexible track material. The park went crazy with advertising the make over with "It's so smooth your grandmother can ride it" and topped it off with the first ride being nothing but grandma's. From all the reviews I've read/watched this is something that all parks should do to not only their SLCs but also their Boomerangs.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Tatsu definitely has one of the most intense moments ever but i honestly cant say the rest of the ride is intense. But for the pretzel loop alone it may deserve to sneak on here

[@stevie3452]

Good point on flight deck, I’d forgotten that, the final helix especially is seriously intense! Maybe I’m confusing it for the roughness, but I always found the Deja vu clones pretty intense?

[@AirtimeThrills]

They're decently intense. I think the forces on the freefalls are the best

[@goofygorf1520]

Yet another day that Alpengeist misses one of Chris' lists... not even the honorable mentions too. Anyways, I agree except for what I said above and the Boss (I rode it before the double helix was removed and the trims didn't hit as hard)

[@AirtimeThrills]

I didnt think alpengeist was all that intense last time i rode it but i really enjoyed it

[@DankMemeShark]

Pov: you've gone on atleast 5 of these including number 1, 2, and 3 when you were just 10

[@wabashcoasters4636]

Totally agree with the Hulk placement. That thing was just completely insane both times I rode it last year, and they were just in row 2!

[@ChibiProwl]

Yep. The Hulk is a BEAST.

[@smitty7235]

Idk man, I've rode it multiple times recently just to be disappointed numerous times by it running really slow. However, my most recent ride on it was probably one of the best. I remember it being a beast a year or so ago so maybe it's getting back to how I remember it lol.

[@fredleggett923]

@@smitty7235 How can a coaster run "slow"? Wouldn't that cause valleying and rollbacks?

[@smitty7235]

@@fredleggett923 ig it can but as a ride runs more throughout the day, you can feel it run better and faster. Think of it as stretching before you workout or before you go on a run. You work up to your max potential and a ride can kind of do the same if that makes any sense at all lol

[@cltcoasters]

Always love seeing love for Hulk! Such an underrated ride by enthusiasts!

[@ChibiProwl]

Ditto! Florida got #3. I’m a happy dork.

[@zappyshadow6895]

When I think of intense coasters, the first ones that pop in my mind are Steel Vengeance because it’s just relentless, but those Batman clones are something I’ll never forget. Canyon Blaster I honestly blacked out for the first and only time ever on.

[@CZsWorld]

Thanks G-force Thrills!

[@AirtimeThrills]

Just like to diversify my portfolio a bit

[@Coastercreator09]

The ride I got on steel vengeance was wild, and I got front row on it, positive gs is not there but the negatives will lift you completely out of your seat, great ride

[@jasonwicker8675]

I’m 48 going on 49. I live in the Orlando area and love it. I’ve been a coaster enthusiast all of my life. The bigger, faster spinner the better. I hope it never changes.

[@ricecrispy7951]

Agreed about #1. Absolutely amazing! I’m 50 and still love the intensity!

[@ChibiProwl]

Yes. That thing’s a BEAST! Be prepared. Your a$$ will leave the seat!

[@markosthedragon138]

I really thought Storm Runner would be on this list, it just throws every force at you at such a rapid fire pace. Insane linear gs on the launch, then you get thrown directly into ejector over the top hat, bone crushing postives on the cobra loop, wild hangtime on the flying snake dive, and wicked laterals on the s bend up into the brakes. leaves me breathless the brake run every time, and i love it!

[@realmackle]

Hearing Vekoma SLC and smooth in the same sentence was something I never thought i'd hear

[@donnielousberg5329]

I agree 100% on I305. I am 41 years young and rode I305 3 years ago and it is the only coaster I have ever grayed out on. So of course I rode it 5 more times 😜. Also when I rode canyon blaster back when it first opened and I was around 13 years old I was able to stay on it for 10 cycles in a row one night without getting off. I agree that ride hauls through it course. Great video again I appreciate the great quality videos 👍🏼😎👍🏼

[@Cje_-yj8ov]

I agree with your definition of intensity (I would say Lightning Rod is very intense, but it’s not loaded with positive G’s). However, I personally think people overhype i305’s intensity, because after the ridiculous first third I don’t get a ton in terms of positive G’s (tho I do love the ride)

[@anthonystevens2738]

One you missed is Storm runner. That launch is insane, well pretty much the whole ride lol. You got positives after the top hat, whip going through the flying snake dive, and there’s the very snappy twist that occurs as you traverse underneath the monorail track.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Yeah i should have given it an honorable mention for the launch and top hat. I didnt find the flying snake dive or the twisty track finale intense tho

[@brybryguy6314]

You ain't old! I'm 36 and still going strong with riding coasters. Yea some of them do/ can take a number on you these days, but, like any good coster enthusiasts, just right back up on that saddle and keep going. Also, Stromrunner is pretty intense ride especially when you hit the bottom of the top hat, definitely a Grey out moment

[@davidfox9947]

The modern thrill coaster is supposed to be intense not really meant to marathon if you can great, but these coasters are supposed to take a lot out of you. It is why I have learned to not mind the lines it helps you pace yourself.

[@beerfish109]

Fully agree with the shout on Hulk. Coolest top hat on a coaster ever, though I may be slightly biased due to being a sucker for zero g-rolls. But the sheer intensity of the cobra roll and the first loop is nuts.

[@martymcyourflysdown6872]

I went on Goliath and some loser threw a water bottle off the ride during the big drop. It hit the kid in front of me and knocked him out, Blood everywhere, Paramedics rushed in, loser got arrested etc. I barely remember the ride itself but I won’t forget the loser water bottle chucker and the kid who got KO’d.

[@freestyler12e56]

My first time riding x2 was insane. It was at night after the park closed, I was in the second to last row with the fire on. It was hauling through its course. I don’t think it gets any better than that!

[@thomasxl200]

I really appreciate the fact that you consider all the forces here. Too many people just equate intensity with positive g's, but like, are you going to tell me then that the Rolling Thunder Hill isn't intense?

[@rvathoosie435]

where is alpengeist??? beast rips through the first half with some bone crushing intensity

[@benashley650]

That’s what I was thinking

[@Raptor3698]

Definitely. Though it can be a bit of a slog in the 2’d half if the trim breaks are on lol. But it definitely should’ve been an honorable mention.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I last rode it 3 years ago, i really enjoyed it but didnt remember it being super intense. Oh well, i will get to reride this year

[@kandikidzora]

I love intense coasters and ones that beat you up big time! Hell if a coaster leaves bruises I’m all for it “mean streak was and has always been my second favorite if that tells you anything”, maybe not so much at 35 like I did even 5 years ago, but X2 was and still is the only coaster I will never ride again! I was so excited to ride it and was excited about it for the almost the 15+ years it took before I finally got to ride it. When I finally did I can’t put into words just how much I didn’t like it, or explain exactly how it made me feel insides and out, and it’s like it genuinely hurt my nervous system. Maybe it was because the trains also sort of spin, I really don’t know, but I’ve never wanted a ride to be over more than my 1 and done ride. After riding it kind of killed most of the rest of the day for me.

[@gabet3514]

This is probably the first time that Airtime Thrills has put Skyrush in his top 20 for a list

[@diveloopthrills7613]

Lmao yeah.

[@johnfoltz8183]

*Happy Skyrush noises*

[@mulinhuan8410]

Not technically the first time, Skyrush made it all the way to #1 on his - you guessed it - the top 10 worst restraints video 😂

[@AirtimeThrills]

At least on a list for positive attributes

[@jonengler1296]

If you ever get the chance to go to Canada, Mindbender at West Edmonton Mall deserves a shot on this list. 3 loops, intense positives, and relentless speed through a compact layout.

[@reillywalker195]

He's been to Canada before. He rode Coaster at Playland in Vancouver, the visually mundane wooden coaster known for its violent ejector airtime.

[@SlipMaker]

As much as I love X2, I usually need to take a break from rides for a half hour or so after it. Even Gold Rusher seems too intense to ride right after for me.

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

I rode it the back row for the first time and barely remember the rides lol

[@SlipMaker]

@@JJJJ-he8bz I’m pretty sure if you ride X2 and Viper back to back in the back row, you can erase long term memories like in Eternal Sunshine

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

@@SlipMaker Viper isn’t bad at all

[@earthdog7900]

I'm happy to see two of my home park coasters made it, California's Great America. I love the moment on an invert when I feel like it is trying to pull my socks off, through my shoes.

[@tonyisreal446]

Nice to see canyon blaster high on the list, its underrated yet very intense.

[@airtimeaddict2395]

Hi Chris I rode i305 5 times in a row it was so intense

[@AirtimeProductions]

Maverick is definitely my most intense coaster! I underestimated the height and didn’t expect the extreme forces, but Hades and Batman the ride Clones are very close seconds too! Hulk is an underrated roller coaster as a whole… the first half should seriously be illegal, it’s so good and intense

[@VillasByrne]

I was shocked how high Canyon Blaster, The SLC and Hulk was, and alsos really suprised Storm Chaser didnt make it

[@AirtimeThrills]

Storm Chaser is among the best in terms of intense airtime but other than that not much else

[@VillasByrne]

@@AirtimeThrills yeah, i just thought that was enough. But I do understand. Laterels and Positive feels the most overwhelming

[@fo-ef8qo]

2 rollercoasters have cracked my back when riding and they were both on this list - skyrush and Xcelerator. Xcelerator was already pretty high up on this list but skyrush needs to be a lot higher. Also I think alpengeist should get a spot. it could take montu's in my opinion. Intimadator at #1 is obvious though

[@michaelfjmusic]

I only got to ride Xcelerator once, about 15 years ago. I can still remember just how intense that launch feels a decade and a half later.

[@Wesley-76]

I agree with everything on here (that I've ridden). Batman was the most intense one I've ridden and it felt like my feet would melt off. The most sustained intensity is probably Hulk. I don't accuse it of being a clone, as it's so good regardless! I'd also like to give a shout-out to a few intense coasters I've ridden not on this list: Goliath (SFOG) - Has borderline ejector airtime and an intense helix Copperhead Strike - Great negatives in airtime and hangtime as well as good positives in the helices Fury 325 - It's not that intense for a giant coaster, but the turns (especially the treble clef) will give some positives, and the airtime pulls great negatives. Oh, and if you sit in the front, you get what is basically "wind intensity" Kraken - Honestly a ton of B&Ms have great intensity, so there's nothing to say here Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - The whole ride isn't intense, but the launch is, then you pull up into an inversion pulling about 5 g's! Boomerangs - The compact twists of the boomerangs makes them quite intense, and you do it in reverse too Mind Bender - I've only ridden the Riddler version (where they slowed it down) but even then, the loops provide some great positives, and the "half loop" is already so intense, that it must've been crazy without the trims! I'd also like to give a shout-out to Scorcher and Vortex (Carowinds) for providing unique standup experiences that bring the positive g's on your feet. A lot of people hate this so I just had to give them some praise.

[@frostking79]

The only issue I've ever had on a coaster was with i305. My first time, I didn't gray out, but after I got off I just felt off, not sick or anything though. I went and ate something, rode a few other rides, came back and was able to ride it 4 more times in a row ( only had to wait one cycle to ride again) with no issues. Also on Titan's last helix it is a bit of a strain to keep my hands up on that part, I like doing it though to show off that I can.

[@Supendeon]

I knew 100% X2 would be there, I marathoned it the 2 times I've gone and its my number 7 coaster. Also shout out to Banshees first drop in the back. I couldn't handle it, I cant believe how good it is, definitely my favorite Invert

[@ScottyMania313]

This coaster list is fire. I would love to see a video like this, but of flat rides. Gravitron, that little spaceship with the 99° heat inside with the DJ in the middle playing Def Leopard always gives me a 4 second greyout. I think it would be a fun vid to make and watch. Love your work. All your stuff is quality

[@williamdobbins3131]

SFMM is my home park. X2 is my absolute favorite, with 2nd place tied between Viper and Twisted Colossus. At 47, I still haven't found any coaster that was too much.

[@ralfrick1]

As a 61 year old about to head east for a Cedar Fair road trip (with whitewater rafting in the middle of it), I find the idea that you are old to be absolutely adorable.

[@QuixEnd]

I used to ride the most NASEAU ENDUCING rides 100x in a row and love it. Now my fight or flight kicks in after just a single intense ride. Crazy!

[@Mik3l24]

I haven't ridden many coasters, but the most intense one was definitely Zadra. It constantly whips you out with ejector airtime, with the only break from the craziness being the zero-G stall.

[@CanadaGoose-ks4eh]

Zadra must be insane. Basically Steel Vengeance but is paced 10 ft/sec faster. Could be #1 in the world

[@ftn5249]

Shockwave was the most intense coaster I’ve been on

[@CoastersRUs-us]

Good video Chris. As another old timer, I find that I have no troubles with a marathon on intensity, but if there's even a tinge of roughness that makes it much more challenging. Last year, I rode I-305 ten times in two hours. Although it's really intense, it is very smooth. Compare that to X2 which has monster intensity and also roughness, and I can only do that once a day. Also, I was shocked that Alpengeist was not even an honorable mention, and it feels like an omission.

[@Ethan_FPV]

The most I've ridden without getting out of the train is 3 times in a row. The park was nearly empty that day, but the ride operator said "enough". It is extremely smooth. That being said, our bodies can handle a LOT of G-forces down and backwards. That's why despite being absolutely mind-numbingly intense, i305 is so re-rideable. It has no negative G's which our bodies have an extremely hard time handling. -1 G's is the same intensity as 3 G's. So i305 goes to 4G's xD.

[@thoosieville994]

Totally agree with Mr Freeze. I come off dazed every time.

[@brettatkinson1591]

In your video on KUMBA. Where is that filmed? I don’t remember there being mountain ranges. In southern Florida.

[@nolenpeterson5641]

Surprised Cannibal at Lagoon didn’t make it or even honorable mention

[@Raptor3698]

Calling it now before I start the video, I305 will be number 1.

[@christopherpriebe8910]

I agree with your take on Incredible Hulk. I rode it in 2015 and was surprised at how intense it was throughout the whole ride. Haven’t ridden the other top 2 coasters so Hulk is definitely the most intense I’ve ridden

[@nellingwood2]

I think a lot of the older (especially Gen X) coasters were built with enthusiasts and teens in mind. So, it doesn't surprise me there's so many of the 90s rides mentioned here. I feel like the early 2000s coaster building burnout & Six Flags' bankruptcy filing really shifted focus away from intensity and more on reliability and family oriented experiences. Of course, there are exceptions but I remember intensity was more the rule not the exception when I was a kid. Sidenote: I absolutely loved Mr. Freeze when I used to go to SF St. Louis; my Mom though has always had issues with intense coasters since I tricked her into going on it when I was 11. Now she always double checks with me that a ride's forces are comfortable enough for her. She can still go on big rides like Superman at SF NE but gone are the days I used to ride all the rides with my parents.

[@casketrepair]

Dude, I’m almost 50. This stuff is taking a toll on my old frame. Can’t stop though

[@Shortstack732]

My husband is in his late 30’s and loves coasters. We went to Universal for our anniversary last year. I’m trying to build up my coaster tolerance, but he thought it best that he try Velocicoaster solo first. Later on that day when the lines were really short, he declined to re-ride it, which makes me glad I did not go on it with him. He came off of Hulk walking sideways but swore he was fine. While we were waiting to re-ride Kong: Skull Island, the forces caught up to him and he told me he was sick. We went to the hotel so he could take a nap and wound up not going back to the parks that day. We’re planning to hit Fiesta Texas and possibly Dollywood later this year. Hagrid’s Motorbike is about my intensity limit, so I’ll take this video as a hint that I should avoid Lightning Rod and Wonder Woman.

[@No1fan15]

For the same idea but in Canada I'd like to nominate Vortex at Canada's wonderland. It's kinda rough but overall way more intense than anything else.

[@reillywalker195]

Vortex is one of the rides I'm most looking forward to when I finally visit Canada's Wonderland. That dive off its lift hill looks awesome, as does the rest of its layout.

[@No1fan15]

@@reillywalker195 it is if you can handle the intensity enough to enjoy it

[@michakowalczyk4179]

I’ve been today at Knott’s with my friend. I’m 20 but his 29. We both thought that Xcelerator is insane but he’s body went out of this world. He got shocked.

[@alantrotter2077]

For me- SkyRush and I-305 are #1 and #1A. X2 is third but I have ridden it so much it doesn't feel as intense any more. Other Coasters that I feel are super intense- Tatsu (SFMM), Viper (SFMM), Mr Freeze (St. Louis/Texas), Batman clones (All 8 of them I've been on), Flight Deck (CGA), 3 RMC Raptors (WW, Stunt Pilot, RailBlazer), Outlaw Run, TMNT ShellRaiser, Sandy's Blasting Bronco, Lightning Rod, Titan, Voyage, El Toro, Maverick, Mine Blower, Montu, Afterburn, Raptor, Banshee, Goliath (SFGAm), Kumba (I feel the same as you not quite as much as other people), Hulk (It is about the same as Kumba for me), Tremors, Riddler's (SFMM), Top Thrill Dragster, and XCelerator. A lot of the same ones as you. The 2 in the NJ mall stick out. I rode them a bunch over a 4-5 hour window and afterwards I was done. And yeah I'm old as well.....

[@AirtimeThrills]

I really wish i could have ridden Sandys, you're not the first person to say how intense it is

[@erictallman5192]

I’m not sure what it is about Riddlers Revenge, but my body handles it way worse than X2, RMC raptor and any compact invert.

[@purevanillathetransformer9617]

I marathoned the incredible hulk 4 times (twice in the front, once in the fourth row, and once in the back) and thought it was as intense as family coaster 💀 i personally found the lightning rod to be WAY more intense, like greyout intense.

[@sillywillymcgee84]

Hi! I love your videos! Also I want to ask you? When do you think you will get out of the USA for roller coasters if you ever do end. Up doing??

[@AirtimeThrills]

Covid really screwed up the plans, but it could happen next year depending on how crazy things are out there

[@andreaboyer2912]

Great line up!! Enjoyed your video and comments. I lost both my Tennis shoes on X2 a couple years back on that final Raven turn, 😂 it’s no joke.

[@godisg1]

Before you were announcing the # 1 spot. I was going to myself " Please not Steel Vengeance " several times lol.

[@alexlubbers1589]

Rode Canyon Blaster last summer, and i can definitely attest that it is crazy intense. The 2nd loop in particular tries to crush you into your seat.

[@AirtimeThrills]

As that ride goes along it just keeps getting faster

[@alexlubbers1589]

@@AirtimeThrills absolutely! that final helix is wicked

[@actrambley21]

I recently rode Raptor at night at Cedar Point, and man, was it incredible. I'm not sure if they were running the ride faster than normal, but it was the most intense ride I had ever had over the years that I have ridden it. The helix at the end was almost painful, I lost feeling in my legs.

[@princessravendiamond4288]

I'm still in what's probably considered the young enthusiasts (early 20's) and I used to absolutely love spinning, whether on a spinning coaster, swing ride, or any other spinning flat rides. Now that I'm a little older, I'm actually finding that I can get nauseous while spinning

[@madamk1818]

Having riden Hades back with the original PTC trains and with the revamp, the question is which one was more intense? Yes. Just... yes. For my most intense coasters that I've ridden: Raging Bull - Normally, I don't consider B&M Hypers to be intense at all, but that pre drop in the back row, that drop off the mid section, and the rest of the elements took me off guard. Goliath - Same reasons as you listed above. Legend - Raven and Voyage are fun and enjoyable. Legend is a different beast. The ride itself is trying to kill you, and that 540° helix is no joke. Deja Vu (Now Aftershock) - Even though I know what to expect, it's still one of the rides that intimidates me. I always gray out on the loop and cobra roll. Banshee - This is the first time where I had to take an hour long break to recuperate. That's how intense it was. Many gray out moments. It was the type of gray out where I thought my soul was leaving my body. Stupidly, on my first trip to KI, this was the first coaster my husband and I rode. In hindsight, we should have went on Diamondback or Mystic Timbers.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I would have loved to compare old hades with new hades. I hate ptc trains but sometimes timberliners can run just as rough if not worse

[@Custer_X]

I went to Kennywood for the first time and it was my first amusement park ever. I had to go Phantoms Revenge first and it was an awesome experience. I'll never forget it. The second drop hits you like a truck and when I go back up I put my hands on the bar like I'm clinging for my life but I loved it.

[@ZeroCreditsRemaining]

Great video! Has me even more excited to ride afterburn since it doesn’t have a whole lot of talk anymore these days.

[@Jdude2552]

Yes love for Xcelerator! I completely grey out on that first overbank and don’t get my vision back until the final brakes

[@alexcarran7747]

yep, Intimidator 305 its very very very intense, I almost pass out, and everyone I've asked say the same thing, or they just black out😬😬😬

[@uncannyramsay8727]

My final day on my Virginia vacation (3 days at BGW, 2 at KD), I was half asleep and a walking zombie, but I had the best rides on i305 like that- it was a fricking acid trip, and I don't even smoke. Even when I'm not in a zombie state this ride is still my #1 steel coaster, and #2 overall. (El Toro's on this list too of course, that's the #1)

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I must have hit Afterburn at a bad time. It was crawling through the whole course and barely made it to the brakes. It felt like a family coaster. Maybe that's why they were on 1-train ops with 5-8 minute dispatches.

[@vincentfalcone9218]

I've ridden Afterburn alot as it is at my home park and I'd place it middle of the road as far as intensity, not really worthy of this list. Raptor and Banshee are definitely more intense inverts.

[@twister27]

I was finally able to go the the DC area last year to hit up kings dominion and BGW. I didn’t get to ride Intimidator because they only had like the middle section of the park open (total of like 4 coasters), but I must say Alpengeist is the most intense Coaster I’ve been on so far. Even with empty trains that thing was trying to rip my feet off. (Plus no mid course brakes)

[@HiCaballo]

I used to love going to Vegas as a kid because it meant rides on Desperado and Canyon Blaster. I think those are 2 of Arrows best rides.

[@BW242]

I am glad I watched this before visiting my family at the Shore. Finally got my Gale Force credit and I think I liked it more because I was ready for how rough the lateral forces were gonna get. My 40 year old self enjoyed that a lot, but I felt like I would definitely risk puking if I did it more than once in a day!

[@stephanievitale1482]

I can’t handle coasters like I did before either. For example, I get sick on coasters now! But I’m going to universal in July and it won’t stop me from riding Hagrid’s and Velicicoaster!

[@anaz5918]

you can try to get the front seats if possible my older sister sometimes gets vertigo but still rides roller coasters with me and we are both in our early 40’s .

[@stephanievitale1482]

@@anaz5918 thank you

[@sfunk6294]

You’re not that old. I’m 56 years old and enjoy riding thrill rides. I also, don’t care if a B&M has a “rattle” 😊. I’m not sensitive to roughnesses either.😆

[@EastCoasters]

You’re not old bud. My grandfather is 80, loves airtime and does pushups with his fingers. It’s about the bloodline 💪🏽

[@bigboi2286]

THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING GOLD STRIKER

[@cycloid2326]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention Storm Runner, the negatives on the top hat and especially the whip on the flying snake dive and s-bends are something else!

[@johnnyhala]

100% agree on i305. Rode in twice in 2018 and despite considering myself an enthusiast I have zero desire to ride it again.

[@hypertexthero808]

Glad to see Goliath at Six Flags Great America made the list... I rode this about 10 times last year and loved it. Would have loved to see Maxx Force make the list though. It accelerates quicker than Kingda Ka and Top Fuel Dragster and although I haven't ridden those two, Maxx Force seems like it has more elements that make it at least worth a mention if not a spot on the list.

[@masterskiier06]

I rode Hulk during the COVID times (where trains were less full then ideal) and in the back, it truly is the intense ride it needed to be. Im sure with a full train it would be even better.

[@FishingFan535]

As someone who has only been to king’s dominion and got peer pressured into going on I305, I grayed out on the first helix. By far most intense ride I’ve ever been on (even if that’s not saying much)

[@burgers0877]

I definetly don't agree with Hulk and Batman being above kingda ka, given I have rode all 3,(4 if including the 2 dfferent Batman clones i have ridden) of those and Kingda ka was for sure more intense. Intimidator as #1 comes with no shock. My home park and one of my favorite rides of all time! I love air time thrills videos so much!! Keep up the great work!

[@cynicanal111]

I haven't ridden I-305, but if Quimera, when it finally opens at IB, is anything like Thriller/Texas Tornado (the Schwarzkopf Texas Tornado at Astroworld, not the Hopkins one at Joyland) was prior to its reprofiling as Zonga, you'll have a new #1 as soon as you get on it. Thriller/Texas Tornado was absolutely miles beyond any of what I've ridden on this list (which is most of it, including B:TR clones, Wonder Woman, Mr. Freeze, Hulk, and X2). One stat says it all -- max positive G-force of 6.7!!!