Copperhead Strike Review, Carowinds Mack Multi-Launch Coaster | Great Ride, Bad Launch

Copperhead Strike is a Mack multi-launch coaster at Carowinds. The ride dabbles in a bit of everything. It has 2 launches, hangtime-filled inversions, nice airtime, and some theming. And it does most of it well. Ironically, this launch coaster's biggest weakness are actually the launches.
Video Credits
Copperhead Strike POV (Carowinds)- • Copperhead Strike Offi...
Copperhead Strike Shed (East Coasters)- • Copperhead Strike POV ...
Thunder Road Off-Ride (Carowinds)- • #ThanksThunderRoad - T...
Background Music
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original video: (link to original clip in our channel)

[@specter2451]

Carowinds is my home park, and while Fury 325 is the obvious #1 at the park, this is an easy second for me, and I’m glad that high quality rides are beginning to be installed here

[@Daniel_Coasters]

Same

[@CanobieCoaster]

It compliments Fury well.

[@UpstopThrills]

Also my home park and it’s 3 for me, it’s an amazing addition to the park though

[@specter2451]

@@UpstopThrills If your number 2 is Afterburn I can get behind that :)

[@UpstopThrills]

@@specter2451 sure is!

[@UpstopThrills]

That ejector hill after the first loop is amazing

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's very sharp.

[@roycevereen5369]

That hill is crazy. Unfortunately after that first vertical loop you're stapled but it is the best ejector on the ride for sure

[@alantrotter2077]

I slightly prefer Copperhead Strike to Afterburn and Intimidator so I agree it is my second favorite ride at Carowinds behind Fury 325. I have it in my Top 50 overall. I think the slow launches work for this coaster because the hang time is so good and if the launches were stronger it would take away from the hang time. Don't sleep on the air time you get on this coaster. It is quite good.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This and Intimidator closely compete for the second spot.

[@micromaniac6919]

Yo, this has been in my recommended all day. Not a bad thing, you must have hit the algorithm really well!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Maybe!

[@mithramusic5909]

I agree with you! This is an underrated ride. Too many people go on it looking for Maverick and miss out on the hang time and the pure fun!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Minus the launches, it's very good.

[@theadvernaut7704]

Just rode it this week and I loved it. Park was near empty so we rode it SIX times. I like the launch not being too snappy because if it was too fast you wouldn't get the insane hangtime in the first loop. The first hang in the jojo roll is like a "wait I'm not strapped in" moment that kinda gets you thinking ummmmm and then when you feel it again in the loop it makes the rest of the ride seem more intense. I was actually surpised that it is actually moving slower than it feels because the elements are so quickly put together. It literally feels like you are zipping around the course until you get to an inversion which suddenly feels like slo mo. What a great ride - LOVED it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have no problem with the top speed of the launch. I wish it accelerated faster.

[@KanaGames31]

that first roll gave me the same feeling tbh

[@alasondrolinney5317]

Carowinds is my home park as well I noticed the launch out of the barn this year has a little more punch compared to last year. Mach did an adjustment But I also understand if they go too fast with the launch then you don’t get the hang time in that first loop.

[@samuelahoffman]

They supposedly didn't increase the top speed, they just increased the acceleration.

[@alasondrolinney5317]

@@samuelahoffman Yes that’s what I heard

[@ChiefBlueScreen]

I've noticed it too. I bet it's like Lightning Rod, where it's harder to sustain train speeds on a launch track than just accelerate less.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't notice a difference between 2019 and 2022 myself.

[@robertannable9584]

Can-O-Beast! My main man!! Hey there, big fella. You're a content machine. Thank you.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hey, thanks!

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

This ride genuinely stunned me on my first visit last year. It’s in my top 12.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@VarietyEntertainmentStudios]

This blew me away so much when I rode it last year. It's exactly my kind of ride, I just wish the launches felt like launches. Otherwise, I can't wait to hopefully get back to ride it again at some point this year!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's quite good.

[@itsseriousarc8429]

8:51 is so cool! You can see Afterburn and Copperhead, perfectly going through their loops

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coincidence

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I love the variety that it provides. Top notch hangtime plus strong ejector airtime and some laterals mixed in. I don't even care that the launches are weak. It just doesn't matter when the layout is that excellent. It's by far my 2nd favorite in the park. Oddly, it had almost no line on the Saturday I was there, while on Monday, it had a huge line.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You do not seem to have good luck at parks on weekdays.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

@@CanobieCoaster The last 2 summers, other than at Holiday World, Saturdays have produced very light crowds for me, while the busiest days have been on weekdays. Maybe a coincidence unique to me, or maybe a new trend.

[@StreetCars101TV]

This is my home park. I love the launches because the first loop back row, you just hang upside down for seconds which I love!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love that hangtime.

[@gilbertceballos8674]

I agree! Definitely #2 at the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

I love this ride. It just is so fun to ride and it's one I want to ride over and over again.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's so varied.

[@rixrobin]

The launch is overheated in my opinion, yeah it’s not great but if it were any more than you wouldn’t get as good of hang time on the loop as you do. Personally hangtime is my second favorite force after airtime and this ride is a perfect combination of the 2.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The rest of the layout works well.

[@SlimFury]

Copperhead Strike reminds of Maverick except with less speed and weak launches. I enjoyed the experience. The themeing was well done.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does have some similarities to that ride.

[@xtremeadventures7270]

Copperhead Strike is my second favorite coaster in the park behind Fury 325. I love the Copperhead double meaning in reference to both the copper pot moonshine stills and the copperhead snakes guarding the still site. Unfortunately the former is lost on those not familiar with the history of moonshining.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had to look up the story.

[@Balancedpower420]

The hangtime and airtime pops look like a lot of fun. It is a shame the launches don't pack a punch but it love compact coasters that still provide a variety of elements so I think that would be enough for me to consider this a good ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Everything but the launches are good.

[@velocityxl2009]

Was at Carowinds two weeks ago. Headlights were lit up!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sweet!

[@chargedonpc9989]

This is probably my second most anticipated coaster at Carowinds behind Fury 325. I like how it combines hangtime and airtime. It also looks to be one of the most themed Cedar Fair coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is very unique.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! More of these Mack Rides Launch Coasters should open in the United States!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope!

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! This park used to have a second launched coaster, which was a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Way back!

[@MrWeaselmonster]

Copperhead Strike is a prime example that faster isn't always better. It's my favorite coaster at Carowinds (even ahead of Fury 325), I just found it so fun when I went last month. The airtime is good, the hang time is great, and it has cool theming. The launch isn't anything great but the theming in the holding area is really awesome. The rest of the ride's elements and excellent layout make up for the rather lacking launch.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wow that's a hot take!

[@justinthomas5270]

Good news!! The headlights are back on as of last week!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sweet!

[@maxhagenauer24]

I may feel faster acceleration on my bike but this is more of a family thrill launch coaster, its not about the launches, the ride packes in so many different elements that you forgot about the launches. Mack's ate great for that reason, it packs the fantastic airtime and hangtime. This was absolutely a fantastic fit for the park, a great length to and the themeing is kinda mind blowing considering its a Cedar Fair coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wouldn't call the main ride a family coaster. The elements pack a punch.

[@clairefunnell8481]

This is a really neat looking ride. Would work well at Canada's Wonderland, maybe where Kingswood is or maybe behind White Water Canyon. There are markers there. Neat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That park could use a good launch coaster.

[@urbex_coasters]

Fun ride that's severely underrated among enthusiasts because of the weak launches and high price tag. Everything that's not the launches is just such a strong point, and I'm sure the price tag being higher than Fury is mostly a result of the theaming after seeing it rather than a result of it being made in Germany, so I don't think the cost was unjustified like I did before going to Carowinds. Rumour is Canada's Wonderland is getting Copperhead 2.0 next year and if that's the case I'm totally on the hype train because honestly the only way Copperhead could be better is if the launches had more kick, I'm all for it if Cedar Fair starts installing more.

[@CanobieCoaster]

More parks could use a ride like this.

[@alasondrolinney5317]

Actually fury cost 30 million

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! This is the first Mack Rides Launch Coaster in the United States to feature inversions!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I count Time Traveler.

[@sophiadafirst2617]

I rode this ride and honestly it’s really intense but it can be fun

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like it.

[@darkkiss07]

Fury 325, Afterburn (Back Row), Copperhead Strike 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@CanobieCoaster]

A great top 3.

[@TB_2006]

I actually thought those turns after the last s-bend gave pretty good positives when I rode.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They have never delivered for me.

[@loganeverett6886]

It’s such a fun ride, I can’t decide if I like it or afterburn better as no2 there

[@CanobieCoaster]

This or Intimidator are second for me.

[@Lucky_9705]

I miss when Intamin made their hydraulic launches. I think that LSMs in general are weak by comparison.

[@ThemeParkAspect]

Will yeah its magnetics not something physical pulling you down the launch track

[@marcussorenson3380]

yeah but at the same time I see how hydraulic launches came be a maintenance nightmare some can be said for LIM so LSM, Compressed air, and tire driven launched are the way to go plus they are a bit more reliable then the LIM's and Hydraulics launches another thing to note is how powerful those launches are and how much electricity it uses each time and some like MACK rides is very expensive

[@crashcoaster3852]

You need to ride Anubis at Plopsaland de Panne. 😉

[@CanobieCoaster]

They can still be strong and they're more reliable.

[@sajk1082]

This is my favorite coaster at carowinds.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Fury.

[@sajk1082]

@@CanobieCoasteroh fury is great and I love it just prefer inversions. I consider those two the best in the park.

[@tecardwe]

I really like Copperhead strike but Carowinds would have been better served getting Twisted Timbers instead. I went to King's Dominion Saturday and rode TT 6 times, absolutely love it. Came home Sunday and rode Copperhead Strike 1 time, like it a lot but Carowinds seriously needs an RMC. I just bought season passes to Fun Spot Atlanta to ride ArieForce One a million times when it opens.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope Hurler gets a hybrid treatment too.

[@DrPepperone]

That almost circular loop looks megaintense

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's slow enough that it's more about hangtime than positives.

[@dougronald561]

I’m going to take a minority opinion and state that I found the theming most enthusiasts love is really just lots of garage sale objects strewn around not worth much. My mom collects antiques, so maybe that’s why I look at the theming differently. However, I love the ride! It’s quirky and unusually good. There are not a lot of other coasters like it in this country. Compared to Fury, a coaster doesn’t need to be the biggest and baddest coaster to make a forceful impact.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Trying to piece together the story details keeps me busy.

[@dougronald561]

@@CanobieCoaster Thanks for all your reviews. My next stop: Cedar Point.

[@aldodaci9055]

You know what I like copperhead strike its a very cool coaster and yeah it would be good if canada's wonderland got a roller coaster like this but I think canada's wonderland would want to get a spinning mack double launch coaster especially since canada's wonderland doesn't have a spinning roller coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd like to see Canada's Wonderland get an intense launch coaster.

[@coasternerd6978]

This looks like an amazing experience overall but dumping on the launch is a requirement for all coaster nerds, no exceptions!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@aubreymoorman478]

I went to Carowinds last month and the launch on Copperhead Strike had a bit a kick to it. Idk if they changed it but it was running faster than usual

[@alasondrolinney5317]

Yes that’s what I noticed compared to last year when I first rode it this season that the launch had a little bit more punch. I also heard that MACH came and did an adjustment.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't noticed a difference from 2019 to 2022 to be honest.

[@aubreymoorman478]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah when rode it, it was my first time riding it but it felt faster than what it was expecting, watching everyone’s review on Copperhead Strike, everybody said they thought the launch was weak. Then I rode it with some other local enthusiasts and they agreed that it felt faster than normal

[@NorCalCoasterMedia]

Do you prefer the stengel dives on Maverick or Copperhead Strike?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like the Copperhead one since it has more airtime. Maverick's are snappier and more intense.

[@dreams2reality410]

I have ridden over 50 coasters in my life and have never been on a Mack coaster. Live in Florida and was excited to see Epic Universal is getting a dueling mack multi launch coaster. The layout looks sick, but from every review I have seen, Mack launches suck. The 2nd launch on Velocicoaster makes the ride for me. It sets the stage to one of the best 2nd half layouts on the planet. I'm really hoping that the Mack launches won't kill what looks to be an unbelievable coaster. My question is are they unable to deliver a proper launch, or do they choose to make a tame launch?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think it's a conscious decision (maybe to limit power use). Blue Fire has a punchier launch than their newer coasters.

[@chrisogrady28]

That layout looks incredible, but it also looks comically slow and tight. It's like the entire layout and speeds need increasing by 20%

[@CanobieCoaster]

The slow speed accentuates the inversions. And the elements mostly hit for me.

[@danielhansen7366]

I went on this for the first time two and a half weeks ago and I have to say, while the launches weren’t impressive, the positive and negative G’s throughout were. It was very snappy and every single inversion offered more time upside down than I anticipated, so I don’t necessarily think strong launches were necessary. And I don’t think that’s what Mack was going for.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Everything but the launches deliver.

[@jaydenchrist6152]

My home park Great Adventure should get a multi launch

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be nice.

[@davecuban9414]

I have a question. Is this 2nd best coaster from Mack Rides? :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like both their extreme spinners more plus a few others.

[@reissmith5727]

Canobie coaster I think what's going in the corkscrew spot is a wave pool and a new coaster do you agree?

[@CanobieCoaster]

At least one slide tower.

[@reissmith5727]

@@CanobieCoaster I think your right about the slide tower maybe they will use some of the land for a new coaster that's by the train station do you agree?

[@fujicakes_]

When I go up to see my aunt this summer in NC, I will HAVE to convince her that the 2 hour drive from her house to here is worth it. Idk if I will have the guts to go on this though. 😖

[@CanobieCoaster]

This ride is a ton of fun.

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

I Think This Coaster Has One Of The Best Layouts Of All Time.Any Probably The Best Layout At Carowinds That's Probably Controversial

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Fury, but this is a nice layout, especially for how compact it is.

[@spentron1]

Carowinds: 1. Fury. 2. Afterburn. 3. Copperhead. 4. I232. 5. Goldrusher. 6+. chaos. although 2-4 are close. changed them, I'll give CS that much.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Copperhead and Intimidator fight for #2 for me now.

[@rvsastroj5649]

Would this be a scary ride for a first-time on a coaster with inversions? I hate airtime and have never been on a coaster with a loop, so I'm not sure how hangtime feels.

[@CanobieCoaster]

If you're going to Carowinds, I'd try Afterburn before this since it has more tighter restraints and has no airtime (just inversions). Carolina Cyclone is less intense, but it's rougher. This and Afterburn are smooth.

[@rvsastroj5649]

@@CanobieCoaster which coaster is less scarier form your experience Carolina Cyclone or Copperhead strike

[@mateoalvira7826]

Hamster wheels with hard restraints, and how many other rides and roller coasters did you get among your least favorite hangtime moments on in the world?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I usually like hangtime.

[@AG7-MTM]

Perhaps if you rid Helix or Blue Fire you will like those more

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Helix.

[@mateoalvira7826]

What was the worst hangtime you got on a ride or a roller coaster in the world?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably a hamster wheel coaster with hard restraints.

[@sesch137]

I don't see much theming at all. If you want to see really good theming you have to check out the coasters of Phantasialand in germany.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree those coasters have superior theming.

[@danielb1674]

When I went to carowinds yesterday there was the head lights and also they upgraded the launch so when I went the first launch had actual kick to it I don’t know why no one has noticed yet

[@CanobieCoaster]

It felt the same to me in 2022 as 2019.

[@StormBreakr]

I rode it sunday and the first launch was alright. Not the most forceful launch, but it still had some kick to it. I didn't feel any acceleration on that second launch though.

[@blockin9556]

still feels pretty forceless to me 4 months later :/

[@thefergyfilms]

It's a super enjoyable smooth ride with good restraints that the family and thrilseekers can enjoy, complete with nice theming. All of this being said I just don't get the business reason for buying a 26 million dollar roller coaster with extremely poor capacity, given its popularity & wide appeal- and especially when factoring and the cost that other manufacturers are charging nowadays. I just don't understand how Mack gets business.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The weather proofing and reliability may have helped Mack's case.

[@iitzfizz]

It's weird because there are some decent LSM launches but some of the Mack ones are just painfully slow

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@iitzfizz]

@@CanobieCoaster Epescially when they're being marketed as 'launch coasters'

[@inlinechris]

Hangtime is fine but it’s not my favorite. This ride is just pretty good IMO

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a great coaster to me. Fits in well.

[@misterkenova6695]

Copperhead strike or West Coast Racers?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Copperhead

[@NDJMVideos]

are there drops

[@CanobieCoaster]

Some smaller ones.

[@NDJMVideos]

@@CanobieCoaster okay thanks !

[@ryanxia6733]

Does this ride have a drop

[@CanobieCoaster]

Small ones.

[@ryanxia6733]

@@CanobieCoaster im pretty bad with drops, how are the drops on afterburn

[@muffels6410]

8:51

[@CanobieCoaster]

What about it?

[@sajk1082]

I don’t understand all the hate for the launches on copperhead. If the launches were stronger then it wouldn’t have the hang time it’s obviously supposed to have.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You can still have a punchy launch with a limited top speed. It's about the rate of acceleration.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

"If you enjoyed this review, I'd appreciate it if you gave this video like. And you consider subscribing, because it'll be a lot more roller coaster and amusement park videos... here at Canobie Coaster. Thanks for watching." Me: That outro is like, so repetitive I should MEME it! Speaking of memes, would you like to check them out on MY channel?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Of your videos, I like the puppy ones best since I love dogs.

[@Old-Thunder69]

26 million? I’d rather finance a ground up project with RMC.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@benjaminfriedman9107]

Mack doesn't build launch coasters, they build their coasters with boosts instead

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@zacg_]

This has one of the most clunky themes ever for a coaster. Don't get me wrong. It's cool and I like the originality but it seems very bizarre and confusing. It's like one of those stories that a group of people make up one sentence at a time with each person seemingly taking the story in a new direction.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It certainly is weird.

[@jtwoolley]

Bad launch?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Very weak

[@alecdaniel7679]

Rode it and almost threw up on it

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yikes!

[@Old-Thunder69]

I think it runs intentionally slow.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The hangtime works.

[@Adrians_films]

Worst coaster ever

[@lukefarley9221]

How so? I find the airtime and hang time to be great!

[@superthrills7398]

Even Though This Ride Is Actually Great As Fury 325 That Launch Is Kinda Weak

[@JulianDale94]

Worst comment ever

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not at all.

[@alantrotter2077]

Clearly you have not be on T3.....