Flying Turns Review, Knoebels Wooden Bobsled | Last of its Kind

Flying Turns is a unique wooden bobsled at Knoebels. These rides were originally built in the 1930s and 1940s and went extinct, but Knoebels revived the ride. It took years to finally open and it's certainly a unique experience, but just how good is it? Find out in this review!
Video Credits
Flying Turns Old POV (JohnYChen)- • Flying Turns Wooden Bo...
Whirlwind POV (psyclonesteve)- • Whirlwind, Knoebels 19...
Background Music
SUNNY AFTERNOON
royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music
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original video:
• Sunny Afternoon - roya...

[@poorwillis]

6:45 The squirrel on the track tho😬

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thankfully they made it.

[@daltondychdala7102]

i died when i saw the squirrel jump in front of the train and lucky for him narrowly avoid getting ran over @ 6:44. Great content and footage as always.

[@DrPepperone]

Almost got pancaked ;_;

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thankfully they made it.

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

Great review. We went to Knoebels for the first time this summer (yes as over 40-year-old coaster enthusiasts in NYC!), and waited the longest for this (yes we did it first, I watch my coaster KZbin channels), but it was so unique and different. I agree with your 6 rating for sure. The only other bobsled I'd ever been on was Kings Dominion almost 25 years ago and that was steel, so this was something very unique. But nothing could top Phoenix in the back row with that air time and lack of restraints. I was giggling like a kid!

[@CanobieCoaster]

This always has the worst wait there, but I'm just glad they finished the project.

[@zacg_]

This thing is so fun. Like you said, it isn't anything super wild. But the experience is very cool and unique. And it's just one more reason that Knoebels is not to be missed.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's so unique.

[@nonononononononononononononope]

I grew up near Euclid, OH, there was once a park there named Euclid Beach that had a Flying Turns. Growing up, I would always hear old-folks talk about the Flying Turns. Today, there is an apartment building/tower on the site that once housed Euclid Beach. The entrance towers/gateway still stands in front of the apartments. At least it did the last time I was home in 2009-ish. So cool to ride this after hearing about the Flying Turns all my life as a young enthusiast.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've heard stories about that park too even growing up in New England.

[@_coasterhead_]

I honestly forget this ride exists because no one talks about it. Maybe because I’ve heard it’s closed a lot but it looks like a classic piece of history! (even though it’s semi modern)

[@CanobieCoaster]

It ran fairly consistently in 2022.

[@randomtraveler9854]

I felt everyone was so hyped about Flying Turns but when Impulse opened 18 months later and everyone's attention sorta shifted.

[@jaredbumbis]

By far my favorite family-thrill coaster. It feels out-of-control but a kid could ride it.

[@SlimFury]

I appreciate the ambition of Knoebels and their dedication to preserving history.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@gb9727]

This is an example of how old extinct coaster types can be brought back

[@CanobieCoaster]

It took a lot of work from Knoebels.

[@megelizabeth9492]

That's part of the reason why it took so much work. No one had built one in living memory, so other than a few plans and photographs, they had to basically reinvent the wheel.

[@easynhonest]

Thank you for bringing this historic classic ride to the forefront and kudos to Dick Knoebel for his steadfast pursuance in bringing this ride back from extinction. His second-best milestone next to the relocation and preservation of the world-famous Phoenix wooden coaster. 💪

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome! It's quite the achievement being able to build one of these with modern safety codes.

[@jacksonseyl1063]

@@CanobieCoaster You know what would be another cool project for Dick Knoebel to tackle? Bringing back the Virginia Reel.

[@easynhonest]

@@jacksonseyl1063 Down the path underneath the Scenic Skyway. It always reminds me of the Virginia Reel.

[@jacksonseyl1063]

@@easynhonest I meant the Virginia Reel roller coaster.

[@easynhonest]

@@jacksonseyl1063 Yes , if you watch videos of the Scenic Skyway, you'll see the path that zigzags down the hill just like the Virginia Reel did except this would be on a larger scale. All Knoebels would have to do is plop down some track on that path and perhaps get Mack Rides to make some trains or spinning cars.

[@S.E.C-R]

Absolutely worth it… I’ve never been but just watching the videos of something I’ve never seen before is amazing. I can’t wait to go!

[@CanobieCoaster]

So unique.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Between Flying Turns + the San Francisco trolleys, you have 2 of the ONLY of a breed of "transportation" in America! Standing ovation to Knoebel's for staying the course and keeping amusement tradition.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad they found a way to do it.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Absolute history and is crazy unique. It's a different version of a bobsled. After more watching pictures and POVs, this thing seems way more fun than I thought. It has that feel that makes it different from a bobsled coaster because the wood track and sharp turns and even more compact.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Kudos to Knoebels for even building it.

[@verybighomer]

It is such a beautiful ride! So much wood everywhere. Thanks Knoebels for bringing this to life! I would love to see another one like this, maybe with some improvements to increase capacity. But I doubt there is any other park out there to invest in such beautiful nostalgia.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm skeptical another would be built.

[@singlerailindustries1763]

6:44 Look At The Bottom Of The Train And U Can See A Squirrel Narrowly Escaping Getting Crushed By The Wheels. I Actually Gasped When I Saw This. Good Thing The Squirrel Made It Out Alive :) Great Video! I Wonder Why Knoebles Went With A Wooden Bobsled Instead Of The Steel Ones.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thankfully they made it!

[@infinitecoasters8769]

I rode it for the first time this August and I was very impressed. I only did it once because of the wait time but I loved the historic feel to it and the wild swinging.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's fun, but it's hard for me to justify riding it multiple times when I can get on Phoenix a few times in the same time.

[@ScottyMania313]

Great review! If you are a lover of amusement parks, like myself, this video felt like an award show tribute or the video package a pro wrestler or basketball player may get before he/she takes their new throne in that sports Hall of Fame, and rightfully so. While some parks go for faster or higher to attract more guests, Knobels created a one-of-a-kind experience that will act as a mecca for true coaster historians. Beautiful video for an amazing project.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's incredible they were able to open it.

[@micoasters]

I’m a fan of the old coaster types like the reversing coaster, so this looks good

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's neat.

[@Lucky_9705]

This ride is often closed, so I’m glad you got to ride and review it

[@CanobieCoaster]

It ran more consistently in 2022.

[@randomtraveler9854]

In 2024 it operated almost every day, open to close.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I don't know if it was worth it, but it's nice that we have it. One ride was enough for me, considering the 1-2 hour line & that it's a mild ride. My mom has always told me about Flying Turns at Riverview in Chicago, that she got to ride several times growing up. So we've now both ridden one. If she's ever near Knoebels, I'll tell her that she needs to go get a ride on it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd definitely ride it more if the line were short, but I can't justify riding that often when I can get on the other woodies in a fraction of the time.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

In my 2022 experience, Flying Turns was about an hour all day, while Phoenix was about 50 minutes, and the Phoenix staff said that this was a very slow, quiet day by their standards. I wonder if they were being sarcastic. Even with not much of a difference in wait time, Phoenix is the clear choice.

[@easynhonest]

@@OklahomaCoasterFan It would be great if you treat you mom with a visit to Knoebels. We'd love to hear the comparison between the two flying turns rides.

[@StamfordBridge]

I LOVE the uniqueness of this ride! And it’s a fun attraction. My only beefs are the slow lines and the shortness of the ride. I didn’t know about all the recent closures.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This park had a major staffing problem during covid, much moreso than other parks.

[@urbex_coasters]

Hearing how hard it is to ride, I really am lucky to have been a Coaster Con attendee in 2021 when Knobles was part of it. I rode 3 times during the event.

[@easynhonest]

Your thoughts on it?

[@urbex_coasters]

@@easynhonest It's fun. I waited a long time for it though, being that everyone went to it whenever it was open for ERT so I only got 2 rides in.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope their staffing situation is good for the coming years so it can continue to run consistent.

[@randomtraveler9854]

Happy to say in 2024 it pretty much ran every day, open to close.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Looks real fun. Do like the theming.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is fun.

[@thecoasterflood]

This wouldn’t even be the last coaster to be delayed 8 years. I’m pretty sure everyone is aware of Mission Ferrari’s problems. Luckily that ride did eventually open at the start of 2023

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

That coaster was supposed to open mid 2017, but got delayed to 1/12/2023, so 5.5 years. 2nd longest delay in coaster opening history.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's another super delayed ride.

[@pysankar]

Love this ride. Short but a lot of fun. Main drawback is how long you have to wait in line to ride it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the capacity is annoying.

[@pysankar]

@@CanobieCoaster They need to adopt a system something like what Disney does where you sign up for a return time to get in line. Limit the line to about a half hour or so at a time. Then the next group of people, consisting of about another half hour's wait according to the capacity of the ride, can come and get in line.

[@Coyotek4]

Perhaps because of COVID (which severely limited my vacation options), I took my family to Knoebels for the first time in 2020; we now go multiple times a year. I finally got to experience FT in 2022, and the review summed up my thoughts; a novel experience, but not one I want to wait 60+ minutes for. If I go on it in 2023, I'll be sure to hit the line *early*.

[@CanobieCoaster]

And locals know to go there early too.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Arrive at the park over an hour early. I made the mistake of arriving 45 minutes early (on a weekday), and it took over 30 minutes to get parked, then another 30 to get my ride wristband. Flying Turns line was at an hour by then.

[@gemmachaos]

I wonder if anyone (Knoebels themselves, maybe?) might be interested in reviving the wooden wild mouse, too. As far as I know there's only one left operating in the world. Judging from people who've been on the defunct Blackpool one, it was a proper wild ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

If any park were to do it, it would be them.

[@randomtraveler9854]

I was wondering if they would try it as well. Either that or a side friction coaster. In 2026 they are planning to celebrate their 100th anniversary so who knows

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

When the swinging gets more crazy this gets a little nerve wracking I do think this is a very cool coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

The swinging can be disconcerting.

[@couch2558]

I love Knoebels. We live nearish and do day trips several times a year. I've ridden flying turns several times under different conditions (seats, with vs without people, warm vs cool days, etc) and I just have never been able to enjoy it. I like being affixed to a solid track. The lack of that makes me far too anxious of rolling over to enjoy it. It stood closed for so long I often forget its actually a coaster and not some project and forget to list it. It takes so long to get through those lines too. From an engineering perspective I think its amazing, but from a rider perspective I could certainly be content with never getting on it again.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's fair you're more comfortable on a traditional coaster.

[@couch2558]

@@CanobieCoaster precisely, a train that has wheel assemblies locking it in place completely along the track

[@machieltipo]

The squirrel at 0:14

[@maverickheartlineroll]

🪦

[@mackenziefritz8169]

dude had the fright of his life

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thankfully they made it!

[@machieltipo]

Squirrels always live

[@themeparkenthusiast2427]

Did anyone else see the Squirrel running for his life at 00:16 seconds? We almost witnessed a DEATH.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thankfully they made it!

[@mr.blakester]

6:45 that squirrel had a staring contest with death and won

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lucky

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

Before all those years of delays of Flying Turns, was it originally scheduled to open in 2006?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Either 2006 or 2007.

[@randomtraveler9854]

Construction occurred during the 2005/2006 off season so I think the goal was 2006.

[@RADZADproductions]

Bruh the squirrel in the second clip

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thank goodness they made it.

[@jtwoolley]

love the wooden lift hill.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@maverickheartlineroll]

Great review! How does this rank for you amongst the other bobsleds?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks! Probably the top half.

[@Bluffpuff]

I would like to get to knobels this summer and ride flying turns it does seem like it is a good ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's very unique.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

I'm very light, so if I rode this coaster with a bigger person, I would still be okay. Like I remembered, Rollo Coaster at Idlewild has a 265 lb limit per row, so if I am light enough to ride it with someone a certain weight, I would be light enough to ride this with almost anyone.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Makes sense.

[@HoldMyBeverage]

You all saw that squirrel right about get ran over right?

[@Didyus]

No

[@HoldMyBeverage]

@@Didyus It is shown twice. The first one is at 13 seconds in.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

I saw that. That squirrel totally went way "Over the Hedge"(pun).😉

[@CanobieCoaster]

I missed that when I filmed it!

[@HoldMyBeverage]

@@CanobieCoaster more importantly, I've been really enjoying your videos. You do great work!

[@senorhayomayo]

@00:17 squirrel almost dies on the track, you see them on the left rail for 3 seconds.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad it avoided danger.

[@BoyRoy18]

Respect! For me its why, why is a small park able to do something this awesome. I realy respect rides that are made in house. And i am not looking at the big name parks, they just abuse money.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This park takes great care of their rides.

[@denone5327]

This coaster is a meme to me. Due to its opening delay and its downtime. I’ve never been on it because it’s always been closed when I show up. I’ve ridden steel bobsled coasters and they were aight. I don’t think I’m missing much.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unique, but not world class.

[@nevinleiby]

It’s a great coaster, but the wait times detract from the ride more than anything else. We could easily do Phoenix or Twister AND do Fliers in the time it takes for one run through it. If there was a way to make queueing faster, I would give a higher rating. I really wish there were any easier solution to lower wait times.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's usually a one and done for me due to the wait.

[@dytamic]

would it be funny if you did top 10 theme park foods but you describe rollercoasters and their flavors for april fools

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's too weird for me to do.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

I wonder if they replaced the hard wheels with tires like do da dompa. It would cause far less stress on the wood. May leave rubber marks though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The ride is smooth as is thankfully.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

@CanobieCoaster well it isn't the smoothness I'm talking about. This ride is always down because if issues with wear on the wood. If they switched to rubber tires, it would greatly reduce the stress put on the wood. The current wheel eat into the wood track, rubber wheels, however, would work like a suspension for the train. Instead of hard composite wheels the rubber would give causing little to no damage to the wood. The only thing that would be a disadvantage is if a tire blew out.

[@triple7marc]

Knoebels should build a reverser coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish

[@Dead-YouTube-Channel]

I Think I Will Review For Wacky Worm At Lake Winnie Coming Soon What I Should Say About That

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not many wacky worm reviews out there.

[@CoasterSwiftie]

quick question: is roar-o-saurus at storyland worth the 50$ admission price ?

[@CanobieCoaster]

If you can appreciate theming on top of that one ride, yes. It's a cute park with some fun water rides plus Roar-O-Saurus.

[@MattMcIrvin]

It's a great coaster. I don't know if I'd make the pilgrimage just for that, but when I rode it I had a young kid who was in the target age range for the rest of the stuff there. The park does also have a small Egyptian-themed Splash Battle that is great fun--that's the one other ride I'd go for apart from kid appeal. And there's a lot of other nice stuff to do in the area.

[@Jackp499]

Lol I rode it in 2021 because of ERT got lucky asf

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@motrydooto1698]

those trains look so goofy swinging

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sort of.

[@Derangedlefty]

Best ride at Knoebels fight me

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer the other 2 woodies.

[@xXLardMasterXx]

17 seconds in and a squirrel is already being killed

[@CanobieCoaster]

The squirrel made it out alive.

[@xXLardMasterXx]

@@CanobieCoaster good

[@coasterboss1654]

I only rode it once in 2019 and had to sit in front of some fat ass. So I got crushed by the seatbelt pretty bad. Therefore not the most enjoyable experience. I definently need to give it another shot

[@CanobieCoaster]

Dang that stinks.