Intamin Impulse Coaster Review (Possessed, Steel Venom, Flash) | Will These Rides Soon Be Defunct?

[@billchief397]

Steel venom holding brake is so fun. Glad my home park keeps it maintained well

[@CanobieCoaster]

They do a good job taking care of it.

[@TheTannerChanner]

@@billchief397 hey my home park too!

[@braxtonhill417]

I was fortunate to ride Wicked Twister during my first trip to Cedar Point in 2018. I did enjoy it, but it was often overshadowed by Cedar Point's other roller coasters like Millennium Force, GateKeeper, Valravn, and Raptor.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's how I feel about it.

[@braxtonhill417]

@@CanobieCoaster Exactly.

[@teddym2808]

Give me Wicked Twister over MF. Sorry but that's me, and I was gutted it was scrapped.

[@braxtonhill417]

@ I didn't care too much about Wicked Twister's removal, but Volcano the Blast Coaster's removal hit me hard because I never got to ride it.

[@teddym2808]

@@braxtonhill417 That's fair. I rode that when was very new. After exiting the mountain it wasn't really amazing in any way, but just the whole launch through the top was indeed cool and I was also sad to see it go.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I love that screeching of the LIMs. I do prefer the very back row for the incredible sustained floater airtime on the back spike. The airtime starts on the ascent and the perfect floating continues all the way up and all the way back down, for about 5-6 seconds. The front spike can give that to the front row, but the OTSR & twisting means I can't just let go. With the holding brake at Valleyfair, the airtime in that back row gets snuffed out by the brake. You get good float before the brake engages, but then it struggles to re-establish the airtime on the way back down. For that reason, I actually prefer these without the holding brake, but it's still a unique feature.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer the holding brake since I sit up front most times anyway. Plus it's so unique.

[@markvolpe2305]

I've only been on Wicked Twister, I miss that coaster dearly, my favorite seat on that ride was the second last seat right hand side, when you launch up that back twisted spike at full speed, for 1. you'd get a bit of airtime and laterals, and 2. the car in front of you moves out of the way so you're staring straight at the ground while twisting, very cool effect. Oh, Ryan the Ride Mechanic did a detailed video on how these rides work.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw that video. It was cool to see.

[@MichaelDery-z7h]

I remember when Six Flags announced the conversion of Geauga Lake to Six Flags Ohio and seeing the "rendering" of what was to be Superman Ultimate Escape. Of the four new coasters that year this one seemed the weakest. Then weekly I went out and watched the ride being built along with all the additions going in. It was exciting to see when they first started testing it in the spring. Being located next to the road it became an icon for the park. I always enjoyed the impulse coaster. My favorite seat was the back because of that pure freefall feeling coming down the straight spike. I hope that these rides don't completely disappear. It's among the few rides that offer maximum thrill in a small space.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know plenty of people that prefer the back for that backwards spike, but the visuals and speed up front are my preference.

[@athenaclark2567]

I rode Wicked Twister when I went to Cedar Point, and I’ve ridden Possessed a lot since Dorney Park is relatively close to me. These rides don’t knock your socks off, but they’re always good fun! I’ll be sure to enjoy them while they’re here

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@Wobbly4873]

the gm of valleyfair did say that steel venom would for sure stay for a few more years, I'm really hoping that the park will get at least 2 new coasters by then because the lineup absolutely needs it, especially if steel venom gets removed

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope that is true.

[@ALHop849]

Me too! Steel Venom is my all time number one favorite ride! I rode it 39 times in a row! I go to valley fair weekly because I'm a season pass holder. It's like my second home. I've been going to that park my whole life!

[@zachzekis]

i’ve only been on possessed and wicked twister, but i was honestly blown away by possessed on my rides this year. in the back row that pull up into the vertical spike is so intense

[@CanobieCoaster]

Great Gs.

[@zuper1133]

Great America's Flash didn't have thematic rings added during the refurb - they have always been there this is because this is the only impulse where the electrical room is under the ride vs to the side.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ah ok, my bad! I'll see if I can edit that part.

[@eliasmertens9313]

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is iconic for their Vertical Velocity shenanigans and nobody can convince me otherwise

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wouldn't call it iconic, more infamous.

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

Interesting to hear you say that you prefer the front seat on these rides. I've only been on Possessed and Wicked Twister. I always preferred Possessed because of the non-twisting spike and sitting in the back seat on it. I never was fond of the twisted spikes, feeling like the sensations come nowhere close to the weightlessness felt being in the back on non-twisted spike. Even without the holding brake, I just love that feeling of going backward, then falling straight down immediately.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know others who like the back for the reverse spike, but I prefer getting the forward spike in full.

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

@@CanobieCoaster I always wanted to like the forward spike, but it just never does much for me. That's why I was so ho hum on the whole Drachen Spire idea people were saying was coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Reverse spikes without a twist just do it for me. Love Pantheon's for the same reason.

[@MrGodsChaos]

I remember when Flash VV used to have the brakes on the back spike. Sucks they removed it

[@CanobieCoaster]

The holding brake is awesome.

[@pjgaringer2901]

It'll always be V2 to me! Hoping these stick around but we'll see

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope so.

[@295g295]

0:07 - at SixFlags Discovery Kingdom too?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was when it originally opened, but the modification lowered the speed.

[@Scott-lv9uh]

Rode possessed for the first time last Sunday, loved it! Went on Wicked Twister years ago and was very sad when I saw they got rid of it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I was a little sad Wicked Twister left, but it wasn't too big of an issue at that park given how deep their lineup is.

[@teddym2808]

Steel Venom, then called Superman, was the first Impulse I ever rode at Six Flags Geauga Lake. The holding brake really caught me off guard and did add to the fun. I really enjoy them, and I rode it many times that day. I got to do a couple of them last year but no brake. For me it's a 7 as well. They are good rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree they're good.

[@joao.spegiorin]

I've never ridden one of those coasters. They look pretty fun, it was frustrating to go to SFDK and seeing Flash not operating

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is, but I'm numb to it at this point.

[@ericstone8343]

I think the one at SFGAm has operating much more consistently since getting rid of the holding break. Back when it first opened in the eary 2000s, between it and Deju Vu, neither seemed to ever be running.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wonder what Valleyfair has done to get their's running well.

[@ericstone8343]

@@CanobieCoaster I know Ryan the Ride Mechanic has a video on it. I wonder if it is just lower volume than Great America? GA gets very high volume. Flash always has a line (although as you mention, has lower capacity)

[@lightningboat]

They should install a holding brake on the TT2 spike

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be crazy!

[@maverickheartlineroll]

The downtime would also be crazy

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

That could be a crazy scare add

[@billchief397]

​​@@ThrillsofColdplayno add speakers with grinding and metal bending sounds on the holding brake part lol

[@ClebyHerris]

I’ve never seen a holding brake. I’ve just heard of it. That is insane and made me really want to go to valleyfair

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd get there sooner rather than later if you want to try it.

[@ClebyHerris]

@ 1700 miles. But it’s so close to lost island and great America. I might just send it next year

[@zacdavid184]

Man I miss Wicked Twister more than I thought I would.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't miss it too much at that park, but it was fun.

[@Kittyhat]

Steel venom in the back with the holding brake is unironically an 8/10 or higher, I prefer that set of sensations to any drop tower I think

[@CanobieCoaster]

The holding brake is sick.

[@ericthomason8463]

I haven't had the strongest luck with Intamin Impulses. I missed Wicked Twister at Cedar Point by a year, and Six Flags Discovery's Flash was closed when I visited last year. I almost missed Six Flags Great America's Flash as well, as the train was stuck on the launch. Thankfully, they reopened it and I ended up getting my ride, and it blew me away! I wasn't expecting it to be as intense as it was.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on Great America's at least!

[@OriginalJoe]

I have some bad stories about missing coasters too. Don’t sweat it too much- there are many, many great rides and parks.

[@danloosen8358]

Wicked Twister wasn't the only one that got retrofitted with additional supports. All of the others got large supports added somewhere around 2004. You can see it in their photos on RCDB.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good point.

[@josephroberts5243]

7:23 I know steel bends but damn😯

[@CanobieCoaster]

That shows the force this ride exerts.

[@marcusmcgraw3519]

I saw Wicked Twister’s removal as the beginning of the end for inverted impulse coasters. They’re not a bad ride in themselves, but they have a limited ceiling (despite the relatively high floor in comparison to other models), and many guests don’t like the idea of waiting in extended lines for the experience

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wicked Twister may have been worse off too since the spike was very under supported year 1.

[@commonwealthedison2640]

These are terrific. I am guessing WT got removed since TT2 is basically the same thing, but over twice as big.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think cost per rider is what doomed it.

[@artist2127]

I enjoy this style of ride! Possessed at Dorney was great, however, as coasters evolve, I see why they are on the way out. Even with new tech, many other coasters with a small footprint are a much better fit for parks than impulse coasters. (I'd even say a skyrocket 2 is much superior)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I would agree.

[@WhatAG23]

I can only speak for V2 but for a roller coaster that travels in a straight line it’s a pretty diverse and awesome ride. I hope it doesn’t go anywhere anytime soon, since I think it’s great and I have no idea what they could put in that spot

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it sticks around.

[@ScottyMania313]

I love the Impulse coaster a ton. However, the cost efficiency is a bummer because I can think of two parks right off the bat that would benefit from one of these via hand-me-down. 1) Kennywood. With space restraints, I feel that this would be a perfect addition in the Steeler's part of the park. I would name it "The Bus" and give it White and Silver paint, like the way jerseys. I'd have it run through one of Steel Curtain's loops for the feel of Bettis running through a defense. I would have the top of the train painted Yellow, with red seats, and the bottom part painted blue to resemble the iconic Steeler logo rushing through the "curtain". 2) Michigan's Adventure - There is a massive pond in the middle of the park, so I would use my engineers create a little island in the middle of the pond to hold one-half of the spike, while the other spike will be on land around the pond. It would be cool to take that spike down as you stare at that water, perhaps get a mist during acceleration to cool the skin in this shadeless park. My bonus spot is the Coaster Museum called Indiana Beach. I hope Intamin creates a newer and more cost-efficient version of this gem. It's the most underrated thrill in a park, at least for me. Maybe a model or 2 can stick around and become a legendary rare throwback like The Whip is.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I suspect Cedar Fair wouldn't move it in the chain, but maybe another park could buy it.

[@ScottyMania313]

@CanobieCoaster speaking of which, I'm glad to see Kennywood's old Laser Loop go to Indiana Beach

[@AlexRuckusFTW]

I almost lost my glasses on steel venom. That hold break really threw me off and my glasses 😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

I always wear a glasses strap.

[@cobblebalt4835]

that’s unfortunate because when I went to discovery kingdom, flash was of course closed. as well as half their other major coasters 😂.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sounds about right for that park. Worst run park in the chain.

[@gizzycav88]

There is a chance they could get removed in the next few years, but unless there are some major issues with the holding brake, I think Steel Venom will hold out the longest. It’s such a popular ride and it’s not like Valleyfair gets a ton of new investments. Plus, that plot of land is super narrow. Unless they got rid of the flat rides too, there wouldn’t be a ton of options to replace it. That would pretty much leave a Premiere Sky Rocket, a Maurer Skyloop, an S&S 4-D spin (please no), or an Intamin Vertical LSM coaster as its replacement.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I could see the holding brake going before the ride does.

[@295g295]

Was the Volcano roller coaster at Kings Dominion an Intamin Impulse ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, it was a launched Intamin invert though.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

I hope possessed stays. I want the geauga lake coasters to keep going. If i ever won the lottery ide buy them all back. Idc if they arent great.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unfortunate their wood coasters couldn't be saved.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

@CanobieCoaster a group had a deal set to pur have the big dipper and 15 acres arround it to open a small park. They demolished the coaster the next week. Cedar fair is awful.

[@tdcamp03]

I’m suprised SFGAm doesn’t glaze the fastest invert stat

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@mhtube01]

I've ridden Possessed plenty of times and while i do enjoy it, it was better with the holding brake active. I will usually wait to ride it once or twice if it's a station wait but I'll skip it if it's longer. I like that Dorney tried to make it work with the theme of the area now that Iron Menace is there. I do wonder how many seasons it has left though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it sticks around. I agree it was better with that holding brake.

[@kennyt7708]

Non related but I just found out Kings Dominion is gonna repaint and retheme project 305 (formerly intimidator 305) to Pantherion and red and yellow colors is changed to orange and black. Which imo is cool and surprising.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad it'll finally fit in with the Jungle area.

[@SlimFury]

I got to ride Wicked Twister and Possessed. Both are great rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@TheTannerChanner]

The first time I ever wrote steel venom I actually got on it before I watched it run, therefore I didn't know about the brake on the back end. So I panicked and thought the ride broke down right there😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I went in blind.

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

I went on flash at Great America and it's ok. I wouldn't be surprised if it went defunct soon, but it's still popular so maybe not

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's possible in the next several years.

[@ianmortimer5325]

I don't know. The former Cedar Fair management may want to review the new generation of Intamin since this manufacturer decided not to cut corners around safety and the intensity of its rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Their new rides seem way better for reliability.

[@teddym2808]

Oh no, I like the very back because of the backwards spike. Agree to disagree hehe. This is also why, when I finally get to ride it, I am sure I will like Top Thrill 2 in the last row also.

[@CanobieCoaster]

On coasters that only have one backwards spike, I tend to prefer them in back.

[@thomasxl200]

Possessed has been very unhealthy lately, at least every time I've gone to Dorney (which is like 5 times this summer). More often than not the launch would misfire and the train would just slowly saunter down the launch track while making some truly frightening sounds. I hope they can figure out what's going on and keep the ride for years to come.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It worked for me the day I was there. A few years ago, I saw one of the launches you described.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Hmm

[@sergeantjadonsoriginalchan3063]

Talked to valley fair steel venom isn’t going anywhere soon it will stay

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's good to hear.

[@jtwoolley]

did you review rthis thanks to me

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had plans anyway.

[@sergeantjadonsoriginalchan3063]

valley fair will not get rid of steel venon also parts from wicked twister are now on steel venom so it should be fine

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hopefully that holds true.

[@paintervision]

These rides never pull a huge wait, even when Wicked Twister was at Cedar Point - on peak days, it had the shortest wait compared to the larger rides like Raptor or Millenium. And that's with a lower capacity ride cycle and one-train ops. So I feel like they will leave us once they get too expensive to maintain - but maybe not all at once. SFDK's seems the next to go and who knows after that.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I would agree.

[@markvolpe2305]

I remember when I went there for my first time, Wicked Twister had assigned seated and about a 30 min. wait, but when I went back 2 years later, no assigned seating and station wait. But I loved that ride, though.

[@DZH22]

Rode Possessed in the back row this summer. My friend and I both hated it and rated it 6th in the park (out of 6 coasters ridden, skipping the wild mouse and kids coaster). It's all the way down my list at 54/64. My lasting impressions were shaky and screechy, and particularly unpleasant on the backward portions through the station.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry you weren't a fan. It screeches for sure, but I find it comfortable.

[@kennyt7708]

Also I just noticed that most year round amusement parks don't really have perfect operations.

[@CanobieCoaster]

What do you mean?

[@kennyt7708]

@CanobieCoaster It can be related to staffing, they'll CONSTANTLY cycle their coasters, crowd levels even

[@toplaycool21]

I do believe Possessed will be removed. I think Dorney Park wants to return to original attractions rather than getting hand-me-downs in the 2010s. I’m hoping Iron Menace will open the doors for more expansions for Dorney Park. Cedar Fair really neglected Dorney in the 2010s after nearly 2 decades of changes to the park since the 1992 purchase.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope Iron Menace is a sign of things to come.

[@brianschulz7833]

20 minutes covering the experience of a roller coaster that is literally a line: that’s the Canobie Coaster™️ level of detail you can’t get anywhere else

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol thanks.

[@TheTannerChanner]

Of course being here in Minnesota I have been on steel venom many a Time. Even though it is an amazing ride I still really don't like it that much. I'm just too much of an enthusiast for the long track.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's fair.

[@TheTannerChanner]

@CanobieCoaster I really appreciate that you respect my opinion on that. You have definitely been my favorite coaster reviewer on KZbin. So you're recognition on that stance it is quite meaningful to me.

[@thrillshaveabeard]

I like these, but Cedar Fair is clearly returning to it's pre covid Axe Man days.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Removing rides?

[@thrillshaveabeard]

@CanobieCoaster Yes. Makes me worry for rides like these, Kingda Ka, and who knows what else

[@jimmysouders5640]

I haven't rode possessed yet I'm hoping to try it in 2025

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope you can!

[@laurenjameson8433]

I like possessed

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@laurenjameson8433]

How many coasters have you been on

[@jtwoolley]

?did you review this because of me

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had plans to anyway.

[@RomanSecundus]

that's a confusing thumbnail

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wanted to represent the 3 main rides this covers.

[@RomanSecundus]

It seems you've changed it since I commented, before it was something else