Ranking All The Roller Coasters At Carowinds

Carowinds is an amusement park located near Charlotte, NC. This Cedar Fair chain park features 14 different roller coasters, ranging from high octane thrill machines to something everyone in the family can enjoy. In this video, I rank every roller coaster from least to favorite.
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[@AirtimeProductions]

That intro was so cool! 😍 You are becoming my favorite KZbinr rapidly

[@XscreamThrills]

Thank you! 😁

[@coolguy13333]

If you liked that inti look at airtime thrills’s intro

[@noname117spore]

Man is front row Fury incredible! And try to always get a wing seat on it so that the changes in banking occasionally result in some extra airtime moments; it's really quite great when you're twisting through banked turns without an airtime hill in sight and still getting small pops of airtime!

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I agree, and I did notice that the far left seat in the front was much better than the far right seat. In that far left seat (front row only--didn't even happen in row 2), those right turns in the first half were giving me very surprising airtime. I wish all seats would've provided that.

[@alantrotter2077]

It almost feels like my home park this year because I've spent so much time in the Charlotte area. I would rank the coasters this way: 14. Kiddy Hawk 13. Wilderness Run 12. Vortex 11. Carolina Cyclone 10. Carolina Goldrusher 9. Woodstock Express 8. Hurler 7. Flying Cobras 6. Ricochet 5. Nighthawk Huge jump up between 5 and 4 and I was at the park yesterday and my top 4 actually switched around. 4. Afterburn 3. Intimidator 2. Copperhead Strike 1. Fury 325

[@mig4868]

Let's see there's Fury, Afterburn, Intimidator, Copperhead... and those other ones.

[@bradysmith0908]

I’ve heard the Woodstock express at carowinds is actually better than some of the lower end major rides such as flying Cobras, vortex, Carolina goldrusher, and nighthawk depending on how you ask.

[@maincoasters]

@TheHoffenator7 flying cobras is a great boomerang tho

[@ewbgaming529]

Those buzz bars are unreal, fun little ride

[@coasterjedi2555]

I think it's the best wooden coaster in the park

[@user-ig8nh2eo3t]

i almost fell out of my cart when i went

[@EnoughRhetoric]

Going there Saturday so thanks for the well timed review. Skipping the standup for sure but looking forward to the rest. Fury looks so good I’m thinking despite my fear of chain lifts at that height I’ll be repeat riding it unlike I-305, which was enough with 1 ride. Airtime always wins out for me!

[@eddienhp]

Awesome Ranking List! By the way, all of the roller coaters are the best!

[@Savagemister]

I'll be visiting this park for my first time in April. The only other park I'll hit on this trip is SFOG. I'm wondering if I'll be able to hit up all the coasters in one day.

[@Wesley-76]

Went here recently, and it was great! My ranking is 11. Woodstock Express - This was a good family coaster. I rode in the back and the first drop surprised me at how good it was. You don't see many classic woodies for kids so this is a welcome addition. 10. Carolina Goldrusher - This is my 2nd mine train (after Dahlonega Mine Train) and I'm becoming a fan of these. They're breezy, relaxing rides through a secluded part of the park. This one isn't as long as Dahlonega, but it's smoother. It does have a few bumps, but nothing should hurt. That last helix is pretty exciting. I want a reride in the front to see if the final hill gives any airtime. 9. Carolina Cyclone - I rode this once in the back, and it did kind of give me a headache. There's some headbanging, especially on the corkscrews, but nothing awful. The double loops were great, as well as the helix. The corkscrews were fun but kind of painful. I want to try the front next time and see how it rides there. Also, what's up with the color scheme? It's really interesting how it changes colors based on what section of the ride you're at. 8. Vortex - Same, I heard this ride was awful, but I did enjoy it. There's some headbanging that may hurt on the corkscrew (the restraints are hard rather than cushioned like on Scorcher), but it wasn't bad. I didn't experience a rattle, though I rode up front, so said rattle may be in the back. It gives some good forces on the legs and I actually like the standup position, so after riding the "worst", it can only get better from there, right? Also, I'm against converting this to a floorless, it would take away most of its appeal IMO. I wouldn't be against new restraints/trains, though. 7. Hurler - I was wondering how I'd like this ride. People either seemed to say it was rough and boring, or underrated and airtime-filled. I got an in-the-middle experience. It's rough, more so than something like Thunderhead, close to Mine Blower levels, but not unbearable. I rode toward the back, and the first drop was actually really good, as well as the fast turnaround right after. The rest of the ride had airtime hills that gave a little airtime. I lifted up on each one, but not much. It may be better in the front, I'll have to try that when I go back. My dad didn't get any airtime, so I think it's just because I'm so light. Lucky me, I guess. 6. The Flying Cobras - After enjoying Wild Adventures' smooth Boomerang, I was excited to give this one a try. I rode in the back, and it was great! Then later I rerode in the front, and it wasn't as good. The ride had a nasty rattle in the front. If you ride this coaster, try and sit in the back! I'm not a fan of the vest restraints on this one, and prefer the original ones on the Wild Adventures one. Though on one that has a rattle, or worse, being very shaky like I hear some are, I imagine the vest restraints are much better. 5. Nighthawk - After riding a couple of smooth, amazing B&M flyers, I was expecting this to be fun, albeit shaky and not as good. This ride blew me away! It manages to be fun, smooth, and intense, and yet make itself feel completely different from a B&M flyer! The vertical loop was my favorite part, followed by the double corkscrew. I rerode in the back and it was a little shaky and not as good, so I recommend the front. Underrated ride! 4. Afterburn - RIDE IN THE FRONT. I rode this in the back and it was good, but it had a little rattle. Ride in the front, and you get a great view, wind in your face, a butter smooth ride, and all that whip and intensity you came for! I thought Batman had more intensity, but this one still delivers it! 3. Copperhead Strike - This one really exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect it to be snappy, forceful, ejector, and hangtime all in one! The hangtime is probably my favorite part, and it is insane! The airtime is also crazy, hurt a little by the restraints which can kill your legs, but great regardless. It has quick turns and helices, which are actually quite intense. The launches are gradual, but I could still feel the first one, so it was at least fun. Underrated ride! 2. Intimidator - I didn't think this had any worse airtime than Goliath or Mako. Maybe I rode it on a good day, or maybe it's because I'm light, but I got all that airtime goodness a B&M hyper is supposed to deliver! Definitely ride toward the front for more airtime. I don't know how the very back is (per this video it's really good) but I rode 3/4 of the way down and it wasn't as good. You feel the trims, but I don't care, it's still awesome! One thing: what's up with the staggered seats? It seems like a useless design choice to me. Anyway, gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES! VRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM! 1. Fury 325 - This is the full experience! Awesome airtime, crazy speeds, forceful positives, and quick transitions! I rode it a few times in different rows and it was really good, but my final ride of the day was in the front, and it's even better! The wind you get in the front is insane, if you have to wait a little extra for the front, it's worth it, trust me! This is my favorite roller coaster right now. However, it doesn't blow the competition away. Intimidator may look inferior, but they're both really fun in their own ways, while Copperhead Strike, Afterburn, and Nighthawk provide different experiences in their own unique ways. Fury is certainly the best coaster at Carowinds, but don't sleep on the others! I didn't get to ride Ricochet - Basically per XcreamThrills, everything he said applied to me. I predict it'll rank #12. Kiddy Hawk - It was closed most of the day, then had a decent line, and if you've ever ridden one of these you know the operations are usually awful. I predict it'll rank #13, but possibly 14 if I ever live to ride Wilderness Run - Yeah they don't let you ride without a kid, which is kind of a dumb policy IMO. It's a shame, it looked like one of the best kiddie coasters. Overall, Carowinds has an awesome lineup of coasters plus several other cool rides, in a pretty nice park. I look forward to returning there soon! Hopefully Carowinds will get RMC Hurler or Wicked Twister in the near future 👀

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

It's strange to be giving row suggestions for coasters at Carowinds, considering this park has some of the most strict row assignments I've seen at any park outside of Disney/Universal/SeaWorld parks. They were even more strict than Cedar Point & Kings Island. We were allowed to wait for front row on Fury, and Intimidator's groupers were nice, but so many groupers were strictly denying all requests.

[@XscreamThrills]

That's a great point

[@XscreamThrills]

That's a great point

[@Max_Dillin]

thanks dude

[@francisnguyen6349]

This roller coaster 🎢 is amazing!

[@russbowall212]

The mine train is old, fun, and a beginner coaster. It has two hill rides and is fantastic if you like the history involved as well

[@danielb1674]

Carowinds is my home park I’m glad you rated it

[@dertoain22]

I loved that video alot! And also, the reason I watched this video is so I know how good and bad the rides are. BTW, I might be going there for vacation!😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@squeezybreezy9551]

When I was a kid, this was our vacation. Love to see so many of the coasters I remember fro the 90s still going. I remember when Vortex opened and it was the shiz - it was ground breaking for stand up coasters at the time.

[@th_andre40]

My list 14: Woodstock Express- A mean spirited piece of garbage back when I was little. 13: Wilderness Run- I understand this roller coaster is for little kids, but I found this a bit boring when I was little 12: kiddy hawk- A good kiddy coaster, but it doesn’t mean it’s one of the best coasters of Carowinds as you can tell. 11: Ricochet- a bit rough, feels like I’m flying off, but overall meh. 10: Vortex- a weird and rough coaster, but the standing up was alright, I just hate the head banging. 9: Carolina Goldrusher- I like train mine coasters, not rough, very decent. 8: Carolina Cyclone- just a alright looper coaster. 7: Nighthawk- a bit overrated, I’m not a fan of laying down on a ride, but this was also good with the loop and looking at water was amazing with the reflection, I just get nervous and hate laying down. 6: Hurler- it’s Woodstock Express done right, the only negatives is the head banging and bumpy. 5: Flying Cobras- A absolutely great boomerang Roller coaster, even though it’s a bit rough. 4: Intimidator- Amazing, but there is a lot of hyper BMM coasters out there, and better roller coasters in Carowinds, but great airtime. 3: Afterburn- I love the loops and the hanging coasters are one of the best types, I love how we are riding like a rocket or missile, and it is smooth and amazing. 2: Fury 325- I am going to get a lot of hate for this one, just because it’s not #1, doesn’t mean is bad, I really love this ride because it’s fast, smooth, amazing airtimes, great turns, everything. Best steel coaster. I love the drops, I love this ride, but it’s not my favorite, this was going to be my favorite roller coaster of Carowinds, but then something else came out, and Y’all pretty much know what it is. Honorable Mention: I know this may not count, but I remember back in 2014/2015 I saw a roller coaster called thunder road, I never ride it because I was little, but this year I rode a ride in kings Dominion called racer 75, and it was just like thunder road, so if thunder road was still in Carowinds, I would put it in between number 5-4. 1: Copperhead Strike- I love Launch coasters, and this is my favorite one, I love the loops, and when it speeds up, air comes to me and I feel really surprise that I would love this ride. What makes it better is that this is the newest roller coaster and I love the new roller coasters better than the old roller coasters, so this is my favorite roller coaster in Carowinds.

[@gplez91]

Man, Nighthawk beat the s#!+ out of me tbh. Not to mention, the lack of double loading station. We laid on the brake run at a downward angle for about 10 mins. Nighthawk was a “credit and forget it” ride for me.

[@XscreamThrills]

Yeah, the line crawls. Thankfully I had the fast lane pass so I didn't have to wait as long and they were only running one train, so no waiting on the brake run.

[@ChasyGLOC]

Same I had Firehawk for a few years only rode it once a year for the credit...

[@wisdumbhaswon1501]

Beat the crap out Of me as well

[@DevinSeeleyDevilO]

i was fortunate enough to ride every rollercoaster at carowinds and i agree with this list

[@dougronald561]

I just spent two days at Carowinds-mostly per your videos. I would have skipped After Burn, but I remembered what you said. I loved it! It’s my new personal favorite invert.

[@XscreamThrills]

It's a great invert and running even better this year 👍

[@dougronald561]

@@XscreamThrills I especially liked how the trees are nicely grown in around it.

[@render9013]

As my home park I agree will alot on this list however goldrush needs to be placed higher since the tunnel provides a cool breeze on a hot day

[@ChasyGLOC]

Yo Highly recommend flying cobras! I thought the same thing but this thing is awesome!

[@mans1164]

I slept on copper head strike its no maverick but it's definitely a fun ride

[@zoecook8650]

You must have gone to hurler on a bad day or something because operations are usually really good and in the back you usually get a good but of airtime on the drop.

[@wetcheese4941]

I got some good positive g’s on nighthawks loop, only intense part on that ride though.

[@maincoasters]

i got to copperhead strike insanely late even though i live 10 minutes from it …. i just rode it this year😂😭😭😭

[@guff5364]

I will be going on a trip this summer, going to three theme parks, I so far chose to go to Cedar Point, that’s it lol, Carrowinds is definitely on my list of parks that I am considering, the other two I am considering are Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Six Flags Great Adventure, any suggestions? (If BGT wasn’t my home park, then I would definitely choose that also, but I’m just sitting here waiting for Iron Gwazi 😑)

[@XscreamThrills]

That's a tough call but I really like BGW so go there

[@guff5364]

@@XscreamThrills yeah, it seems like a really cool park, thanks for your opinion!

[@OwlCapone8630]

I recommend Carowinds and King's Dominion.

[@Rollback_Productions_]

If you got on Flying Cobras, you would have put this way toward the bottom of this list. My friend and I both agreed it was the worst one we had been on. The vest restraints are not vests at all, they're just smaller OTSRs. I was thrashing around like crazy on that thing.

[@XscreamThrills]

Oh really, glad I skipped it then LOL

[@wisdumbhaswon1501]

My list is: 14: Vortex: I may have just gotten a bad ride, but the ride was so painful. I was sore for 2 days after riding it. It turns your legs into jelly. 13: Wilderness Run: Not a bad kiddy coaster at all!!!! But obviously since it is a kiddy coaster, it's not going to be high on the list. 12: Nighthawk: Holy crap, this ride was almost as bad as vortex. I do disagree with you when you said the rattle on the ride wasn't that bad. Nighthawk is one of the roughest rides I have ever ridden. 11: Kiddy Hawk: Pretty boring, rough, and uncomfortable, but not to bad. I was fine with it, but I didn't really care for it. 10: Carolina Goldrusher: Its a good ride, I do enjoy it, but it gets boring after a few rides. I think it is an enjoyable ride though. 9. Woodstock Express: Not bad at all!!! The first drop is something, and it is somewhat fun. You also get a couple tiny pops of air. 8. Carolina Cyclone: The only reason this is this high on my list is because it is intense at some parts. It is very rough, and have even heard some people call it Carolina Concussion. There is one part of the ride after the second loop that launches you out of your seat. It is when you go up after the second loop, and then turn into the corkscrews. 7. Richochet: Didnt ride this, so I dont know where to place it. 6. Flying Cobras: Just a normal boomerang, nothing special about it. I 5. Hurler: I completely disagree with the ranking of hurler in the video, hurler is not a bad ride. While the layout is bland, it is still fun, and the first drop in the back seat is pretty fun. While it is rough, it is not unbearable. The roughness at some parts feels like it helps, because it makes the ride feel crazier, and like the train is about to fly off the track. Also, the train is very comfortable. The seats are couch cosshuns basically. 4. Afterburn: Awesome ride, front row is best in my opinion. It is very intense and smooth, and the inversions are very awesome 3. Copperhead Strike: Love the hangtime, and how whippy the turns are. Very fun ride, and I think it is a great addition to the park. 2. Intimidator: Airtime is good, bu the trims do suck. The first drop is very fun, and I like the speed. Although it naturally lives in the shadow in of Fury 325, it is still a good B&M hyper. 1. Fury 325: Absolute insane ride, one of the best coasters on the planet. It is the full package. I literally got a bug in my mouth while I was going down under the bridge. The first drop is insane, and the turns are crazy as well. Love everything about this ride. 1.

[@OwlcityloveBooboo]

Looks awesome 😎 👏🏻 I want too go 🎢🎢

[@groovepadkingsupports8544]

Just went to Carowinds but disappointed because Fury 325 and Vortex weren’t open.

[@XscreamThrills]

Sorry to hear about Fury 325. As for Vortex, you didn't miss anything :)

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Very unpopular opinion from me: Nighthawk > Afterburn. I would also put Vortex at # 8 ahead of the wild mouse. It's nothing incredible, but it's good for what it is and doesn't deserve the hate it gets. Hurler rode smoother on my 2018 rides, but there was still no airtime.

[@XscreamThrills]

If you're a fan of flying dutchman coasters, I could see this!

[@omnomcatjam]

dang i love woodstock express, hurler and kiddy hawk im just a coward but i love those rides i absolutely hated the afterburn it made my neck hurt for 2 days but im just lame so i like calmer rides ig

[@ethanhcomposer]

i'm pretty guilty of calling intimidator "inTRIMidator"!!! it's just pretty funny. solid airtime tho "Remember that there *is* the possibility we will abruptly roughly stop on any of the large hills. Please brace yourselves just in case."

[@mrmetheperson]

13. kiddy hawk 12. carolina cyclone 11. ricochet 10. carolina goldrusher 9. flying cobras 8. vortex 7. hurler 6. woodstock express 5. nighthawk 4. intimidator 3. copperhead strike 2. afterburn 1. fury 325 not ridden: wilderness run

[@Domin0sPizzaPie]

Carolina cyclone just got painted to a turquoise blue so I think they might tear down and replace it

[@derisleybrittain]

Superb ❤❤❤❤🎡🎡🎡🎡🎡🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@russbowall212]

Woodstock used to be call Scooby-Doo Doo and it is a kiddie coasters and pretty good for what it is.

[@randywest5149]

Randy West Rode Head Spin EST. 1996-2007 at Geauga Lake in Aurora, Ohio USA 🇺🇲 and it's Now at Carowinds in the year of 2009 Carolina Cobra 🐍/ Flying Cobra 🐍 at Carowinds.

[@Areku2021]

1) Afterburn 2) Copperhead Strike 3) Fury 325 4) Nighthawk 5) Intimidator If Fury didn't putz around for the last 30 seconds (of 64, starting shortly before the trims) it could be the best in the park, but as is it's simply the 4th best American Giga.

[@jamesmeyer9574]

Hot take!!! Orion is better?

[@Areku2021]

Not hot, Orion is finely tuned and paced well throughout the ride, it's a tight and cohesive experience that lasts almost 50% longer than the good part of Fury despite the claims that Fury is "longer". Fury is still a great ride but nearly half of it is a slog by the standards of Gigas, I'll take any of Orion's limited number of elements over the entirety of Fury's 2nd half. Millie, Orion and I305 are all better than Fury. I haven't been on Levi but I have been on Steel Dragon 2000, Fury is better than SD2k but runs into similar issues of having raw track length that feels superfluous and meandering.

[@clthokie]

I have been going to Carowinds since the early 90's. It has changed a ton, but Top Gun (Afterburn now) is to this day still my favorite coaster in the park.

[@randywest5149]

Randy West My Favorite Roller Coasters at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina USA 🇺🇲 and Fort Mill, South Carolina USA 🇺🇲 it's Fury 325 EST. 2015 and Intimidator EST. 2010 at Carowinds.

[@Joypyf]

I didn’t feel secure in Nighthawk either 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@maincoasters]

i like flying cobras 😭, i don’t see how some don’t like it

[@wildfiremusic_]

1. Fury 325 2. Afterburn 3. Copperhead Strike 4. Intimidator (my opinion)

[@CarolinaCycloneJames]

Flying cobras is actually smooth for a boomerang. It’s still not smooth but could be worse. Like nighthawk

[@spentron1]

Goldrusher is definitely #5. Vary on 2-4, fine with Afterburn-I232-CS, and might put Vortex or Cyclone #6.

[@EmberMcLain87]

kiddy hawk.. your not missing much. it's a terrible head banger, and the main reason to ride is if your a credit counter.

[@noahkiel2454]

I agree with the top 5 but the rest is a little different lol. Nice list!

[@PositivePreppy19]

On vortex the girl beside me passed out and through up all over me

[@gavingaming3001]

WAAAAYAYYYYYY overacted nighthawk below vortex imo

[@collegeluvr]

1) Fury 2) Intimidator 3) Copperhead 4) Afterburn 5) Carolina Cyclone 6) Cobras 7) and below all tie for last. Lol. Nighthawks final Corkscrews and Vortex make them two of my lowest rated coasters overall. The rest are meh and forgettable. I will say I LOVE Carowinds and their amazing top 4!

[@that_1_channel]

5 Afterburn 4 Nighthawk 3 Copperhead 2 Intimidator 1 Fury

[@randywest5149]

Randy West My Favorite Amusement Park in the Southeast Untied States of America in the State of North Carolina USA 🇺🇲 and State of South Carolina USA 🇺🇲 Since 1973 and 50th Anniversary Year in 2023 at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina USA 🇺🇲 and Fort Mill, South Carolina USA 🇺🇲.

[@williamjones7589]

Furys first drop is way more intense in the front row.

[@XscreamThrills]

I disagree but the rest of the ride is better up front though

[@danielb1674]

Hi

[@maincoasters]

if wilderness run isn’t #1😡

[@maincoasters]

hurler is where it’s supposed to be , i don’t like it at all😭… and i hurt my arm on it also and yes operations on huler suck !!!

[@XscreamThrills]

I probably could've ranked it lower, I was being generous I guess!

[@maincoasters]

@@XscreamThrills like it may just this being at my home park but it has … no airtime

[@aomalle]

I preferred Intimidator to Fury when I went back in 2018. Also loved Carolina Cyclone; it’s a nifty mine ride. And Vortex,

[@opaldrake6146]

the hurler is such a flop idk why its still there

[@mrman12w]

I just started laughing when I saw a wild mouse ranked above a b&m floorless lmao Edit: b&m stand up not floorless

[@XscreamThrills]

What? There is no B&M floorless at Carowinds...

[@mrman12w]

Woops I must have looked at it wrong (I was kinda skipping through the video) my bad, but just the thought of that is still funny

[@mrman12w]

Ooooooh it’s a b&m stand up not a floorless, they look very similar

[@toby7291]

1 Fury 325 2 Copperhead Strike 3 Intimidator 4 Hurler Nuff said the rest are garbage.

[@XscreamThrills]

Wait, Hurler in your top 4? That has to be cap right?

[@toby7291]

@@XscreamThrills yep Hurler in my top 4 at Carowinds.

[@user-oq9jw3wd4y]

Hello!!!!!

[@PartyBnananas_GT]

Don’t disrespect my home like that that’s my home park

[@rylanarnold1427]

38 seconds ago!

[@itzwill2392]

this guy road like none of them, he does not have a place for opinion

[@cyrusblack4499]

Don't rank rollercoasters you didn't ride. Pray you're not at the park the same day as me

[@that_1_channel]

Afterburn is so overrated

[@timothywait9457]

That One Coaster Guy inverts are ok but air time rides are beater

[@that_1_channel]

@@timothywait9457 except for Banshee

[@seniorinstructor9813]

Don't give your opinioin when you don't actually ride. It is deceiving and poor analytics.

[@XscreamThrills]

The fact that I've ridden cloned copies of these roller coasters at different parks gives me a good idea of what to expect

[@cyrusblack4499]

​@@XscreamThrillsno it doesn't

[@callmemarc]

This place is a bit overrated. Nothing special after you get past their top few coasters.

[@XscreamThrills]

But 4 solid roller coasters is almost better than most parks

[@frankie6365]

Hi