Riddler Mindbender Review, Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster | This Ride was Ruined

Riddler Mindbender is the classic Schwarzkopf looping coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The coaster still has a fantastic setting in a ravine! This ride opened back in 1978 and had been a mainstay in the Golden Ticket Awards Best Steel Coaster poll. But a 2021 renovation sort of ruined the ride. I'll explain why in this review.
Video Credits
Mind Bender B-Roll 1 (Six Flags Over Georgia)- • Six Flags Over Georgia...
Mind Bender B-Roll 2 (Six Flags Over Georgia)- • 2017 Mind Bender B-Roll
Riddler Mindbender POV (East Coasters)- • The Riddler Mindbender...
Background Music
Cinematic Epic Music by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Action- • Cinematic Epic Music b...

[@zacg_]

Please don't ever mess with Shockwave Six Flags! It's my second favorite in the park and Mind Bender was my second favorite at Over Georgia prior to the change.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope that one is never slowed.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Agreed! Shockwave is awesome as it is.

[@RGL.]

Im also pretty annoyed that they removed the waterfall in the downwards helix. Before the water down below the ride look decently clean, but now since I don't see any constant water, the ride is really murky.

[@Didyus]

Ayy RGL, fellow tpt2 youtuber, I agree with you (I have no idea what you’re talking about)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish that feature were still there too.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

On my Nov 2022 visit, the train came to a full stop for about 5 seconds on that "mid-course". From a dead stop, there is no airtime on that drop in the back. That earlier pothole was brutal. I am so sad to see what's become of this ride. It was my 2nd favorite in the park back in 2016, but it's now been ruined. They better leave my beloved Shockwave alone!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope Shock Wave is not touched!

[@theweakestlink2278]

Honestly I'm just glad SFOG decided to refurbish it and keep it around. Mindbender was my first legit coaster I ever rode when I was a kid.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yeah it can stay the first looper for many.

[@SerperiorFox]

I'm just mad that they didn't fix that pothole like you fix most the ride except for the most uncomfortable part

[@TehEpicDev]

Im not sure if Six Flags ever specifically answered why they refurbished Mindbender but my theory is that the train and tracks were probably wearing out, as you can tell from the retrack and new trains. However they could get parts from the original manufacturer obviously so they tried to fix it themselves. Of course this came with consequences

[@CanobieCoaster]

I suspect maintenance was the reason.

[@TehEpicDev]

@@CanobieCoaster Precisely

[@SnowghostFilms]

Honestly, with how strong the second trim is, you could reprogram it to a block brake and run three trains that way.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They could if the dispatches were fast enough.

[@b.b-notebrown]

For the longest time, I proclaimed the Mind Bender (as) my favorite steel coaster. This totally disregarded all of the innovations known to date. The Mind Bender was special. From its original pacing to its location, this coaster served as the usher into a day of fun at Six Flags Over Georgia as you entered its parking lot. I must also disclose that it was my first looping coaster experience, so there is a ton of nostalgia surrounding this ride for me. This ride had it all from its thrilling drops, powerful loops, and striking imagery, especially at night with its chaser lights! Though I am happy The Mind Bender still operates, I wish they would restore their original trains. The new trains look awkward and don't ride as well, (to me).

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unfortunate the changes took away the old experience, but I'm glad the ride lives on.

[@Lucky_9705]

Shockwave was the better ride before the renovation anyways. The drops gave much stronger airtime, and the loops are whippier and more forceful because they both occur right after the first drop. So there’s more speed going into them.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Shock Wave was always better.

[@edt-ze3ke]

Prior to the referb, the original Schwarzkopf trains were actually from Viper at SF AstroWorld. It was sold and sent to SFOG after that park got demolished after it closed. It would be reused again back when it just simply known as Mindbender.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Sherlocklord]

As a Over Texas local I'd be pretty shocked if they did that to Shockwave. It's one of the more popular coasters at the park and doesn't seem to have a lot of maintenance issues. Also Six Flags hasn't really been investing in over texas in general under the new regime so I'd be shocked if the invested the money to do that to it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Mind Bender was reliable and popular before the refurb too, which is why I'm a bit nervous Shock Wave could get touched too.

[@Sherlocklord]

@@CanobieCoaster I'd see be a little shocked to see it just because Six Flags as a chain see to not want to invest much money in over texas. All of your most recent investments are hold overs of the previous ceo. I don't know if over georgia is higher or lower on six flags priorities. I hope they don't though, it would sink if the only investment we get is nerfing Shockwave.

[@TroubleLightCoasters]

@@CanobieCoasterUnfortunately, given OT’s space limits, I wouldn’t be surprised if they removed it for another attraction in 5-10 years instead of refurb.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: The ride reopened in late 2021 with five key changes: First, the coaster was repainted the same shade of green. This change was positively received. It made the colors more vibrant, which was really nice since it's one of the most visible coasters in the parking lot. Second, the coaster was renamed Riddler Mindbender. While I don't mind the addition of the villain to the ride's name, I much preferred...

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think I said old sign.

[@Didyus]

I just noticed that the track is very different compared to my home park’s Schwarzkopf looper, Nessie.

[@spunchbop47428]

loch ness monster was by Arrow

[@lightningboat]

@@spunchbop47428 O_O REALLY???? I DIDN'T KNOW!!!!!!!! jk

[@aldoparise1224]

​@@spunchbop47428Hansa park in Germany has a Schwarzkopf called Nessie. He is referring to that roller coaster.

[@Didyus]

@@aldoparise1224 thanks for clarifying it for spunch!

[@aldoparise1224]

@@Didyus no problem :)

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: The ride reopened in late 2021 with five key changes. First, the coaster was repainted the same shade of green. This change was positively received. It made the colors more vibrant, which was really nice since it's one of the most visible coasters in the parking lot. Second, the coaster was renamed Riddler Mindbender. While I don't mind the addition of the villain to the ride's name, I much preferred the old sign. You had an archway top with a box device from the Batman Forever film. Then you had a large neon lit green question mark and funky text bearing the ride's name. It was iconic. The new one has a more subtle archway and even worse, the sign was shrunk and made cartoony. The name is much less prominent, instead placing the emphasis on the character. As before, there's no theming during the attraction, the theme doesn't go beyond the name. Third, sections of track were replaced. Mindbender was always a very smooth ride and much of the coaster remains that way. However, there is now...

[@CanobieCoaster]

A bad pothole in the helix.

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

I know how the Schwarzkopf coasters can feel with shorter trains. Olympia Looping only runs the full train at the Oktoberfest in Munich, and on the Winter Wonderland in London. Other places like the Wiener Prater run with shorter trains and almost kills the ride for me. The loops are a lot less intense. There was never any airtime on this ride, so this didn't change. When l look at this refurbishment: LOOK HOW THEY MASSACRED MY BOY Still, better then removing it. But man did the shortend trains really needed to be done in combination with the trims?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the most important thing is that the ride is still operating even if it was tamed.

[@Charkled19]

I’ve been to SFoG 4 times this year, and the single rider lines haven’t been open on any of my trips

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw Goliath's open on one of 3 visits. All other single rider lines were closed.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the drops and the ascents on the ride: Canobie Coaster would say: These drops and ascents used to be... A) above average B) average C) below average and they used to give strong bursts of airtime. Now they just give small pops of airtime.

[@CanobieCoaster]

A

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the 2021 changes, Canobie Coaster would say: Third, sections of track were replaced. Mindbender was always a very smooth ride and much of the coaster remains that way. However, there is now an awful pothole... A) on the valley after the first loop. B) at the bottom of the helix. C) on the valley of the drop before the second loop.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@zack9777]

They probably wanted reduce stress and extend the shelf life by taming it

[@CanobieCoaster]

Would not be surprised.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: You then have the second vertical loop. Before the refurb, this loop was about as forceful as the first one, offering plenty of positive Gs. Now the train takes it at a much slower clip. You still get solid positives in the valleys before and after the loop, but you slow down atop the inversion, which causes you to start leaning forwards... A) It's a bad sensation on a Schwarzkopf. B) It's a weird sensation on a Schwarzkopf. C) It's an ok sensation on a Schwarzkopf. D) It's an incredible sensation on a Schwarzkopf.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: That being said, the changes will allow this coaster to operate for decades and you can make a strong argument the coaster is now a better introductory looping coaster for younger guests while still having enough to make it a fun coaster for older riders. Just don't expect the intensity you could have experienced in the ride's first 40 years. This update does make me concerned about the future of Over Texas's Shock Wave. It is now the oldest Schwarzkopf custom looper not to be updated. I would definitely try to ride that coaster soon just in case a similar change happens to that one. The airtime in the middle drops of that ride currently is... A) good. B) great. C) legendary.

[@CanobieCoaster]

C

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster would say: That being said, the changes will allow this coaster to continue to operate for decades and you can make a strong argument the coaster is now a better introductory looping coaster for younger guests, while still having enough to make it a fun coaster for older riders. Just don't expect the intensity you could have experienced in the ride's first 40 years. This update does make me concerned about the future of Over Texas's Shock Wave. It is now the oldest Schwarzkopf custom looper not to be updated. I would definitely try to ride that coaster soon just in case a similar change happens to that one. The airtime in the middle drops of that ride currently is...

[@CanobieCoaster]

very strong.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

When I heard the new trains were a mistake, my thought like most people are why are the good rides becoming ruined and the bad rides staying like how I thought someone said a better idea would've been to tear the ride down as everyone should know that nothing lasts forever and the parts would've been used for Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas. People just hate that the good rides are always leaving us behind and the bad rides are always sticking around. However, some GP enjoy the rides that stick around because even the worst rides have their fans.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the ride is still popular, but I do find it a downgrade with how it runs now.

[@90music12]

I rode mind bender today and the amount of head banging I got was insane. It was unnaturally rough. I had a really bad migraine for the rest of the day.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ouch! I've never hit my head since it has just lap bars.

[@cfrankbii9613]

So glad I grew up on, and got to work at old mind bender. The new one just does not hit. Also, the scream machine's new trains ruin that ride too. Best ride I ever had on mind bender was during my training when I worked there in high school. Night ride, old trains, trims turned off. Beast of a coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The setting is cool at night still.

[@jaypeterson8747]

I have never been on a schwarzkopf coaster and this one in Georgia might be my first! I believe there is a problem with the wheel assembly parts there have been 3 accidents on these coasters involving the same part in the back and there just getting older. I hope these parks replace them or maintain them above and beyond like it looks six flags over Georgia has done

[@CanobieCoaster]

The ride is definitely safe with the modifications.

[@dytamic]

you should totally do a review of riddler mindbender

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Is this a joke? Lol

[@Didyus]

@@S.J.C._Entertainmentno definetely not

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ok will do.

[@darkridearts]

Man, wouldn’t that be something

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

At Six Flags Over Georgia, see how Mindbender ran with the old things, how Riddler Mindbender runs with the new things, Goliath (2018), Goliath (2021), and Goliath (2023). What do you think about those experiences?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Goliath has run great post pandemic.

[@darkridearts]

You used to zip through the tree line and pop up and down into and over it and now it’s been all neutered six flags style. It happened over time but eventually I expect it will just be sitting amidst a field of gravel

[@CanobieCoaster]

I miss how it used to ride too.

[@darkridearts]

@@CanobieCoaster I haven’t been on it since the new trains and rails were installed but it sounds a lot more tame based on your description. Like you said, at least it’s still operating

[@Southeastern_Thrills]

What’s funny is this video was uploaded when I was on Mindbender

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coincidence!

[@Southeastern_Thrills]

@@CanobieCoaster Everything you said in the review is spot on. Mindbender still ran better back in 2018 though.

[@FeastablesPark]

pretty good first coaster with inversions

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

I agree, I recall the ride being my favorite Schwarkopf when I first rode it. After the refurbishment, I didn't enjoy the ride nearly as much and it's mid-tier at best for the manufacturer.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a bummer it was tamed.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: Riddler Mindbender is the classic Schwarzkopf coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. This ride was beloved by coaster enthusiasts and locals, but after the 2019 season, this ride received a major refurbishment. While this did preserve the attraction for many years to come, it came at a cost. The Mindbender I knew has been r _ _ _ _ _ . It's not bad at this point, in fact, it's still an e _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ride. It's just what it used to be and I'll explain why in this review. There are two words missing in the quote. Which ones? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think renovated and enjoyable.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

I don't know if the refurbishment made to this Schwarzkopf looper in 2021 was considered an upgrade or was considered a downgrade

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

What do most enthusiasts prefer the new version or the old version, what do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Old

[@karazhni]

Since B&M designed the trains, will this ride develop the Schwartzkopf Roar? 🤔💀

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does have a roar.

[@robbiereacts22]

I like Mindbender but I’m a way bigger fan of Shockwave at Six Flags Over Texas

[@CanobieCoaster]

Same here.

[@micoasters]

We're currently camping. But I can always find time for some good content

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mateoalvira3514]

So what would you rate Riddler Mindbender? And what did you rate the old Mindbender?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have a review for it.

[@rexnewcombe8337]

I'm just wondering how the Montazooma refurb will be at Knotts Berry Farm for next year.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm interested how that turns out.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What means "pothole"? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a bad bump.

[@truelife974]

That's where they replaced the track. I remember seeing it when that section was missing and wondered if you would be able to tell.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Imagine the ride getting back the old trains. What would you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lessened brakes it what I'd like most.

[@Cat3465]

SFOG didn’t have to ruin this classic looping coaster. It was better off with the classic trains that were likely relocated from Astroworld

[@CanobieCoaster]

I really wish they'd lessen the brakes. The trains may have been updated for safety reasons.

[@ellexking9136]

Mind Bender, has been Neutered just as bad as Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Except Revolution has always operated with 5 car Trains, but in its early years, the Coaster operated with a total of 5 Trains. And there were definitely no Trim Brakes before the Loop, and after the Tunnel.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I never rode Revolution at its peak.

[@ellexking9136]

@@CanobieCoaster It was Absolutely Awesome. Going into the Loop had a little more speed, along with stronger G's. And the speed of the Trains going into the final Helix was very intense, compared to what the ending is now. An Absolute Snooze Fest!

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

I was asking you what would you rate this ride and what did you rate the ride prior to the changes?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I talk about that in this video.

[@teddym2808]

They could have done modifications without shortening the trains so much. And also not hitting that trim so hard. Six Flags just can NOT help themselves when it comes to Anton's classics. They ruin them to the best of their ability. It's sacrilege.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm not sure why they toned it down, but I'm guessing it was for maintenance reasons.

[@revived2036]

Thoosies are weird lol. Worshiping a man and his rides is crazy lol

[@teddym2808]

@@revived2036 It's a figure of speech. I actually find most of his rides incredibly overrated, but this was one of the rare ones with really good airtime and if you were in the back, a lot of pull down whip,

[@teddym2808]

@maddox121 What does that have to do with the fact that they did NOT need to neuter the ride? Why do some respond with such stupidity?

[@revived2036]

@@teddym2808 he’s trying to say that although they are neutered, six flags still kept them after all these years

[@askjeevescosby2928]

Blue hawk is a superior coaster. Idk why this one gets a hour wait while blue hawk is a walk on. Ever since the refurb it's not a banging mess anymore

[@redwolfcorprevamped8266]

I dunno, man. Personal sentiment?

[@askjeevescosby2928]

@@redwolfcorprevamped8266 nessie doesn't get this big of a line and it has sentiment out the ass lmao

[@CanobieCoaster]

This is smoother than Blue Hawk and has a lower height limit.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I had Mind Bender over Blue Hawk. But now, Blue Hawk is a solid # 4 in the park for me, with Riddler Mind Bender way far down the list.

[@Liight]

I never rode it with the longer trains but comparing the new ones to other old schwarzkopf train’s i’ve felt, i perfer the new ones. Im sure with the length of the original train though it was likely better.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The new trains are comfortable. It's their length I take issue with

[@Liight]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah im sure it was better ride-wise with the old longer trains

[@theduh1011]

Shame this happened before the Zamperla/Schwarzkopf partnership (?) began. They would have delivered more faithful trains to the original experience imo

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish the ride still ran similarly.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Concerned about the future of, what does that mean?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Worried about its longterm prospects.

[@mateoalvira7826]

I'm Spanish, so do you know the spanish word for "concerned"?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, but Google Translate would.

[@comenting3207]

New vid Yay

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@mateoalvira7826]

Is "concerned" an emotion? Does that mean "happy"?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Worried

[@inlinechris]

Yeah this ride was completely neutered during the renovation. Sad to see it happen but it’s still a decent ride. It used to be great though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@inlinechris]

@@CanobieCoasteralso I haven’t seen them use the single rider line in a long time. It seems like it’s always chained off

[@mrprobro522]

They better not do the same thing to shock wave cause there’s no good reason for it. I don’t even think they should have refurbished this ride cause it didn’t do anything good for the ride and all it did was it hurt the ride. And shockwave has some of the most powerful airtime on the planet I just love it so much. I think SFOG made the wrong decision by refurbishing this ride and I will be very upset if six flags does the same thing to shock wave. Shock wave does not even need a refurbishment. Unlike lightning Rod which getting rid of the launch at least made it more reliable this and shock wave were reliable before the refurbishment so the refurbishment was just pointless

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope Shock Wave isn't neutered, but I am worried given its age.

[@mrprobro522]

@@CanobieCoaster At least I have shock wave at my home park and I get to ride it in its current form. But honestly I think shock wave will still have good airtime even if it was neutered it just wouldn’t be as powerful as before I don’t think riddler minbender had insane airtime before it was neutered I think it just had good airtime.

[@spunchbop47428]

were the New Revolution trains built by B&M

[@CanobieCoaster]

I believe they were done in house?

[@robbiereacts22]

I have not ridden this updated version of the coaster yet though

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's definitely different now.

[@robbiereacts22]

@@CanobieCoaster I get why they did it to preserve it but it’s unfortunate the amazing forces have been neutered

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

The short trains look ugly for what this coaster is like

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think the short trains look ugly. They just don't ride as well.

[@jtwoolley]

yessss

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sadly

[@mateoalvira7826]

Beloved, what does that mean?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Well liked.

[@Joemama..]

This is a coaster i need to get back on. i think it is definitely better than Shockwave at Over Texas

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Shock Wave.

[@KiingOfFlipz]

Wonder where the old sign is

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wonder too.

[@huntzzio]

It still does hit 5.4 Gs on the bottom of the turn

[@CanobieCoaster]

I believe it.

[@AndreAviation306]

This ride sucks now , it’s so slow due to may break runs . Back in the day this coaster use to fly through the whole layout . At this point I personally prefer the scream machine over this coaster .

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unfortunate how it was tamed.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: Second, the coaster was renamed Riddler Mindbender. While I don't mind the addition of the villain to the ride's name, I much preferred... A) the old sign. B) the new sign.

[@CanobieCoaster]

A

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Watching new videos and the breaks hitting so hard looks so dumb

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unfortunate.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Neat ride. I'd do it.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CanobieCoaster]

You should!

[@mobetterent.gamerzunited2529]

Sthu its a side way loop thats what we called it in the 90s so shut up telling us its not a inversion if the people who made it says it's a loop its a loop

[@fredwardandthebear3192]

Whether they called it an inversion or not doesn't matter. It never goes upside down, and is therefore not an inversion.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't count it as an inversion based on the angle and feel, but you're welcome to count it as one if you'd like.

[@mobetterent.gamerzunited2529]

And the debate goes on lol

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

And look what happened it valleyed who would’ve thought I’m being sarcastic I knew it would happen eventually

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw that it valleyed!

[@Cat3465]

They should known that it was a mistake to refurbish the ride by giving the it B&M’s 5 cars instead the original 7 cars trains

[@robbiereacts22]

I saw a video of tribal people reacting to your video about Cedar Point’s coasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

Interesting!

[@robbiereacts22]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah it’s tribal people react to roller coasters and it’s one of your videos

[@robbiereacts22]

@@CanobieCoaster They have never seen roller coasters so it’s pretty interesting