Why are Some SlingShot Rides Dangerous and Others Safe?

[@circlesquareanimations]

The only reason people say the reverse bungee is "More thrilling'" is because the actual fear of death is prominent

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

To be fair they are indeed more intense, but I still prefer the safer approach. Also the Funtime ones are way higher.

[@saphiriathebluedragonknight375]

@@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster Better safe than dead right? Of course we shouldn't bubble wrap ourselves. It's not hard to have fun while being safe.

[@Sin_Lord]

Man, I've always refused to ride these things because of all the accidents on the reverse bungees. Now that I know the difference, I'm definitely gonna give the proper slingshot a chance! Thank you for the video my dude, very informative and entertaining as always 😁

[@CoasterCollege]

Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@christianortiz-v1l]

I suggest riding the one in Daytona Beach, it's my favorite one I've done. It also the fastest one in the world at 100 mph.

[@nothing2it16]

Same here!

[@teddine7366]

I was feeling the same way. This channel rocks!!

[@williamboyle8918]

It's gonna snap.

[@coastercommotion]

I don't care about how unsafe these are, I will just never ride them because they look terrifying 💀

[@toryknotts8026]

I noticed something about the reverse bungee: they tend to be temporarily installments- like in traveling fairs, carnivals, and wherever portable rides exist. And we all Know how questionable the safety of rides at fairs are.

[@teddine7366]

That is so cool how the ride operator has to plug himself into the back of the ride on the spring version of the slingshot. They should make more rides like that if they can. I would feel so much more comfortable with my kid on the spring version of that ride. Thank you for explaining this to everybody. This is one the more useful videos I have watched on youtube the past few days believe it or not. I love carny rides and this channel explains a lot of what to look for in safety.

[@troysweet4038]

If you mean that more roller coasters and rides in general should have that safety feature, they already do. All modern roller coaster require a power connection to release the restraints. each car has a connector that makes contact with a mathcing connector in the ride station, which provides power to release the restraints. If a ride gets stuck outside of the station, then a worker will have to take a battery jump box with a special connector and plug it into a port on each row of the ride to manually release the restraints and evacuate the riders.

[@YunxiaoChu]

?

[@crazybird199]

2:23 200-300 launches? I know for a fact they don't replace them quite that often, if at all!

[@mikaross4671]

Yeah, that sounds like it could only last a few weeks before the elastics need replacing.

[@TheRealigi]

​@@mikaross4671A few weeks? At a rate of 1 shot/10 minutes it would last 4/5 days.

[@iseneau27]

I feel like in the west, the elastic band slingshot must be the most unsafe common ride type. I'm surprised it hasn't been banned yet!

[@DJWezzyK]

The problem is, the Reverse Bungee rides, or Ejection seat as Fabbri-Technical Park calls them, owners can only buy from one suplier of elastic. And indeed most of the elastics that brake are a production error. Every 400 shots, a owner needs to replace the elastics so these rides are super expensive to operate. Some owners failed to do so. In The Netherlands and Germany, every replacement needs a testrun or two due to regulations set by the safety regulator TUV. Still, what happend at the Air Race Bungee (one traveling in The Netherlands) when it operated at Winter Wonderland in the U.K., was they replaced the elastic by regulations standards. Then installed a elastic that had a production error in it so after 15 shots the elastics snapped. The rides owner closed the ride for the inspection company to check the elastics and they found some large production errors. They had multiple on stock and let them check for errors first before operation.

[@williamboyle8918]

U know there were operators pushing them into the thousands.

[@DJWezzyK]

@@williamboyle8918 That is not allowed here.

[@thewolfofthestars1847]

The fact that the reverse bungee's "station loading" state is tensioned, while the slingshot is not tensioned until riders are secured and the ride cycle begins, seems to be a big factor in their safety (or lack thereof). The fact that the tension is held in springs apart from the ride capsule is another, as well as the use of steel cables rather than elastic (elastic is famously temperamental material to work with, its properties highly variable dependent on use and climate conditions). But the fact that the failure mode for a slingshot tensioning A) takes place in an enclosed separate spring box rather than right there on the external ride apparatus itself, and B) is fail-safe, ensuring a malfunction in tensioning would simply leave the ride on the ground and inoperable rather than careening into a support tower, make it a lot safer. I think one glaring issue with the reverse bungees is that the bungee cables are actually serving two purposes that are at odds with each other--they're meant to both provide kinetic energy through their tensioning and springing, and also meant to provide stability by preventing the ride capsule from flying too far or bouncing around too much. A slingshot separates these two responsibilities, deriving its kinetic energy from springs instead, and leaving the cables to solely provide support and stability, and is much safer for it.

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

I love the Funtíme ones you have no idea man^^ I rode one portable one from Techinical Park with elastics that was traveling around me in germany until 2022. Now it's in the US. It was way more intense, but I enjoy the safetey on the Funtime ones. The parks around me restrict the use when high winds are present and we have regulations that the cables should be replaced with Funtime made cables on a regular basis. So I feel safe in there and I enjoy relativley thrilling launching speeds, fantastic views and a few fleasant inversions. I got lucky once and I was inverted when we bounced back upwads the second time. Good abount of negative G's but still comfortable with the Gerstlauer OVSR in the ball-less? gondola. I can only recommend getting on them if one can. They are GREAT!

[@VoidHalo]

Using an electromagnet to secure the "capsule" before launch seems problematic, unless there are redundancies. The problem is that electromagnets are only magnetic while they're powered. If there's a power failure, that thing's launching unless there's a back-up power source, mechanical restraints physically holding the capsule, or some other redundant back up. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see your average county fair ride having much redundancy. Especially in states with more lax regulations.

[@YunxiaoChu]

Hmm…

[@cindyy4866]

Maybe the use an UPS for emergency situations? Idk though

[@jay8547-d2m]

He says in the video that both types have a mechanical lock as well as an electromagnet

[@cecpizzacam3042]

Wait so the Technical Park Ejection seat model uses elastic? And the Funtime model is the only one to use the safer design

[@NotWillVenner]

Technical Park ones are insanely dangerous, a year or two ago I was in an accident on one of them and broke a rib

[@cecpizzacam3042]

@@NotWillVenner oh sorry bout that.. ye I made one I a game but actually didnt know if they were steel or elastic

[@Eggish3]

Great video as always man! Can’t wait till next weeks post!!

[@VelocityRides31]

I love these high quality animated videos you make, they are very well explained and i've learned so much about coasters and flat rides because of this channel. Great video!

[@beowolf9480]

My home park has one of the safer slingshots and it's interesting because the spring box is visible, but you can't actually see it from the front of the ride because of trees, but it's still there and you can see it if you take the path behind the ride

[@Eggish3]

@@beowolf9480 which park is it?

[@kai84m]

Very interesting Video. I actually wasn't aware of those types of slingshots, although I noticed the huge spring box on Skyline Park in Bavaria, Germany.

[@assemblyrequired7342]

I actually prefer rides that includes the 5-point harness to the solid OTSR, as the former feel more secure. That is also why up to this very moment, I actually thought that the reverse bungee versions might have actually been safer, as they usually have the more form-fitting restraints, in addition to having a tendency to spin more aggressively. I've never experienced it myself, but I've seen videos. I had NO idea how much trouble that the elastic cables were, and always assumed that they happened occasionally on every type of model! Fortunately, I've been on three different Slingshots, and they were all Slinkies, as I like to call the metal cable versions, so I won't know what I'm missing too much.

[@engima2913]

ALWAYS love your videos! Great info

[@greenrhinoguy]

I didn't know that actual Slingshot rides were safe. Next time I see a Funtime Slingshot i'll be sure to check it out.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I love the smaller ones even more like the types in Family Kingdom, Steel Pier and Coney Island you feel the forces on those launches

[@assemblyrequired7342]

I noticed that on the Coney Island Slingshot, as you bounce between falling and springing back up, you can feel the forces push you in your seat. The nice thing about those versions is that they also have this nice padding, and you can feel the forces sink you into the cushioning.

[@altavrie]

I was falling down a rabbit hole watching a ton of your videos before I went to Elitch Gardens and this was one of them but anyway…. can confirm Elitch’s has the safe slingshot ride in case anyone was wondering.

[@christianortiz-v1l]

Aside from the accidents, these rides are actually very fun, I've done the ones in Icon Park, Daytona Beach, and Kissimmee.

[@robsonizoton]

Wow! I had NO idea these rides were different. Actually, I had no idea they were not the same at all.

[@ecossefairgroundphotograph1514]

Technical park rides suggest you change out the bungee cords after 1000 shots apparently

[@wendyjaa]

I really loved this one! I was just telling my family about why some slingshots are so dangerous!

[@coastermad13]

I know of a Springbox slingshot in Ingoldmells, Skegness in the UK that is semi permanent. However i just went to Goose fair in Nottingham and there were 2 Slingshots, both of the reverse bungee variety so I was like nope.

[@Sandy12395]

I’ve never been to goose fair instead I go to hull but yeah there are still 2 reverse bungees here

[@hollypowner8167]

I have always been terrified of the one in ingoldmells, it's nice to know I can try it.... By fantasy island right?

[@coastermad13]

@@hollypowner8167 Correct. On the other side of the road to Volcano. (Tbh that's a pretty good S&S skyshot. Although it's 50mph to 183ft instead of Blackpools 80mph to 210ft and both I believe on currently not operating)

[@tinytatertot299]

very good to know, and super interesting to learn about! Thanks!

[@EddieCauseWhyNot]

Never going on a reverse bungee because I don’t want it to snap, but I like slingshots and especially I love Funtime slingshots, I went on one a six flags great adventure that was great

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I’d try a Funtime model. Not a fan of rubber bands. I watched the spring box model at Elitch Gardens and seems pretty solid.

[@nuclear_seth]

Imagine that you would be the rider while the band snaps, that would be scarier then anything in the world

[@williamboyle8918]

Scarier than 40 Emus attacking you in a locked garage ?

[@boing7679]

I rode the springbox version at Geiselwind in germany once, can absolutely recommend!

[@itsthedude6155]

1:51 that had to hurt.

[@nightisright1873]

Action park had one of these

[@teddine7366]

Did they? I can't remember. I spent most of the time in water world or whatever they called it chasing down girls. What was that one thing called where ya swung down on a rope into a pool below? And the water was freezing. I love it when girls would lose their tops in that after hitting that ice cold water. hehehe. In my defence I was just another horny teenage boy back then. Your talking about the Action Park in Jersey? Right?

[@CoasterDave]

@@teddine7366 Yes, Action Park in New Jersey had one, it was called the Human Slingshot.

[@teddine7366]

@@CoasterDave THATS RIGHT!!!! Man that park was crazy. I think half of the kids working there were drunk or stoned or both. lol. I remember that stupid water slide with the loop in it. It looked so jerry rigged together once you got up close to it. Me and a friend of mine were suppose to both go down it. He went first and after he went it was a big fat hell no from me. He got F'd up pretty bad.

[@RoundShades]

Ah, good old class action park.

[@TreblePhoenix]

Sounds about right.

[@kkuudandere]

I like that I kind of knew the answer already from seeing the other video on this topic🤓but I didn't know about the loaded spring box, that's cool

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

Never really been much a fan of the thought of Bungee jumping, myself.. I *have* been on the spring version of this ride (at Cedar Point; fortunately someone was able to get me on and I didn't have to pay, and after having ridden it, that 💩 ain't worth 20 bucks..). While I wouldn't say it's an entirely unique write experience as you can get each aspect on several different types of rides, the concept of how it works is neat, and watching those springs go is also quite fascinating

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

Curious, was the slingshot at SFMM a Funtime one?

[@CoasterCollege]

@@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters yes

[@themeparkreel]

if you see them at a theme/amusement park there’s a 98% chance it will be a Funtime Slingshot

[@sebasllaura7254]

I know you did a Flat Ride Friday on the Tagada, but you should go more in depth as to how these rides are unsafe and dangerous.

[@Pyrobanane]

I find it really dunny that in the us where a lot of things that are dangerous and banned in Europe are legal but the tagada not even though here at least in austria and italy you can still ride these

[@Bxyzfnf]

hello!. Ray Cammack Shows has recently bought a slingshot. Guessing off of the spring box it has. Its made by funtime? i was scared due to the fact that reverse bungee rides are dangerous but i really want to ride rcs's slingshot.

[@d4m4s74]

Are the spring box slingshots transportable or are those only found in theme parks? So far I've only seen the reverse bungee ones.

[@pjw1993]

Portable Funtime versions definitely exist, but seem to be less common. Here in the UK the Technical Park models tend to be the ones I see most regularly, and luckily we don't seem to have many sketchy ones from no-name manufacturers.

[@TraceFoxo]

I have been in a slinghot like 5 times (also with Elastic bands)

[@billcook4768]

Always remember, all rides and designs are only as safe as the carnies who assemble, maintain and operate them. For the most part, carnies are extremely conscientious. But if something feels off about the people or park, give them a pass.

[@triple7marc]

I could’ve sworn you made a video about this already

[@Johnwicklover1994]

You may be thinking of the “What Really Happened” video that covers multiple slingshot incidents

[@triple7marc]

@@Johnwicklover1994 Yeah the video where he says exactly the same things as he does in this video 🤣 for the record, I love this channel. I'm just messing around but it is kinda funny that this is essentially the same video lol

[@thebe_stone]

somehow I've never been on any of these. they're always an upcharge, and I dont feel like paying that.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

You will enjoy these

[@boing7679]

I only ever rode the safer kind once in Geiselwind, Germany once, that one didn't have any upcharge, but a pretty long queue, I'd say it's worth up to 15$ upcharge

[@pineappleroad]

So theres a type of ride that you actually agree with my decision to avoid? (Faints)

[@Jake76667]

so what you’re saying is that the reverse bungee is less controlled and the normal bungee is more controlled

[@umbreonfan0369]

Nah, Will never go on one of these. Even looking at these things go is scary.

[@liamcollinson5695]

I feel like they are not safe i witnessed one snap on one side at my local fair on a packed night and people was horrified so the manufacturers can say they are safe but i will never ride one Again

[@KingRCT3]

The Technical Park version is called an Ejection Seat. And while it has has its fair share of accidents, it's a little weird for this channel to call them dangerous. I rode them multiple time and the launch is just insane. Then the bounces are annoying, but it's worth it for the launch alone. I also rode the Slingshot and those are good too, just not as intense. in the end, yeah I like safety more than a raw thrill, but I won't go as far and call them dangerous with such a huge warning.

[@OctoHedgy]

i think i might have ridden the dangerous one last summer whoopsies 😭

[@KermisJonguh]

reverse bungees are safe if the owners update the bands. Otherwise not

[@ChrisPkmn]

Do you have the ability to tell if the bands are replaced?

[@KermisJonguh]

@@ChrisPkmn i dont, owners should

[@justsomeone89]

I won't go on one myself. But the bungee cord type is safer than you tell here. The steel cable runs trough the bungee cords and is at is maximum length when the cord is stretched al the way. If you look closely at the footage, you can see that cable flopping. It is the reason the cage is a cage, it protects the riders. Therefore some models are equipped with a hook instead of a magnet, it will slide off the magnet if one cord fails. It will hurt. But you won't get smashed and squished into the tower. No riders have been significantly hurt in these incidents. If both cords break simultaneously, the cage cannot fly away or fall into the trailer or lower. The cables are too short for that. The restraints are mainly the 5point seatbelts. The over the shoulder restraint is just for redundancy, so if it's not secured correctly it is not that big of a deal for safety (but it feels scary if it happens) This is the case in both types. But the restrains are also their biggest failure point. The real danger in both types is that the cords or springs can be stretched without the riders secured into the cage. There is no fail safe for that... The only major accidents with these rides where from riders that where not secured in place (enough) when the cage went into the sky. Often due to a malfunction of the winches or inattentive operators. That has already happened to both types and not ended well for those riders unfortunately. All of them fell down to the ground and did not survive that. Often with their siblings or friends traumatized still sitting in the other seat... Interesting Fact: in Several country's it is the springbox-and cable(slingshot) type that is banned, and the elastic bungee cord models are allowed. I don't know the exact reason why that is but there are types that just run 1 cable to each side of the cage instead of 2. So there is no redundancy.

[@JEROEN_19]

Hmm, ofcourse more accidents happen with the elastic sling shot. But i think you also should look who are buildings these things, as you mentioned in the video. I only rode elastic sling shots from technical park in the Netherlands. They have very very very high safety standards here, they won't get away with cheap bands witch have really bad build quality, and yes, there is still a really small change of an accident, but that risk you should consider yourself, and i think that small risk is word it. Are the sling shots with steel cables safer, yes of course, but i think that a big thing is which safety standards your country has. Because i think those bad manufacturers won't come through the quality check from TUV.

[@dindog22]

don't be wearing a wig while riding one of these

[@ninjagirl226]

I don’t need to ride either. I also don’t need to ride the flying ride that my sister and dad did years ago.

[@Johnwicklover1994]

ok

[@OVERKILL_PINBALL]

Little did I know. Thanks!

[@regulusmasamuneryuku8657]

There was a ride accident in an episode of Fire Country. It is one of the stupidest things I've seen. In case you ever wanna react to poorly made TV ride accidents :3

[@tatertot4224]

Nothing is 100% safe dude.

[@Deeheeheee]

in short, third world countries.