While browsing a fan site recently, I came across a great looking, extremely unique flat. It looked like a cross between a para trooper, Huss Enterprise and Chance Chaos. I'm not even going to try and describe the exact motion of the ride here, however, you are free to view the video of said ride in this YouTube video. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyFhaJTAhqc Thanks to Awesomefaceninja7 over on the TPR forums for posting According to ejot on Theme Park Review, the ride is called Time Machine, and located at Adventure Island, a small park in the UK. Impressively, the ride was built in-house by the park, and to quote ejot, was "an ambitious project and awesome accomplishment for a small, community park". Pretty damn impressive if you ask me! So, this brings me to the main topic of my post... favorite flats. Too often in my opinion, rare, unique rides like the Time Machine, and many times, flats in general, are overlooked by enthusiasts. Many seem to be considered too mild compared to coasters at big parks, or, as is usually the case on the carnival circuit, too intense. While I've personally experienced my share of bad, overly tame or over the top crazy flats, I can say with confidence that I've experienced far more quality rides. So, without any further adue, here's my top 5 flats: 5. Tilt-a-Whirl - A classic ride, the Tilt-a-Whirl may not be as big, modern or intense as some flats on this list, however, the fact you can ride in groups (3-4 people per pod), coupled with the intense spins on a good cycle, make this ride great in my book. It's also worth noting the random nature of the cycles and ride experience; it's something I love about many flat rides, and provides a lot of re-rideability. 4. Mondial Topscan - The Topscan seems to have a reputation for being very intense in the enthusiast community, and, from what I've experienced, the hype is real... Almost too real. I'd place the ride a little higher on the list if it weren't for the uncomfortable restraints/seat design. Being a smaller guy, on intense cycles, I'll occasionally bounce around the seat, which isn't the most enjoyable experience. Despite its shortcomings, however, the ride most deffinetly deserves a place in my top 5, for its randomness/re rideability, as well as its sheer intensity. 3. KMG Freakout - The KMG Freakout is one of those rides that strikes a near perfect balance between fun and intensity. The inward facing seats allow everyone on the ride to see each other (great if you're riding in a large group), as well as allowing for a cool "pushed into your seat sensation when the "claw" mechanism spins faster (something other pendulum rides, ie. giant frisbees, don't provide). Combine this with the massive pendulum arc, and you've got one hell of a ride! As an added bonus, the KMG restraints fit me near perfectly, unlike those made by another Dutch company (I'm looking at you Mondial). I look forward to trying the Fireball and XXL versions offered by KMG in the future, as well as the various knock offs. 2. Intamin 2nd Gen Drop Towers - While these rides undoubtedly have the shortest cycle of any flat on this list, and may not even be considered flats by some enthusiasts (mainly the ones who are too chicken to ride), there's no denying how great these rides are. Providing great views on the way up, and an odd, yet crazy fun mix of floater/weak ejector airtime on the way down. To cap it all off, the falling feeling seems to last forever , giving you just enough time to process what's happening, and then give you that "shouldn't we be slowing down by now?" Feeling. As a bonus, the tower at my home park, Canada's Wonderland, is located directly across from Leviathan, meaning the ride's a guaranteed walk on nearly every time I visit. 1. Chance Zipper - Saving the best for last, I chose the ride that has it all! Intense forces, great re rideability due to the random nature of the ride, even a little airtime thrown in for good measure; the list goes on and on! While the zipper isn't the sleekest, most modern ride on the midway, it more than makes up for its appearance and sketchy reputation with an unparalleled ride experience. That concludes my top 5 list. I hope everyone enjoyed the read, and remember, if you want to chime in on the discussion, or add your own list, feel free! Feedback is greatly appreciated!
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