I had so many expectations for Storm Runner, and while it was a very good ride, few of my expectations were fully met. To start off with, this was my first Intamin Rocket coaster, and my 48th overall coaster. At the time, the only two Intamin coasters I had been on (Volcano and SROS) were clear cut 1-2 in my top 10, so of course I would be excited here. Storm Runner easily looks like the most well-rounded rocket coaster to date, (unless you consider Baco to be "to date" and it was four years more modern than either of my favorite coasters. Plus, almost every review I have read says it blows Volcano away, and it could indeed be the worlds best rocket coaster.
So, at the end of the day, Storm Runner was good, but had me wanting a bit more. The disclaimer here is I only rode it once. I really wish I would have ridden it again, as I tend to appreciate coasters more after re-rides, but considering they were only running one train and I was with my family, there just wasnt an opportunity. However, I am brave enough to say this ride was a bit of a let-down, because when I ride a truly amazing coaster, I am blown away on the first ride, and I wasnt quite blown away here.
The launch was great, but not amazing. It definitely cant touch Hypersonics acceleration, and maybe even Volcano has it beat, because of the sustained speed you get with Volcano. The top hat was okay, but not great as well. I am not really a fan of "crawling" over anything on a fast-paced coaster, no matter how great the view is. Thats probably why I dont like the crest of the vertical hills on Hypersonic and Storm Runner. Also, I got no airtime on top, probably due to the funky restraints. I actually liked the restraints, because they were fairly comfortable, even for a 6-3 person, but I think they prevented airtime on TOP of the top hat. Now, the way down the top hat was a different story! Lots of weird floater airtime was to be had there, and was one of the better parts of the ride.
The sidewinder was okay, but nothing really got me. No great forces and really just not a memorable inversion. Now, for the rides saving grace, the flying snake dive! (Or as I like to call it, a double zero-g roll that is exited up-side-down) That was just an unbelievable moment I wasnt ready for at all. It was so intense and really, double the fun! One unbelievable element right after the other. Storm Runners flying snake dive is definitely one of my favorite inversions, and certainly my favorite "modern" inversion, with only Schwarzkopf loops toping it.
Then the ride does a very cool twist, but it seems to look better than it actually is. I know that was a long review, but I thought the ride was too short. Launch, top hat, sidewinder, flying snake dive, twist, and brakes. It would have been amazing, had something other than the flying snake dive been outstanding. Basically it was a good launch, good tophat, good sidewinder, outstanding double zero-g roll, and good twist. A bunch of good, and one thing great.
Dont get me wrong, it is a great ride, and perhaps with another ride, I will be able to fully appreciate it. However, as of right now, I think its slightly overrated and definitely not the best ride at Hersheypark. And if this truly is Intamins best rocket coaster, then I am going to have to seriously rethink my grand fanboyism of the company!
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