In my relatively short tenure as a coaster dork this has been one of my most sought after credits from nearly the beginning. The Phoenixs reputation among enthusiasts seems mythical, almost to the level to which the Cyclone is elevated. And I had little reason to doubt the praise.
Im an airtime (Substance A, henceforth) junkie. Speed, directional changes, the out-of-control sensation, et al are all great, but ultimately Im in this for the negative-g experience. I think this also applies to a healthy number of fellow "out-of-town roller coaster weirdos". The Phoenix simply has Substance A in spades. There is not one dead hill. Each hill dishes out an ACE-gravy-buffet-worthy fix of precious Substance A. And the needle doesnt fall out of your arm until you bounce back into the station, cozily elated from one of the best coaster experiences known to Homo sapiens.
The particular variety of Substance A that the Phoenix is pushing is not of the same amped-up vein that the insane Mexican newcomer over in that South Jersey swamp peddles. But it is quality, pure and unstepped on, just the same. The Phoenix could be described as a "giggle machine", as the experience seems tuned in such a fashion to deliver uncontrollable laugher. What more could relatively self-respecting Substance A addict ask for?
On a more serious note, I have nothing but praise to the Knoebel family for resurrecting this gem. The love and care that they inject into this classic is nothing short of commendable. And further hats off to them for running this ride properly; with buzzbars and no seatbelts.
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