This Vekoma boomerang has been operating since
1991. With 7 cars seating 2 across in 2
rows for a total capacity of 28 riders, the train is pulled up a 116-foot catch
car lift hill before being released and propelled through the loading station
and up into a cobra roll followed up a vertical loop. It then ascends a second lift hill and goes
through the course in reverse.
As all Vekoma boomerangs feature the same three
inversions, I can’t say that this one is in any way novel or remarkable. What I can say is that whereas I would have
expected a coaster of this vintage to be rough, the ride was much smoother than
anticipated. Also the soft restraints
were welcome although a bit heavy. And at 5.2 the maximum G-force is pretty
good. Sidewinder offers an enjoyable
enough ride. 2 ½ out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at
Hersheypark, visit www.hersheypark.com