This Arrow
Dynamics steel looping coaster has been operating since 1980 and I would be
tempted to say that it’s showing its age were it not for the fact that I didn’t
ride it 35 years ago and therefore have no basis for comparison.
Seating two
across in 14 rows for a total capacity of 28 riders, the train turns left from
the loading station and ascends a 95-foot lift hill before making another left
turn and descending 65 feet. It then
travels through two consecutive vertical loops, traverses a small hill, turns
and sends the riders through two consecutive corkscrews. This
is followed by a short helix and brake run.
And that’s all she wrote.
The layout
of the track is actually pretty good. I
liked the fact that the two loops came up one right after the other, with no
break in the action, as did the corkscrews.
What I didn’t like was the roughness of the ride. The loops were fine but the corkscrews were
another story altogether. I found myself
getting banged up – on the elbows - during these two elements. At least it’s not a headbanger.
Carolina
Cyclone can be appreciated for what it is:
a mostly enjoyable coaster offering moderate thrills. 2 ½ out of 5 stars. For more information about rides
at Carowinds, visit https://www.carowinds.com/
