Great Adventure Outpost

Industry => Industry News => Topic started by: Millennium Force 44 on April 09, 2007, 10:58:22 PM

Title: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on April 09, 2007, 10:58:22 PM

After riding both Kingda Ka and Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster, I thought about which coaster, although very similar, is more exciting. I guess since Kingda Ka is taller and faster, it is a more exciting experience. Kingda Ka's camelback also delivers a great amount of airtime. On the other hand, Top Thrill Dragster is more exhilarating since riders are only held in place with a simple lap bar, opposed to Kingda Ka's armstrap restraints. I also find Top Thrill Dragster to be a bit less rough on the launch.
What are your ideas about the two coasters?

The record breaking KINGDA KA
or
The original TOP THRILL DRAGSTER?

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: GADVwow on April 09, 2007, 11:01:05 PM

Although I dearly love Kingda Ka. have I missed something?

Airtime on the "camelback?"

I have ridden Kingda Ka many dozens of times, and have yet to experience anything after the vertical drop even resembling airtime.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: MForce23 on April 09, 2007, 11:10:45 PM

Quote from: GADVwow on April 09, 2007, 11:01:05 PM

Although I dearly love Kingda Ka. have I missed something?

Airtime on the "camelback?"

I have ridden Kingda Ka many dozens of times, and have yet to experience anything after the vertical drop even resembling airtime.

 I get airtime on the camelback.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: rjholla2003 on April 09, 2007, 11:29:13 PM

I've had some of my favorite airtime moments on Kingda Ka.  When it's running hot, you get lifted up out of your seat, and the braking gives you a sensation of gliding diagonally up and forward.  You end the ride seated in a completely different position.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: PcMan on April 09, 2007, 11:31:02 PM

Yes its floater air but its hard to feel it with the restraints.
To me the rides so fast and after the drop its hard to notice unless you think about it.  ::)

I think I got some air over the Top while in the 2nd row this year  :)

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Dubya91 on April 09, 2007, 11:32:00 PM

The Camelback has Airtime!? What!? Jimmity Christmas, Get the President on the phone ASAP and scramble the F-16s!

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: rjholla2003 on April 09, 2007, 11:56:46 PM

After 40 rides in a day, you get about every personality the coaster can throw at you.  It's like a bell curve.  There's a minority of the rides where it's running cold.  Those rides you get no airtime at all.  It also features a launch that pulses 3-5 times throughout it's duration.  Then there's the middle ground.  Most of the time it's warming up, delivering some floater air over the tophat, and a little bit of floater air over the hill.  It also features 0-2 pulses during the launch.  The other minority is when it's running hot.  You get a solid, very powerful launch when it's running like this.  The airtime is almost Storm Runner-ish on the tophat, which IMO is pure bliss.  The hill provides some very nice airtime, and the brakes provide the aforementioned "diagonal airtime" phenomenon.  This personality is what I personally refer to as "Ka the BEAST!"

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: coastersue on April 10, 2007, 09:31:02 AM

In this case, I would take Top Thrill Dragster.  I'm not a fan of the Intamin OSTR's so having the lap bars is a definite advantage.  I also think TTD gives a smoother ride and a better view.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: WadeJ on April 10, 2007, 10:06:58 AM

I'm sorry to say but at this point, I think I prefer TTD as well.  I love the interaction with the midway, which somehow, CP doesn't feel is dangerous whilie we can't even walk through our queue any more.  I also prefer the lapbar vs. the OTSR as well.

However, I really like Ka's station and overall theme better along with the return camel.  Simple things like reopening the observation deck for the launch and having some sort of countdown with maybe a tiger roar on launch (since the horn was axed by neighbors) would add some of that excitement back that Ka seems to be missing.

But for now in its current form, I'd have to go with TTD.

And yes, for some reason, Kingda Ka is MUCH rougher than TTD. :(

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: coastermom on April 10, 2007, 10:40:51 AM

I also have to say TTD is better for these reasons :

KK had the OTSR which I am NOT a big fan of .

KK is rougher then TTD and TTD has a better feeling the area around the ride is so exciting and the viewing area is there as well as is the count down to launch. All these small things make TTD  more "Thrilling" for lack of a better word .

And what ever happend to the tiger roar anyway is that too loud too??

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: rjholla2003 on April 10, 2007, 11:36:41 AM

There never was a tiger roar, only the horn.  I always thought there should have been a tiger roar with the launch.  My only real wish right now is that either NJ relaxes the measures that need to be taken to use the real queue (which is AMAZING), or that SFI puts out the necessary funds to make the modifications needed, AND make it look as good as everything else.

As far as Kingda Ka not interacting with the park, that does indeed suck.  A centerpiece like that should be able to tower directly over it's patrons and make you beg for mercy.  It looks way less imposing than it really is because of it's location.  If I were ever to get my hands on Great Adventure in my professional career, I've got a plan for that.  Muah-ha-ha!

-rj "I'm keeping that idea in the bank" holla 2003

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: coastermom on April 10, 2007, 01:09:37 PM

I know there was never a tiger roar but weren't they working on it? or thinking about it at one time?

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: WadeJ on April 10, 2007, 01:54:40 PM

You might have been recalling one of our tours where we suggested they add something like that after being told why the horn stopped.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Dubya91 on April 10, 2007, 03:45:13 PM

Nothing beats the view of Millie when your crawling over TTD's tophat

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: SilverBullet on April 10, 2007, 04:30:59 PM

I'm a Intamin OTSR fanboy.

Best OTSR ever.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: ChuckR on April 10, 2007, 05:28:13 PM

I don't know, I only ridden TTD once and I have ridden Ka over ninety times now. When I rode TTD, it just felt so short compared to Ka and I didn't get that WOW factor like I did on Ka.

Oh well, I'll see how TTD is in June when I go there for Coastermania.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on April 10, 2007, 06:44:17 PM

Whatever happened to Kingda Ka's horn? Also, I never got on Kingda Ka when the original queue was up, but why did that go?

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: SilverBullet on April 10, 2007, 06:54:24 PM

The horn was removed due to neighbors of the park that complained of the noise.

The old queue was removed due to the accident it had its first year and the state said it can't open again.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: coastermom on April 10, 2007, 06:57:07 PM

Quote from: WadeJ on April 10, 2007, 01:54:40 PM

You might have been recalling one of our tours where we suggested they add something like that after being told why the horn stopped.


Yeah that may be it . I still think they need it . It makes the sitting there waiting for it to go a little more exciting .

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on April 10, 2007, 07:11:47 PM

What accident with the queue?

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: rjholla2003 on April 10, 2007, 07:24:38 PM

http://themeparks.about.com/od/sixflagsarticles/a/KingdaMalfuncti.htm

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: lore1991 on May 26, 2007, 08:16:18 AM

I prefer KKA to TTD for the most powerful throw, the height, the spiral and because it's more intense than TTD... but from TTD you can see a great landscape and you can experience more freedom sense... however I love both ;D ;)

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Bubba Z on April 04, 2009, 10:07:41 AM

 Wow , I never answered this......TTD wins over KK!   Lap Bar,  View and it doesn't shake as bad.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: overlord on April 04, 2009, 03:36:32 PM

Way to bump an old topic! :P I have to say in general, Lap Bar Rocket coasters are so much better then Horse Collar Rocket coasters.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Bubba Z on April 04, 2009, 09:57:49 PM

^ I had to redirect a new  question to  an old thread.  Then I realized I never answered the question  to begin with.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: AV Matt on April 05, 2009, 12:29:30 AM

Without a doubt, Dragster is better.

I have only ridden it about 5 times and only ever ridden Ka twice, but I can honestly say that the only part of Ka I enjoyed was the surprise boost of airtime at the end on my first ride in 2006. I don't remember feeling it when I finally rode it again last year. On the other hand, I've greatly enjoyed everything about Dragster except some problems with seat belts being too short for me to get buckled.

And speaking of that, I have to acknowledge that Ka's restraints are super easy for me to lock, but the stupid OTSR ruins the freedom of movement and view, not too mention jabs me in the neck as the train shuffles during the entire ride. Dragster has none of that nonsense.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: nitrorox1414 on August 16, 2009, 11:47:17 PM

I have never been on ttd so kk it is for me. ;D

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: dkny6363 on August 17, 2009, 01:11:33 AM

TTD wins by DQ.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: nitrorox1414 on August 17, 2009, 07:49:42 AM

Quote from: dkny6363 on August 17, 2009, 01:11:33 AM

TTD wins by DQ.

Hahahaha

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: dkny6363 on August 18, 2009, 12:09:41 AM

Anyone like storm runner with these 2 rides.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: rjholla2003 on August 18, 2009, 01:12:13 AM

Storm Runner > Kingda Ka. :)

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: overlord on August 18, 2009, 01:44:40 AM

Xcelerator > Kingda Ka

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on August 18, 2009, 02:52:39 AM

I would certainly pick Dragster over Ka anyday of the week. Ka is, quite honestly, my least favorite launched coaster (not just Intamin Hydro-Launches either) that I've been on. Sure it's intense, but the teeth rattling, the harnesses, the downtime, all add up to my least favorite launched coaster. Xcelerator on the other hand... :)

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: dkny6363 on August 19, 2009, 12:06:58 AM

I think Storm runner is under rated. The launch is obviously no-where near the other 2. But it is still a powerfull one. After the launch its a really fun ride. It's also very unique.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Fjask on August 21, 2009, 11:04:34 AM

^ Storm Runners launch actually has almost the same amount of acceleration as Kingda Ka has.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Dubya91 on August 21, 2009, 01:03:25 PM

^ I think its actually a touch more intense!

Storm Runner>TTD>KK

TTD wins this one for a few reasons, first of all, the view is amazing seeing MF right there BELOW YOU and then the lake, thats really cool.

-Next the harnesses, the lapbars are so much more comfortable and easier then KK's and also for freedom and no beat downs

-I like the system, i hate the switch station because I think it overcomplicates a simple system thats already complex enough

-TTD's launch is shorter but more intense, you dont get the pulsing that you do with KK because it has only a short space to reach X speed

-TTD's theme makes more sense for the ride it is, going extremely fast and racing go hand and hand, when i think of fast animals i dont think of a tiger so much

-KK has height and speed on TTD which is really awesome, I also find the colors easy on the eyes, now if they lit it up incredible at night like CP does, you can definitely argue for KK

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Steve on August 21, 2009, 08:38:54 PM

Maybe we should bring back the spot light on the picnic table.

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: dkny6363 on August 22, 2009, 01:52:39 AM

Quote from: RobbW on August 21, 2009, 01:03:25 PM

^ I think its actually a touch more intense!

Storm Runner>TTD>KK

TTD wins this one for a few reasons, first of all, the view is amazing seeing MF right there BELOW YOU and then the lake, thats really cool.

-Next the harnesses, the lapbars are so much more comfortable and easier then KK's and also for freedom and no beat downs

-I like the system, i hate the switch station because I think it overcomplicates a simple system thats already complex enough

-TTD's launch is shorter but more intense, you dont get the pulsing that you do with KK because it has only a short space to reach X speed

-TTD's theme makes more sense for the ride it is, going extremely fast and racing go hand and hand, when i think of fast animals i dont think of a tiger so much

-KK has height and speed on TTD which is really awesome, I also find the colors easy on the eyes, now if they lit it up incredible at night like CP does, you can definitely argue for KK

^well said

Title: Re: Kingda Ka Vs Top Thrill Dragster
Post by: Dubya91 on August 22, 2009, 04:14:23 AM

Quote from: Steve on August 21, 2009, 08:38:54 PM

Maybe we should bring back the spot light on the picnic table.

Telling you dude, then you add some smoke and maybe even some strobe action