The Dip Before Raging Bull's 1st Drop - Other Coasters?

[ChiGuy]

What other mega/giga coasters have this? I know some folks were confused by it or considered it a bad thing because it reduces the real first drop height, but I think it's a really good feature. When you sit in the first few rows of other coasters, they take forever to build momentum (assuming a slow lift hill) -- sometimes when you drop, you don't get decent airtime until like halfway down the drop! The mini-plateau at the top serves to boost you down the hill quicker and makes for an exceptionally crazy backseat experience.

Compared to other coasters (even taller ones) in its class, it's noticeable how RB packs more of a first hill drop thrill because of their decision to include that into the design. So my question is, is RB one-of-a-kind when it comes to that? What other coasters have this? I'm guessing the perception was that it was a mistake since I haven't seen B&M continuing in this design direction in their newer coasters. Was it because it's not pleasing to the eye? Or maybe because lift chains ascend quicker these days thus eliminating the need for the added boost at the top of the hill?

Jason

[scottm13]

Its purpose was to relieve tension on the lift chain. Newer technology has negated the need for this which is why newer B&M's dont have them.

[ChiGuy]

Ah, I see. Well I have always liked the added suspense that I think it brings right before the drop. So no other mega or giga coasters have this then? If so I consider our park lucky to have gotten this first generation "feature" which was in reality a functional/mechanical requirement at the time.

[TwistedSTEEL666]

There were other pre-2000 B&M coasters which featured the dip. Not just the hyper type of coaster.
Iron Wolf, Batman The Ride, Kumba, Raptor, Mantis, Alpengeist, Montu, Chang, Riddler's Revenge, Apollo's Chariot, Kraken, Talon, Scream!, and others.
There were a few coasters after 2000 that still had the dip, but newer technology didn't require it anymore.

[BBH]

Apollo's Chariot is the only other hyper to have it, and the straight section after the pre drop is much longer than Bull's.


Posted while reading your mind.