Intensity Ratings- is it time for a change?

I've often wondered why Amusement Parks haven't changed to a broader scale for the intensity ratings, or "thrill level" ratings.

It's a 1-5 category, which means that often, tame rides that were intense when made, are sitting at a 5, next to things like TTD or MF.

i'd love to see the whole Amusement Park rating system go to a more reliable 1-10. I mean, no way should the Top Thrill Dragster be on par with the Corkscrew. Corkscrew is great and all, but to have the highest level rating against new mega & giga coasters?

If a 1-10 scale was implemented, it would give a much more accurate scale of how intense a ride is compared to other rides.

i think it should be 1-10 on a variety of levels, intensity, excitement, comfortability, safety, etc.
*** Edited 4/21/2007 3:36:56 PM UTC by maXaiRaptor***

I almost don't think they are necessary at all. I don't know anyone, even people new to amusement parks, who go saying "I'll only ride rides with an intensity rating of.... or below". The best way for people to tell how intense it is is just to look at it. For some people, spinning rides are too intense where as TTD is fine. Other people are the opposite. Since its really all up to them, I think looking at the ride is just the best course of action.

I think Gilly has a point. Maybe the whole industry should adopt a ride rating system. Then again ANY system would be subjective.

We should definately adopt the RCT rating system ;)

-giggles- I like making my park goers puke in RCT.

Even RCT's has it's downfalls, just as in real life the balance between excitement and intensity can be quite delicate. I have no idea how many rides I've made that look to be okay and end up with about 2 excitement, 12 intensity and 15 nausea. Can be quite frustrating.

Like Hopman said, intesnsity is so subjective it would be hard to create an accurate system. Even if there was a system there would have to be different categories for flat rides vs. roller coasters (in my opinion).

Well, what if they calibrate crash test dummies w/ accelermoeters and such in order create a base line?

let's say, a carusel, for instance would be about 3-4 and a car ride (the ones that run on a track) are about a 1-2, for starters.