Mantis Future

Shawn Meyer said:
I think in order to do this, they would have to replace the track as well as the trains.=

Why would they need to replace the track? I think the only modifications they would have to make is new trains, and the station would have to have to be modified with the boarding system that floorless coasters have. It was done on Sheikra, so it is possible for it happen to Mantis. However I don't think it is likely.

I'll start out by saying that I absolutely love the first drop, and the first loop of mantis. After that, however, It's not my favorite. The biggest issue with it I have is how bad it hurts my legs. It's like the blood rushes right down to my feet and creates this intense and very painful feeling.

Every stand up coaster does this to me, and I can't help but dislike them for it.

Does anyone know how to reduce the pressure on Mantis? The ride has a cool layout but the only thing that is keeping me from enjoying it is the insane amount of pressure being put on my legs.

A trick that I use--though more for protection of another part of the anatomy than legs--is to slouch a little when it comes time for the seat to lock. This provides a bit extra play under your hips and gives you more individual control during the ride.

Picklesthedrummer said:

Shawn Meyer said:
I think in order to do this, they would have to replace the track as well as the trains.=

Why would they need to replace the track? I think the only modifications they would have to make is new trains, and the station would have to have to be modified with the boarding system that floorless coasters have. It was done on Sheikra, so it is possible for it happen to Mantis. However I don't think it is likely.

The track would have to be reworked as well as portions of the ride. Inversions and the pressure of the ride is designed to go around the heartline of a human. When you're standing, your heartline is in a different place than when you are sitting.

CedarPointTaylor said:
Does anyone know how to reduce the pressure on Mantis? The ride has a cool layout but the only thing that is keeping me from enjoying it is the insane amount of pressure being put on my legs.

Me too. On Raptor I squeeze my legs, fet, and sometimes stomach muscles and I don't feel that sensation. But I've never tried it on Mantis and with being in a standing position I'm not sure whether that trick would work or not. And I'm not too keen on trying it since I don't want to get on it and have that trick not work.

I think there are three schools of thought here. Coaster riders who don't like Mantis' intensity, coaster enthusiats who were turned off of this ride when the trim brakes were installed on the drop (me), and people who generally like the ride as is.

I would love for Cedar Fair to change the trains. Floorless trains might be difficult because of changes to the station, but regular sit-down cars like those on Kumba at BG Tampa would probably work. They could get rid of the brakes on the hill (maybe they would need to add supports in some places to do this) and it would give CP a traditional sit-down looper.

What about other coasters? What other changes would people like to see?

My ideas:

1) Redesign the entrance to Magnum's pretzel turn. The track leans to the left and smoother entrance could easily be installed. They could use Morgan Manufacturing (Phantom's Revenge) for the track.

2) If the trim brakes are necessary on Magnum, make them magnetic.

4) See if a redesign of Iron Dragon's trains is possible. Perhaps S&S Arrow could come up with new trains so the ride is not so jerky. It feels like the train expands and contracts during the ride Perhaps shortening the length of the train could help with this and could be compensated for by adding a third train.

Cedar Fair can go a long way towards improving the park experience by improving some of the ride experiences. Why not dedicate a few million dollars towards making existing rides better?

I think Corkscrew is WAAAYYYYY worse! It has become SO rough! I know it's iconic, and it's a staple to see it wrap around the midway, but I would be happy to see that go!!! Anyone else agree?

Nope.

KoasterKrazy said:
I think Corkscrew is WAAAYYYYY worse! It has become SO rough! I know it's iconic, and it's a staple to see it wrap around the midway, but I would be happy to see that go!!! Anyone else agree?

Corkscrew and Mantis are the only 2 rides in the park that I pass on every time.

I haven't ridden Corkscrew in ages, partially because it's rough, but mostly because it's just not a very exciting, interesting or fun ride.

And while I'd be bummed to see the corks missing from the midway, I wouldn't be entirely disappointed to see the ride go.

SuperSonicGoalie said:
Why not dedicate a few million dollars towards making existing rides better?

Because you can buy brand new rides for a few million dollars?

^ Don't forget WildCat!

I have heard rumors not only on here, but from employees at the park that Mantis could be converted into a floorless coaster one day. I don't know how much of that too believe, but it does seem like it could be a possibility.

djDaemon said:
I haven't ridden Corkscrew in ages, partially because it's rough, but mostly because it's just not a very exciting, interesting or fun ride.

And while I'd be bummed to see the corks missing from the midway, I wouldn't be entirely disappointed to see the ride go.

It's not as rough if you sit in the front seat. It also gives you some unexpected airtime as well.

Hi! I have been reading but not posting for a bit! Missed everyone! Been busy at Cedar Point! have a love/hate relationship with Mantis! There are times I ride it and love it, other times not feeling the love! I do love the layout, but I wish it would have the floorless cars....I still wish they would have put Dominator or one like it at CedarPoint!! Just a thought!

Does anyone get airtime on Mantis? I don't. Maybe it's just because of the trains.

SSL488 said:
It's not as rough if you sit in the front seat. It also gives you some unexpected airtime as well.

Yes, and if you don't sit above an axle on a certain train on MS, during a particular time day on the summer equinox, while playing a banjo, I hear the ride isn't that rough either.

;)

Point being, if avoiding a ride's negative characteristics ride requires certain esoteric knowledge, it's not a very good ride.

If they tore down Corkscrew I'm sure they could come up with a way for a new coaster to interact with the midway even if they had to do some groundwork to move the midway around a little. A nice overbanked turnaround right over the midway (like the one on MF that is almost inverted), a loop over it, or even a corkscrew over it. But if they tear it down and do nothing over the midway, I'd be dissapointed.

Front train fixes almost everything....except Mantis. I like Maverick 100x's more in the front (less headbanging), its worth the wait. Magnum doesn't hurt my legs in the front and its a lot more fun. The rough rides smooth out in the front a little.

Maybe Project 2013 will interact with the midway.

djDaemon said:

SSL488 said:
It's not as rough if you sit in the front seat. It also gives you some unexpected airtime as well.

Yes, and if you don't sit above an axle on a certain train on MS, during a particular time day on the summer equinox, while playing a banjo, I hear the ride isn't that rough either.

;)

Point being, if avoiding a ride's negative characteristics ride requires certain esoteric knowledge, it's not a very good ride.

This quote makes me laugh hahaha.

How do you feel about Maverick? I love the ride, but if you don't know how to handle it or where to sit, it beats the heck out of you. Guess I'll have to go on the first day of summer next year and get a banjo.

Wait, Mean Streak will never have a non-rough ride then...there is no such thing as the Summer Equinox.