Raptor rougher this year?

Last year I rode Raptor for the very first time. I loved the ride. It was very smooth and it felt like I was flying. This year I rode it and did NOT have the same experience. The ride was very rough. My head kept on banging back and forth on the seat. Through the loop and the cobra rolls I felt myself pushed forward.

My boyfriend said that the reason the ride was not as rough last year was because we rode it some time after it had been raining so they had to use the breaks more. This year it wasn't raining, so he says "it was faster...that is why it was rougher."

It was my second time riding the coaster. Is Raptor always this rough, and I just got lucky the first time? Or is it usually a lot smoother?

I don't think I've ever had a rough ride on Raptor. The only rough part after the helix at the end when the ride slows down and its easy to wack your head on the shoulder restraint.

The only time I ever notice a difference on Raptor is when the trains are nearly empty. Most of the B&M's seem to have a tiny bit of a shuffle to them when when there are less riders.

Let me ask you a question Jesz, was there any space between you and the OTSR? (over the shoulder restraint)
Raptor can be harsh on the cobra roll and that turn right before the final brake run and if there is a space between you and the OTSR, then that can make those turns allot worse. So here's my advise, next time you ride Raptor, make sure that you pull the OTSR as far down as you can (make sure that there's hardly a space between you and the restraint). And on the spots during the ride that you felt were most rough, push youself against the seat really hard (A.K.A. bracing yourself).
And your boyfriend was right about the rain. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong but the water reduces friction, causing the ride to move faster (not much) through its layout.

I found Raptor to be a little bumpy my last trip.

Raptor is running better than I've ever felt it (well, since about 1996 or so). It's running fast and smoothly.

IMO it's running more smoothly than last year.

Raptor rough? LOL, good one man!

Raptor's never been "rough" per-say... but it was giving some pretty good headbanging last season. The difference between this year and last is about the difference you see when you get a new set of shocks put on your car. You don't feel quite as jerked around even though your'e still driving through the same potholes.

Maybe you were sitting near the front the first time and towards the back the second time... I always thought towards the rear of the train the ride may be a bit more rough.

Well, I've actually made a bit of an observation that came to mind just now.

Four years ago, I was about 5'6". I rode Raptor and it was very smooth. Now I'm 6'1" and the ride seems a lot rougher period. It could be your size and how the ride is designed with your heart as the CoG. Obviously, a tall person's heart is higher than what they designed it for. This may cause a difference.

Other made the referance to how the OTSR's fit. I think this is true too. Where your head is can make a big difference.

Thank God my head is up my arse or I'd be dead!

MrScott

The ride seems faster this year to me. On June 22 I swear the ride was wild. It felt like we were whipping around every element (that's even with the trims on half way through).

Back is significantly rougher than front or middle. Because your being pulled faster through the elements than the front or middle.

But I love the very back row, very right side. I love the whipping effect as you leave the first drop.

The two corkscrews really hurt my head, and the last turn into the brakes killed.

I think it is very smooth. Go ride Mantis then tell me the Raptor is rough.

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Cory Marshall

Yep, we were sitting in the back. That is what it was. Thanks guys. Now I know that I DO like the Raptor still. lol. and I can ride it next time in the front or middle and feel like I am "flying" again.

You can close this if you want now Jeff.

I think Raptor is running better this year. It seems like it was almost faster, and I could see how there could be more headbanging for some people. It felt like glass though after riding Mantis.

That final turn makes the worst final element of any ride. You're so pumped up that you've just about finished riding a ride you've been wanting to go on all summer then BANG, your head slams into the restrant and it's an instant headache. If you watch Silver Bullet you'll notice B&M put a smooth transition into the brakerun. It's the only design flaw in Raptor.

Jesz said:
Yep, we were sitting in the back. That is what it was. Thanks guys. Now I know that I DO like the Raptor still. lol. and I can ride it next time in the front or middle and feel like I am "flying" again.

You can close this if you want now Jeff.

If you want your best ride ever on Raptor wait for the front seat. The difference is almost as clear as night and day; you have near misses with the supports and other structures.

I still do not know why B&M puts those sharp transitions into the brakeruns on many of their coasters. I am going to Knott's Berry Farm in about 3 weeks, so I will now be able to ride another Intamin Rocket coaster and another B&M invert. I do think that the transition on Silver Bullet is less of a "Bang", also.