restrainsts

The lap (T) bars are considerably better than most other restraints because they have a very reliable locking system. Not like other restraints that, when you push down to secure them, almost always leave a gap between you and it. That's why I love Dragster's and MF's T-bars because once you have them in a comfortable position, they stay there and don't move one inch. I feel most safe in T-bars than anything.

Don’t get me wrong, I'm sure there are some other equally good reliable restraints out there as well.

Its not because they are t-bars but because they are hydraulic rather than ratcheting. A ratcheting system is a "digital" system, you are either at 1 or 2 or 3, there is no in between. The hydraulics allow a custom "analog" fit which is a lot nicer.

The T-bars are pretty comfortable, but I guess certian other types of restraints would also be allot more comfortable if they were to integrade hydraulic restraints.

Quick question: Don't Intamins OTSR's use hydraulics as well...or do they use something different?

I believe WT uses hydraulics. I don't remember though. I think Magnum would be a prime candidate for hydraulic lapbars. With all the airtime on that, a custom tightened bar would be very much appreciated. As it is, I'm usually relying on the seatbelt because I've got an inch or so of separation from the bar unless the op staples it, then I've got like negative space and its pretty uncomfortable.

since we're now sorta off-topic, i've been wanting to bring up the "new" s&s OTSR's. has anyone experienced those? from the pictures i've seen, it looks like there is some sort of t-bar part and then a separate shoulder part that comes straight down like on mantis (just refering to the up/down motion) and rest right on your shoulders.

in concept, they look really comfortable. anyone experience them in real life?

Juggalotus, No! Don't give them anymore stupid ideas about ruining rides with new restraint set-ups, especially Magnum. Blue Streak was bad enough, but you want them to destroy Maggie too? There would be boycotts I tell you, boycotts!

If they completely re-did the system (and put OTSR's on) then yeah, that would be bad. But replacing the ratchet system with a hydraulic system wouldn't be such a bad thing. Same setup, just better (at least I would think so because I would actually have a lapbar that worked)

I'm a huge fan of the hydraulic restraints on Intamin rides as well. The ratcheting ones are just horrible. For me, one of the best parts about MF and TTD are the restraints and "open" feel of the cars. No other coasters at CP have that feel to them.

Leave magnum alone.

When I rode Blue Streak last time the lap bar wasn't down nearly enough. I am one to have my hands up the whole time throughout the ride but I couldn't because there was so much painful movement I had to hold myself down. Hydraulic restraints are the way to go.

Aww, the airtime and slamming against the lapbars is what makes that ride fun. I'm always proud of my bruises I get from riding Blue Streak. But I do love the Intamin T-bar, because it is one of the most open restraint systems, along with the very open Intamin trains.

I agree with Jugg about Magnum. A new hydraulic system for the restraints wouldn’t be a bad idea but I also have to agree with CP_bound and bholcomb. Magnum is a landmark and it really shouldn’t go through any drastic changes unless it's completely necessary.
Plus wouldn’t the trains have to go through a big change (complete overhaul) if they were to house hydraulic locking systems. Or can the hydraulics fit in a relatively small space.

But even then, so much more would have to be done to Magnum to use hydraulics so maybe, for now, it's just a good thought.

Everything we talk about on here is "just a good thought!" It's not like CP would make a change like that unless they were forced to. But, its fun to speculate and suggest changes that will never happen. Yay for dreams that will never come true. :) *** Edited 6/30/2005 8:21:52 PM UTC by halltd***

With all this talk of restraint systems and which are best and what needs work, it makes me wonder... will we ever see a ride without a restraint system at all? Is it physically possible to build a ride that is still fun and have nothing holding you in? Or am I just speaking stupid here? (And I realize that there would be stupid people that would do something... well stupid.) Maybe one day we will have a system to keep us inside the car that EVERYONE will like.

Maybe they could invent some type of magnet pants made specifically for the coaster......that might.....work. :)

We already have rides at CP with no restraints. CP & LE Railroad is one. Skyride is another.

MrScott

And the Giant Wheel, Paddlewheel Excursions, etc, etc, etc.

MrScott

does WW (wiches' wheel) have restraints now? i know it has a cage, but that's it, right?

Yep, Witches Wheel still has no real restraints. But then again, only a really bored person would go on Witches Wheel if they actually knew the ride.

BlueStreak, WW is the only "spinning ride" I enjoy, speak for yourself.