restraint firmness

on rides like mantis and raptor the restraints really kill most people's ears and give some nice headaches.

a) why does the padding have to be soo firm, there is barely any padding at all really?

b) do you think there will be a new solution to restaints in the future?

Actually, the restraints give quite a bit. They are covering a metal frame on the restraints, so if they were softer, you could run the risk of slamming your head into a metal pole. My solution to the headbanging. . . wear a hoodie. Keeps your ears from getting raw and I have never had a headache after a ride because of headbanging. :)
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*** This post was edited by rollercoastO3 7/10/2003 3:29:31 PM ***

I've never had any problem on Raptor or Mantis. Corkscrew, yes, but that's your typical Arrow OTSR. In fact, as a person of average height, I find the area above my ear is first to contact the Raptor and Mantis restraints.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - Sillynonsense.com
DELETED! What time does the water show start?

i have noticed that especially for raptor. pki's delirium has a new kind of padding, maybe cp should look at that.

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It's like a new pair of underwear; at first it's constrictive... but after a while it becomes a part of you. -Garth Algar

I found for me that on Corkscrew pick a side and hold your head to that one side after the loop. It helps to also reach your hand over the restraint and rest it under your head at the ear. On monday I rode this way 10 times without getting a headache.
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Didn't that train have BOTH tires before lauch?

You got a headache on Raptor? i've never had any problems with Raptor. Mantis yeah i did for a little bit but now i just lean forward, so my head is no where near the restraints.

im 6'1 and my ears get a slamming.

I'm 6'1 and no ride in the park slams my ears.

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TTD Laps-5
July 4th, 2003-7:37 p.m...... I reopened Dragster.

The OTSRs on Face/Off at PKI are also equipped with "extra-soft" padding where your head hits. Of course, being a Vekoma, it needs it much more than Raptor or Mantis. I was impressed though, it was a very comfortable ride, unlike the Vekoma SLCs...

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Dragster "Top Thrills": 2
World's first strata-coaster!

johnz said:
i have noticed that especially for raptor.

i ment mantis, sorry. but raptor still gives me the occasional hard bump on the head, but it doesnt compare to some of the times on mantis. i've found that every stand up hurts your ears though. maybe it's because the extra emphasis of being further from the track?

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It's like a new pair of underwear; at first it's constrictive... but after a while it becomes a part of you. -Garth Algar

Mantis and Raptor are very hard on my ears. I avoid Mantis for the most part because it is my second least favorite coaster in the park and unless it's a walk on, I don't ride. For Raptor, I just hold my head still in the middle of the head rest as the train comes out of the helix. No problems this way. When it's cold, ear muffs are great padding against the OTSRs, as long as you have a hood on to keep the ear muffs over your ears.

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Awww, bad day? Take a different perspective on things. Try upside down, a barrel roll, a cobra roll or a corkscrew. Life can't be all that bad when your feet are over your head!

I can see why some people say Raptor gives you a headbanging. On the first corkscrew of the Cobra Roll I get my head hit against the pad a bit. It sort of depends which end of the train you are in. Corkscrew gives you a real bad headbanging and maybe a headache, if you keep your head in between the shoulder harness. I found out this year that if you crane your neck and push your head forward it will be a more enjoyable ride!
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Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Are your ready for some speed? We've got 120 miles per hour! Are you ready to get vertical? We've got 420 feet. Are you ready for the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in the world?! ARE YOU READY FOR TOP THRILL DRAGSTER?!?

that cobra roll really does give you some whiplash, and the helixes do too. but it really helps to just pick a side of the harness to put your head on.

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It's like a new pair of underwear; at first it's constrictive... but after a while it becomes a part of you. -Garth Algar

Raptor doesnt hurt me anymore, It used to. You just gotta know how to hold your head right. If you press it down against the back of the seat and make your neck really stiff, Raptor feels like a totally different ride. I dont even bang my head on the last turn around. It helps so much, I started to enjoy raptor alot more now.

But, I think Just slightly softer restraints would do alot for a ride where you bang your head.

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- Dennis
When I die, They'll read this And say a genius wrote it.