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In 1996, the world's tallest, fastest, and steepest stand-up roller coaster
opened at Cedar Point. This huge B&M stand-up coaster features four inversions,
including a 119ft vertical loop, 103ft dive loop, 83ft inclined loop, and a corkscrew.
Also, standing at 145ft, Mantis reaches a top speed of 60mph.
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Mantis uses standard four-across B&M stand-up trains. They are pretty
comfortable if you know how to stand in them properly. The ride starts with a 145ft
lift hill. Once you reach the top, the train makes a little dip, and then goes through
a right-hand turnaround, leading into the first drop. The first drop is at a 52 degree
angle
and is very fun, but unfortunately has been weakened by a trim brake mid way through.
This trim brake was placed there to lessen the positive g-forces later in the ride.
Coming out of the first drop, the ride flies into its first inversion, an 119ft
vertical loop. This is a cool inversion, and features high positive g's.
Next, Mantis heads straight into its next inversion - a dive loop. This is another fun
element with high positive g's. Following this comes a non-inverting, highly
banked 360 degree turn, which I enjoyed a lot.
Following the 360 degree turn, Mantis leads into an inclined loop - a standard
loop at a 45 degree angle. From here, the ride makes an up-hand turn into the
mid-course
brakes. At this point, we drop straight into a corkscrew, and finish off with a high
speed figure-eight. We then hit the final brake run, and head back into the
station.
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Mantis is a very good and enjoyable coaster. Since 1996, taller and faster
stand-ups have been built, but Mantis is still one of the best. Mantis is a very
fun stand-up coaster with cool elements and nice pacing.
Rating: 7/10
Pros:
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Pacing
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High G-forces
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Array of Elements
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