Flashback, which opened in 1992, is the world's first and only hairpin drop roller coaster.  But Six Flags Magic Mountain isn't the first park that this coaster has occupied.  Before its present location, Flashback resided at Six Flags Over Georgia and was called Z-Force.  And before that, the ride was located at Six Flags Great America, also named Z-Force.  It was one of the last rides to be in the Six Flags rotation program.

Flashback stands 86-feet tall, and its track measures 1900-feet in length.  Although the ride's maximum speed is only 35, MPH, it seems much faster while you are on the ride.  Also, with a ride duration of 1:30, this is one of the shortest roller coasters in the park.

Flashback has a fairly simple and repetitive layout. The ride's highlights are the six steeply banked 180-degree hairpin drops and an intense 540° degree helix near the end of the ride.

Although the ride was designed and fabricated by Intamin AG, now known for their exceptionally smoothness, Flashback does not run very smoothly.  And the over-the-shoulder-restraints can cause a lot of "head-banging".

The ride does not operate during the summer months because the high noise levels distract the lifeguards at Hurricane Harbor, which is located adjacent to the ride.

Flashback is not one of the best roller coasters in the park, but it is definitely one of the most unique.  The hairpin dives offer a very interesting experience, and people who can deal with the roughness find the ride to be enjoyable.

If the ride received new trains equipped with lap-bars only, it could easily become a favorite among park guest and enthusiasts alike.