hypercoasters

Hypercoasters are a specific class of roller coasters characterized by their extreme height and speed. To qualify as a hypercoaster, a roller coaster must typically be at least 200 feet tall and reach speeds of over 70 miles per hour. The design emphasizes airtime, the sensation of weightlessness experienced as riders crest hills and descend. These rides often feature a significant number of large hills, helices, and banked turns, with a deliberate lack of inversions like loops or corkscrews.

The term "hypercoaster" was popularized by Arrow Dynamics, a prominent roller coaster manufacturer, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their Magnum XL-200, which opened in 1989, is widely considered the first true hypercoaster, exceeding the 200-foot height threshold. Since then, many other manufacturers have produced their own designs fitting the hypercoaster criteria. These coasters are known for their smooth rides, often utilizing tubular steel track designs that allow for more complex and fluid movements. The focus on sustained airtime and commanding views from extreme heights makes them a popular attraction at amusement parks worldwide.