The thrill factor has taken a plunge at Six Flags Over Georgia -- straight down toward the ground.
But that’s after it’s risen straight up 10 stories on the first hill of Dare Devil Dive, the park’s new roller coaster.
Dare Devil Dive, which opens Saturday, is not the fastest or tallest of Six Flags’ 11 coasters. But don’t let its size fool you. The tangled ball of track provides plenty of action and a bit of the unexpected.
You can’t miss the crazy-looking first hill when you walk by, with cars slowly climbing straight up to the sky on one side, then dropping straight down on the other. Actually, the descent is beyond vertical, at 95 degrees. And the ride is as much fun as it looks -- or as terrifying and unnerving, depending on your taste.
And mine, indeed, is for the wild and weird.
Ever wonder what it would be like to drive a car straight down off the edge of a cliff? Well, Dare Devil Dive comes pretty close. You slowly rise straight up the 105-foot hill leaning back somewhat uncomfortably. Before you know it you’re at the top. Then, well, look out below.
You fly up off your seat as the car crests the top, then you speed downward with the ground staring you in the face. The rest of the ride is a series of twists and flips through a confusing maze of curves and loops. At times you’ll wonder which way is up.
Dare Devil Dive is exceptionally smooth, quite peppy and nearly silent except for the screams of the riders.
The coaster mimics the aerial acrobatics of a stunt plane instead of taking you over lots of hills. When you go upside-down, the motion is more of a rollover than a loop-the-loop. The climbs and dives are swoopy, and there’s hardly any place where the track is straight. Make sure any loose items in your pockets are secured, or you might walk off the ride without your keys or cellphone.
The ride vehicles add to the excitement. Instead of a long train, Dare Devil Dive uses individual cars that seat only six people. The cars easily navigate tight turns, and the ride seems a bit more personal.
Also, unlike many coasters that use bulky harnesses that come down over your shoulders, Dare Devil Dive uses a restraint that fits neatly over your lap. The result is a view that’s unobstructed -- and a feeling of vulnerability. And it’s a lot easier to put your arms up in the air when you scream.
Instead of overpowering you with tremendous forces or speeds, Dare Devil Dive takes you by surprise. Except, of course, for that first hill.
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