Steel coasters are hugely popular among thrill seekers because of the fast, intense, and smooth ride they provide. Compared to traditional wood coasters, they can feature a wider array of elements (loops, corkscrews, etc) and can be built taller – most of the coasters on this list feature drops exceeding 200-feet! We’ve selected North America’s best steel roller coasters, all of which have won multiple industry awards and rank highly among enthusiasts and experts. These modern thrill rides cost tens of millions of dollars to construct and thrill millions of riders each year.
Superman: Ride of Steel is the undisputed king of steel coasters. Since opening in May 2000, the ride has won countless awards and accolades for its extreme ride experience. The coaster begins with one of the tallest and steepest drops in the world, followed by a huge “bunny hop” that sends riders floating out of their seats (referred to by enthusiasts as “airtime”). Following an intense turn where riders are literally banked past 90 degrees, there are three more massive hills filled with airtime. The ride continues with a series of twists and turns that double back on each other, ending with three sets of speed bumps that’ll pop riders out of their seats once more. The ride provides a beautiful view of the Connecticut River, which the ride stretches along for almost half of a mile. But while the scenery is great, what sets Superman: Ride of Steel apart from all others is its relentless speed and g-forces -- this ride truly never lets up! In 2009, this coaster will undergo a “secret” modification that promises to bring this already great ride to another level. If you’re in New England or just want to ride the best coaster on the planet, be sure to make a trip to Six Flags New England and ride this awesome coaster!
At Canada’s Wonderland, just north of Toronto, sits a behemoth of a coaster, literally! Behemoth stretches along the back of the park and completely dominates the skyline. This new for 2008 thrill ride is Canada’s tallest, fastest and biggest roller coaster. Behemoth has already ascended to the top of the steel coaster elite, receiving rave reviews for its huge drops and amazing “airtime” that sends riders floating out of their seats. The coaster features a unique v-shaped seating arrangement that allows rides to feel like they’re riding the coaster all alone, further adding to the thrill. Behemoth begins with a 200+ foot 75-degree drop over a lake, continuing with a steep u-turn and lots of airtime filled hills to follow. The intense spiral like turns at the end of the ride will keep riders stuck to their seats with massive amounts of g-force before a quick hop before returning back to the station. There’s no doubt that this is Canada’s best coaster, and if you live within a few hours of the park, it’s definitely worth making the day trip to Canada’s Wonderland to experience Behemoth.
Located in the vacation capital of Orlando, Florida, Dueling Dragons at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure is actually two different coasters and an amazing theme rolled into one incredible attraction. After traversing a winding dungeon that sets the story for the great battle ahead, riders “choose thy fate” by selecting to ride either the Fire or Ice dragon. Both Fire and Ice are inverted coasters, meaning riders are seated on a ski lift type car with their legs free to dangle below. To ensure the dual is equally timed, a computer controlled scale weighs the two trains before they simultaneously begin a 125-foot ascent. After a steep drop, the dragons each begin a series of head-over-heels flips and banked turns, coming within feet of each other multiple times throughout the ride. Make sure to ride both, as each coaster features its own unique maneuvers and g-forces. Though both are extremely intense rides, the Fire dragon is the better overall ride and most intense of the two. Dueling Dragons is not to be missed -- it remains one of the best themed and most intense experiences that a theme park can offer. Note this ride will soon be a part of Islands of Adventure’s brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter land, set to open in spring 2010.
X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain is a hard ride to describe because it’s so unique. If you don’t know what it is, you’re in for a shock! This ‘4th dimension’ coaster flips riders seats along an axis, while the coaster itself performs its own maneuvers as it traverses the steel track. X2 is the only coaster of its kind in North America and is sure to thrill even the most seasoned coaster enthusiast. This coaster is not for the faint of heart, featuring a dizzying array of somersaults and flips at extreme angles, all set to a heart pumping sound track that blasts into your ears during the experience. It’s an extremely unique ride that provides sensations never before experienced. Further, the ride features incredible speeds and elements, and the drop is one of the best there is. X2 was originally known simply as X, but a complete refurbishment in 2008 saw this coaster reborn with increased capacity and reliability (meaning shorter lines), and new effects added such as an exciting on-board soundtrack and a surprise blast of fire at the end. The new fire effect catches riders off guard, blowing a huge ball of fire over the riders that gets close enough for them to feel the heat!
X2 is a perfect example of why Six Flags Magic Mountain is known as the “Extreme Park” (included on our Best Theme Park for Thrill Rides list), with its large collection of record breaking coasters. Six Flags took a great coaster in X and turned it into a spectacular ride experience that is arguably the most unique and intense roller coaster ever built.
Cedar Point, one of the world’s best amusement parks, is “the roller coaster capital of the world” and its crown jewel is Millennium Force. It’s still the tallest and fastest lift-based coaster in North America, despite opening nearly 10 years ago. The ride begins with quick journey up a mammoth 310-foot lift hill alongside Lake Erie before plummeting riders down an incredibly steep 300-foot drop at 93 mph. The coaster makes use of several low-to-the-ground curves and tunnels to intensify the sensation of speed and g-force. Millennium Force is also one of the longest coasters ever built with a track length measuring well over a mile. There’s nothing like hurtling down that huge first drop, so be prepared to wait in a lengthy line with everyone else wanting to experience one of the world’s best coasters. For a wildly fast and intense ride with the wind blowing in your face, be sure to wait for the front row. People travel to Cedar Point from around the world to experience their world class coaster collection, and Millennium Force is the best the park has to offer.