Batman: The Ride (BTR), the ride so nice they cloned it twice, well more than twice actually. Almost every Six Flags theme park has the same B&M Inverted Coaster model that was originally built at Six Flags Great America. Out of all the rides and rollercoasters that Six Flags has cloned, this B&M invert is one of their better attractions that they have cloned. This forceful, short coaster packs a punch as you fly through five blood rushing inversions and steer around numerous heavily banked turns. Even though BTR is toward the bottom of everyone's favorite B&M inverts list, there is no denying that this coaster still provides its fair share of thrills. I have much respect for this coaster, because it was the first B&M invert design to be constructed and paved the way for future gems like Montu, Afterburn and Banshee.
I have been on BTR at both Six Flags Great America & Six Flags St. Louis. BTR in St. Louis is a mirror of the very first model built in Gurnee which gives them slightly different feels to them. I do like the one at Great America better because there are more foot choppers and glides you over a pool of water. My first experience on Batman was wonderful. I remember being very disoriented after the ride (Don't judge me, I had only been on 4 coasters in my life before then). I experienced my first zero G roll which quickly became one of my favorite elements. I really love the sensation of flying and having nothing but air beneath your feet. This coaster is always on the to do list when I visit a Six Flags park.
Element by Element:
First banked dive drop: The B&M invert signature 180 degree turn drops are always fun. They give you the feeling that you are flying.
First Vertical Loop: The first loop is really tight and gives you some strong G's
Zero G Roll: This zero G roll is performed quickly which gives you a floaty feel mixed with some lateral force as you whip through. If you are in the back seat you experience some nice negative G's coming out of the element.
Second Vertical Loop: Same as the first loop, tight and forceful.
360 Degree Helix: This helix has some steep banking and the speed heading into it provides you with the feeling that the coaster is going to rip away from the track.
180 Helix: The coaster slows down a bit as it rides up into the turnaround that takes you back downhill to give you enough speed to finish the layout.
First Corkscrew: Just like the rest of the elements BTR snaps through this inversion.
90 Degree Banked Helix: Again the coaster zooms into the helix with a great amount of speed and force.
Final Corkscrew and Turn Around: Batman makes a daring drop into the final inversion that takes you really close to the ground before whipping you around the corkscrew. The heavy feeling returns through the final turnaround as the bat mobile returns to the bat cave.
Batman is really forceful ride. What really sets this coaster apart is how tight and quick Batman maneuvers. The inversions are really fun especially with the track over head. The one thing that this coaster lacks is duration. The length of BTR is short but I think this coaster model is so fast paced that the ride duration feels even shorter than it already is. The abbreviated ride time might be a saving grace to those who are not able to handle the intensity of being glued to your seat through every flip and twist. Even though BTR might be over in a blink of an eye, The coasters still makes an impact. As you arrive in the station, your body still feels the effects of each element. This coaster gets a lot of heat from the enthusiasts, but I think BTR is a wonderful ride from beginning to end.
Ratings:
Overall: 7/10 - Intense forces, fast transitions but ride time is scarce.
Excitement/Intensity: 8.5/10 - Strong G forces throughout the ride. Lots of momentum going through each of the five inversions.
Fun: 8/10 - B&M inverted coasters are fun just by the train design itself. It is unique to have the track above and air below. To enhance the fun BTR has speed and several inversions. If strong G's make your head hurt or your stomach churn then this coaster won't be the most enjoyable.
Layout/Elements: 6/10 - The Abrupt layout knocks off some points but the transitions are awesome. BTR's elements are thrilling, but a bit repetitive.
Inversions: 6/10 - The inversions are pretty basic compared to coasters now days. However, these elements are performed at an excellent level.
Speed: 8/10 - Because of how compact BTR is, this coaster has a rapid speed sensation.
Positive G's: 9/10 - Strong positive G's throughout the rollercoaster. Especially on the 360 degree helix and both vertical loops.
Lateral G forces: 6/10 - A few brief but strong moments of lateral G's in both corkscrews.
Duration: 4/10 - A very short ride but just enough elements to make it enjoyable.
Smoothness: 9/10 - Pretty smooth ride on the models at Great America & St. Louis.
Train Restraints/Comfort: 7/10 - Not many people are a fan of over-the-shoulder restraints (OTRS) but even the older style B&M OTRS don't seem to provide much discomfort.
I am leaving out appearance and theming because it will be different depending on location. I will say Great America's version beats St. Louis by a long shot.
What are your thoughts on the original B&M Invert model Batman: The Ride? Share your experiences!
