In 2000, Six Flags St. Louis made a huge addition to their coaster lineup by adding the Boss. With a drop height of 150 feet and a top speed of just over 66 MPH, this coaster rightfully claims its spot on the list of intense wooden coasters. This roller coaster also seems never-ending as it grinds through over 5,000 feet of track. You might be wondering why this coaster isn’t in many top tens? That’s because there is one huge downside. It is rough, very rough. On bad days, the ride seems unbearable and that long layout which you think would be a thrill seeker's dream, turns into your body’s nightmare. I will admit that it took a few years of riding this wooden master before the shakiness of the coaster really start to detract from the experience. Although the roughness can be harsh, I just pop a few pain pills and buckle up because this coaster has some amazing moments.
The Boss is located toward the back of the park which is quite the hike from the entrance. Upon arrival you are greeted with a stone sign with unlit torches that reads, “THE BOSS”. If you thought the hike to the ride was bad, wait until you travel the queue. First, you have to go over the train tracks then back down by the helix, then back up and over almost the entire go kart track. It doesn’t end there, next you go along the outside of the station than over the final brake-run and around to the other side of the station. I personally believe Six Flags St. Louis must be competing for the title of “longest queue line on a roller coaster” (Please see Mr. Freeze and Batman). The station is pretty plain and the only theming is the huge flaming Boss sign on the outside facing the queue entrance.
My first ride on the Boss was on the magical day that coasters finally didn’t scare me to death. Still I was super nervous as we climbed the lift hill but once we hit the valley of the first drop I was in coaster heaven.
Element by Element:
First Drop: Great airtime in the backrow.
Post Drop: Very unexpected as it is hidden in the belly of the wooden structure that supports the mid-course break-run (MCBR). Gives you that out of control sensation mixed with floater air. The speed from this post drop carries through the slight turn and air bump before the climb up to the first helix. This whole section in very intense and usually brings my hands down.
First helix to bank drop: No airtime is provided here however the lateral and positive g’s toward the bottom of the element are really intense. This is usually where the intense shaking becomes annoyingly noticeable.
MCBR to third drop: Nice chance to catch your breath before plunging back into the blender. The drop has some airtime especially if you are in the back. From there, you climb back up into another descending helix. Nothing crazy about this element but you get some nice views of the park.
Fourth Drop: This drop is actually pretty exciting. There must be a bump in the middle of it because there is an illusion that the coaster skipped off the track a bit. The airtime is nothing too strong but still existent.
Bunny Hops: Nothing really special to me here. The intensity lacks in this section and honestly at this point I am just bracing myself for the horrific ending.
540 degree helix: Over the years this element has gotten easier on the body. I’m not sure if this a case of me becoming numb to pain after so many trips or that there has been track/train improvements. In the end, this is still the worst part of the ride the Boss violent rattles as you get flushed around this s***ty toilet bowl.
Double Up: The coasters zero excitement finale that you won’t even remember because you are still recovering from the torture chamber helix.
Even though I have a lot of negative comments about the Boss, I actually really love this ride. I think my pessimistic attitude flows from the thought that if this coaster was GCI smooth, it would be a top 5 wooden coaster. Currently, I have this coaster ranked 3rd at Six Flags St. Louis. If you love wooden roller coasters and can handle some of the violent moments, you will absolutely love this coaster, especially at night as the coaster rumbles through the wooded St. Louis outskirts in absolute darkness. However if a B&M rattles ruin your day than do not attempt to ride the Boss.
Ratings:
Overall: 7.25/10 - Great coaster, just bring the pain meds.
Excitement/Intensity: 8/10 - Pretty intense lateral forces and some out of control speed.
Enjoyment/Fun: 6/10 - This fluctuates depending on how jerky your ride is.
Speed: 8/10 - The feeling is amazing especially after the first drop.
Layout/Elements: 6 - Nice long layout however the elements toward the end are not very thrilling.
Airtime: 6/10 - Drops provide some fun airtime. Nothing crazy however.
Duration: 9.5/10 - I would give duration a perfect score if there weren't times I wished the coaster would end already. Fortunately that is not the case most of the time.
Lateral Force: 9/10 - Strong lateral forces, you will get to know the person riding next to you very well.
Positive G’s: 6/10 - Scattered moments throughout the ride.
Out of Control: 8/10 - Especially at night this coaster will tempt you to bring your hands down.
Smoothness: 2/10 - (Please see above)
Restraints/Train comfort: 5/10 - Lap bars not very soft but don’t crush your thighs.
Appearance/Theming: 6/10 Beautiful wooden structure that blends well with the trees on the hill it is built along. However the theming consists a few flames, gum and ponytail holders.
This coaster to me is like a crazy girlfriend. You fell in love with their appearance and there thrilling moments but then they turn at a moments notice and treat you horribly. If you can handle the bumps and bruises you will be satisfied in the end.
