As I began my journey to Kings Island, it was clear what the most anticipated coaster of the trip was. Sure they have a large B&M inverted coaster and a brand new GCI wooden rollercoaster debuting, but nothing drew my attention more than this venomous rattlesnake that appears superior as you approach the park. Standing at 230-feet tall, this serpent intimidates guest as they snake through the queue line. With a crazy 215-foot first drop and max speeds at 80 MPH, Diamondback will have your heart pounding and your mind racing in no time. The best feature on this rollercoaster is the several gigantic floater airtime hills. Hills that have you believing that gravity has lost its control over you. The location of this coaster also sets up for a fantastic night ride as you plunge into darkness during each drop. For this reason, Diamondback has rightly claimed its spot as one of this best in its class.
This coaster sits toward the back of the park with your typical B&M hyper "L" shaped out-and-back layout. Diamondback's elements mainly consist of floater airtime hills. The ride is themed to a vicious rattlesnake with Diamondback looking trains and sweet banner at the entrance. Besides those few props, this coaster doesn't provide much in theming. What it does provide, is a beautiful coaster structure that slithers its way out into the wooded area of the park making friends with the Beast. The Diamondback trains use a staggered design which makes the trains longer than the typical 4-seater rows on other B&M roller coasters. To me, this slows the train down over the giant hills but not enough to hurt the coaster's thrill factor. Finally, Diamondback uses the lovely clam shell restraints which provides the ultimate freedom for its riders.
My first battle with this rattlesnake was back in May, 2017. Me and my sister made this the focal point of our trip to Mason, OH and we were certainly not disappointed. This was my second hyper coaster that I have been on (First being Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America) and I would have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by it's ominous height at first. However, once we crested the lift hill, it was all joyful shouting and arms waiving the rest of the way. Something about it being 40 degrees that morning made this coaster seem super intense. We ended up riding Diamondback a total of ten times throughout the trip because we just couldn't get enough. My favorite lap was the last ride of that evening. As we crested the first airtime hill, the park's evening fireworks display began and we had some of the best seat in the house. This was the most memorable experience on a rollercoaster that I can remember. Diamondback is spectacular in many ways and is well worth waiting in line for.
Experience:
First Drop: Diamondback's first drop is not as intense as you might expect. I believe this is due to the long trains. With that being said, if you sit in the last car, you will get launched over the peak and jolted out of your seat. following the drop, you feel the snake bite as you reach a top speed of 80 MPH at the bottom of the hill.
First Airtime HIll: This airtime hill is very entertaining. If you are in the middle row you feel weightless through the entire element. This floater air is perfectly executed by B&M.
Second Airtime Hill: Smaller than the first hill but the same amazing floating effect.
Hammerhead Turn into Third Hill: The hammerhead turn is more of a fun element than an intense element. The hill that follows is a bit slower than the first two (with the trim breaks) but maintains the same amount of floater air.
Upward 270 Degree Helix: You will get your picture taken here as you experience some tight G forces. This element takes you straight into the mid-course break run.
Camel Humps: Floater airtime is the name of the game through this section of the layout.
Helix to Drop: This helix is very forceless but it flies you over the pedestrian walkways which gives you the opportunity to interact with guests briefly before making one final floater-air-filled descent into the splashdown section.
Splashdown: This splash down is a wonderful finale providing some unique visuals before you launch up into the final break run.
Diamondback is a must ride if you are an airtime fanatic. Floater air is the main ingredient inside the venom of this vile rattlesnake. The fantastic speeds and stunning views just add more flavor to the overall experience. The only critique I have of this coaster is that besides the floater air, this rollercoaster doesn't feel out of control like the new RMC's. However, because the coaster is easier on the body, it allows you to marathon this coaster without going home battered and bruised. Plus sustained airtime alone is enough to keep me jumping back in line again and again.
Ratings:
Overall: 9/10
Intensity: 6/10
Fun/Enjoyment: 10/10
Layout/Elements: 7/10
Airtime: 10/10
Lateral G's: 2/10
Positive G's: 6/10
Duration: 9.5/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Train/Comfort: 9.5/10
Theming/Appearance: 8/10
Have you captured a ride on Diamondback? Let us know how it was!
Hang loose Coaster Ridahs!
