In 2014, Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) would change the wooden roller coaster landscape forever. RMC’s diabolical creation Goliath at Six Flags Great America would do things that wooden coasters just didn’t do. Featuring steeper drops, higher speeds and innovated inversions, Goliath created quite the buzz in the roller coaster community. It was hard for me to contain my own anticipation when I finally made the trip up to Gurnee, IL last May. And boy, did this coaster deliver.
Climbing up to the top of the 180 foot on a cold and rainy Chicago afternoon was quite the introduction to Goliath. But nothing chilled my veins more than being flung over the top of the 85 degree drop. In the last rows, the sensation was similar to that of free-falling on a drop tower. Flying through the rest of the layout, the coaster provided every sensation that a coaster enthusiast desires. Excessive hang time on the inversions, major airtime on the hills, strong laterals through the turns and intense G forces in valleys. Then just like that, “bam!” you are hitting the breaks before the station. Goliath does some amazing maneuvers in such a short amount of time and space. RMC did a fantastic job by building a world class coaster in such a small footprint.
Element by element:
First Drop: This drop launches you out of your seat for a very long time. One of my favorite first drops on a rollercoaster. The bottom features a tunnel which flies past you in a blur as you speed along the bright orange track.
Overbank Turn: Not a forceful element but certainly a pleasing one as you maintain plenty of speed while climbing up and turning on your side.
Airtime Hill: This weightless moment is wonderful because you are floating out of your seat without losing any velocity.
Dive Loop: The dive loop is one of kind. Not only do you get plenty of hang time but the view upside down through the wooden structure is a mind warp.
Zero G Stall: One of the best inversions out there. You hang upside down for what feels like an eternity but without the discomfort of the blood rushing to your head. It is quite the experiences and one of the best parts of the layout.
Final Turnaround: After coming out of the tunnel following the Zero G stall, You bank up into a weirdly shaped helix. The forces are not that abnormal, But does have an odd look as you enter this section. The drop out of the turn isn’t as airtime filled as I was wishing, but still a fun element to finish off the ride. The coaster finally slows down the pace after it thrusts up into the break run giving some lovely ejector air to passengers in the front row.
Goliath is a spectacular rollercoaster. The ride time from drop to break run is pretty short, however in that small window of life Goliath does have, RMC was able to add some of the best elements on rollercoasters that exist today. Every time we hit the break run I just wanted more. With each re-ride front, back and even middle, this gladiator delivered the same incredible experience. I rode this coaster 10 times throughout the trip and even on the last ride I returned to the station blown away. Goliath is truly outstanding and a must ride if you are addicted to thrills.
Ratings:
Overall: 9.25/10
Intensity: 9/10
Fun: 10/10
Airtime: 8/10
Lateral G’s: 5.5/10
Positive G’s: 5/10
Inversions: 9.5/10
Layout: 8.5/10
Appearance: 9/10
Theming: 3/10
Comfort: 9/10
Restraints: 9.5/10
Have you ridden Goliath?
Let us know what you think.
Hang loose coaster ridahs!
