Date Ridden: First in 2006 with loop present and most recently on 9-20 without the loop. Times Ridden: 5
Welcome to the Coaster Review's analysis of probably the most criticized coaster of all time. The Son of Beast is consistently ranked at the very bottom of every wooden coaster list available. Despite still holding the records for both the tallest (only wooden coaster in the world of 200 feet) and the fastest (over 80 MPH), this coaster is despised among enthusiasts and the general public as well. It is considered to among the roughest, longest and most painful coasters ever created. At one point, the ride even locked up while running leading to a painful instant stop which sent the entire train of riders to the hospital with chest contusions. In addition, at one point this was the only wooden coaster on the planet that actually had a vertical loop. The loop has since been removed as lighter trains have been installed in order to make the ordeal a little more pleasant. Despite this fact, SOB (a great acronym according to most people) is still despised. Well.....except by the two members of the coaster reviews staff who have ridden it.
I like it. I was blessed to be able to ride SOB back in 2006 during the final year the loop was there as well as 2007 which was the first year without the loop. I liked it both times, but this past year I liked the ride even more thanks to a front seat ride at night.
There is no airtime to speak of, but airtime is very painful if it slams you int0
the lad bar at 80 MPH. The SOB is big, fast, and yes, even violent. There is no relaxing and enjoying the scenery on this baby. You better lean forward, brace your feet, and hold on tightly. I totally respect the fact that KI and the designer (Dinn) went for something different. Granted, they may have tried a little too hard, but still this is a unique ride with some very intense elements. In this "cookie-cutter" time period of wooden coasters, the SOB is completely different from any other ride out there. It has to be. It's over 200 freaking feet tall!
Each year people keep calling for this ride to be torn down, demolished, blown up, etc. I recognize that the violence of the ride is difficult if one is not prepared for it but would still hate to see it go. Eventually, I am sure there will be more problems with the structure, track, and probably the cars and the ride will have to go. It is simply too big and too fast to continue to exist in its current state. However, as long as its there, we will take a couple of spins on it trip. However, next time it might be a good idea to stretch and "get loose" first.
Overall Rating - 8
Check out the awesome video below which is the SOB with the loop still in it.
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