Gerstlauer coasters are one of those which can be pretty hit & miss in my opinion. Sometimes they are riding like a dream & others it’s everything other than comfortable. But the UK has its small handful of these coasters most of which are the same type that is a Euro-Fighter. But how do I rank every single Gerst in the UK? Read on & you shall find out!
Troublesome Trucks – Drayton Manor Park:
For the record, I think Troublesome Trucks is fab. But on a rational note it doesn’t compare to the thrills, right? Although I do rate it highly amongst Junior coasters in the UK can’t lie.
Saw: The Ride – Thorpe Park:
It’s been a little while since I have ridden this coaster primarily because it is so dependent on where you sit to the ride experience you’ll get. The last few times of riding we got very unfortunate & had those uncomfortable seats. I appreciate the ride entirely & by all means, we are so fortunate to have a themed coaster like this here in the UK. But for me it just doesn’t do it at least it didn’t at the time of writing this. But that’s not to say it’s a tragic coaster because it is far from it.
The Smiler – Alton Towers:
Honestly, I would have ranked this lower than Saw if I wrote this a month ago. But we managed to have one of the best rides on the front row not long after having the worst ride on it. Therefore, it had restored itself. The Smiler is again a very hit & miss coaster for me it’s either running at its best or its worst there is hardly ever an in-between. I do love the theme to The Smiler it’s that subtle type of theming that can go overlooked if you are unfamiliar with the backstory. It’s a well-put-together coaster and the footprint it is placed within the fact it’s a world record holder for inversions is something to love in itself.
Rage – Adventure Island:
Smooth, thrilling but short. It’s one of those coasters which could effortlessly have an interval of the likes of Saw & be a dream to ride but unfortunately, it is just too short. The layout is super fun. There were many times I had braced for a head bash which never happened. It was a pleasant surprise from what I had anticipated it to ride like. I do wish it had a few more seconds long though.
Cobra – Paultons Park:
I love this coaster so much. For a family rollercoaster it has a lush layout and some real fun pops of airtime. It just beats Rage for me purely for the length of the coaster itself. As much as I personally dislike coasters with those tight bends on the upper end of them this is just fab!
Speed:No Limits – Oakwood:
Why does this have to be so far away from home? This is the Gerstlauer dream right here. The airtime this thing offers is exceptional from the others on this list. For me, the layout is stunning and the length is perfect. Again, it was a lot smoother than I had imagined it to be. It was one of those coasters that were a real hidden gem. We visited Oakwood expecting nothing from this coaster but came away admiring it. I just wish I could pick it up & pop closer to home!
Overall:
Every rollercoaster on this list is so varied from one another. The Merlin ones are heavier themed & get more runs & more often I’d believe in comparison to Rage & Speed therefore that would make sense as to why they ride a little rougher. Whereas Rage & Speed are a dream to ride. All of these coasters in their way are fab. I can’t possibly detest any of the coasters on this list given they are all so unique to one another & deliver completely varied experiences. By all means, my preferences are possibly evident. But they are all great & well worth checking out for yourselves.
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What’s your favourite UK Gerstlauer? I’d love to hear yours so let me know in the comments or across my social media channels.
Thank you for reading & please note this post is purely based on my experiences with the said coasters.