Suspended Looping Coaster

Layouts

There are several different layouts of Suspended Looping Coasters, although most feature a similar pattern.^[2] The ride begins by taking passengers up a 33.3-metre (109 ft) chain lift hill.^[6] Once at the top, the train drops down a steep, banked right turn where it enters the first inversion element, a right rollover. A rollover is an Immelmann loop followed by a Dive loop^[7] After exiting this element, the train traverses a banked left turn and approaches the ride's next inversion, a left sidewinder.^[6][8] After exiting the sidewinder, the train navigates a 270° right helix upwards before entering the ride's final two inversions, a double inline twist. The train then traverses a 90° banked turn to the right. At this point, some models feature an additional helix to the left, while others simply continue straight into the brake run.^[6] The standard model also has a relatively compact layout, providing numerous "footchoppers".

Vekoma have also manufactured three custom SLCs: The Great Nor'easter at Morey's Piers (which is nearly identical to a 689m Standard SLC, but features a custom station and supports), Kumali at Flamingo Land, and The Odyssey at Fantasy Island.^[9]

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  The 765m Extended w/Helix model layout
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  The 689m Standard model layout, featured in most SLCs
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  Professor Screamore's SkyWinder at Six Flags America directly before its rollover
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  Professor Screamore's SkyWinder's rollover
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  Professor Screamore's SkyWinder directly before its sidewinder
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  Professor Screamore's SkyWinder preparing to enter its brake run
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  Six Flags Darien Lake's The Mind Eraser

Trains

Many SLCs operate with two trains consisting of ten cars, though some operate with as few as seven cars. Poor maintenance and non-exact track manufacturing have led many SLCs to inflict notoriously painful "head banging" upon their riders, wherein a rider's head constantly slams against the over-the-shoulder restraints.^{[citation needed]}

To help solve this issue, Vekoma is currently offering new trains with convenient hip harnesses and vest-like restraints that allow the rider to avoid slamming their head against bulky restraints while riding. The only known SLCs to have these trains are The Great Nor'easter at Morey's Piers,^[10] Jaguar at Isla Mágica, Riddler Revenge at Six Flags New England, Firewhip at Beto Carrero World, Nopuko Air Coaster at Lost Island Theme Park, The Mind Eraser at Six Flags Darien Lake, and Professor Screamore's SkyWinder at Six Flags America. Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy at Warner Bros. Movie World used similar trains manufactured by Kumbak later into its service life before its eventual closure in 2022.^[11]

The Suspended Looping Coaster is similar in design to other inverted roller coasters. However, unlike the four-across seating found on Bolliger & Mabillard's inverted roller coasters, Vekoma SLCs feature two-across seating.

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  A Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster train seats riders 2 across
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  A Bolliger & Mabillard Inverted Roller Coaster train seats riders 4 across