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For those looking for the closest thing to a Top Gun: Maverick experience with high g forces, perhaps the best place to head is Arlington, Texas. Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington is home to the Shock Wave - the roller coaster with the highest g forces in the United States. At the very least, it is one of the top roller coaster rides Six Flags has on offer.
The Shock Wave is a thrilling steel roller coaster right on the edge of the park and a must for anyone visiting Arlington.
Shock Wave: America's Highest G-Force Roller Coaster
The Shock Wave has been around for a while now. It was first opened in 1978 and at the time it was also the world's tallest roller coaster. It went on to lose its status as the world's tallest roller coaster within a few weeks as The Loch Ness Monster at Bush Gardens Williamsburg opened up and stole the limelight.
- Built: 1978
For another frightening extreme American roller coaster, try out the Jersey Devil — the world's tallest single coaster.
In 2016, the Shock Wave was upgraded to receive a virtual reality option. Riders were able to have the option to wear Samsung Gear VR headsets to enhance the experience and create a 360-degree and 3D sensation. But that option was removed the following year in 2017, so visitors will need to enjoy it the old-fashioned way.
What To Expect On The Shock Wave
Shock Wave is one of the only looping roller coasters to employ only a lap bar. That means you’ll feel free as a bird, or a rocket ship leaving the atmosphere, as you are hurled around this slick track. - Six Flags
For over three decades the Shock Wave has been thrilling and shocking visitors. It catapults them to 30 miles per hour.
The Shock Wave starts by passing through the transfer table and then climbs up the 116-foot (or 35-meter) life hill. Then riders scream as it tilts to the right-hand in a U-turn on the first drop (100 feet). Following this are two back-to-back vertical loops with another U-Turn and a dive down the second drop.
- G Force: 5.9 g
- Minimum Height: 42"
- Top Speed: 55 Mph
- Length: 3,500 Feet
- Duration: 2 Minutes 40 Seconds
The Shock Wave proceeds quickly up a hill to the third U-turn over and around the ride station. Then comes the third and final large drop. The ride has courses over more hills, a long bunny hop, and then transitions into a 200° right turn. That leads into the brake run before returning to the station.
In all, riders pass over Johnson Creek four times during the ride. The experience is an insane never-ending inversion and the 5.9 g force is nearly astronaut level.
So it may be a good idea to have lunch after the ride — this coaster may not be for those with queasy stomachs.
Planning A Visit To Six Flags Over Texas
There is a range of ticket options for visiting Six Flags Over Texas. It is a great venue for young adults and families alike with many rides to choose from as well as a number of animal encounters.
- Single-Day Ticket: From $39.99 (Parking Not Included)
2023 Gold Pass:
- Price: From $69.99
- Includes: Parking, Unlimited Visits, Discounts On Food, & More
If one can't visit Six Flags Over Texas, then consider visiting one of their other top amusement parks. They have some 27 Six Flags parks scattered across the United States as well as Mexico and Canada. There's always a place to sit back and get an adrenaline rush.
For another hair-raising experience, consider getting shot off the world's largest human catapult in the adventure capital resort Queenstown. Also in Queenstown is the world's first commercial bungy jumping site that was also the site of Pillar of the Kings in the Lord of the Rings.