Quick Facts (thanks to RCDB for the statistics):
Height: 101.7 ft.
Speed: 49.7 mph
Duration: 2:02
Manufacturer: Vekoma
Inversions: 5 [1 rollover (2), 1 sidewinder, 2 in-line twists)
Model/type: Suspended Looping Coaster (SLC)
Year Built: 1994
Former Names: Condor was known as El Condor from 1994 to 2013
Other Facts: Condor was the world's first SLC
Height: 101.7 ft.
Speed: 49.7 mph
Duration: 2:02
Manufacturer: Vekoma
Inversions: 5 [1 rollover (2), 1 sidewinder, 2 in-line twists)
Model/type: Suspended Looping Coaster (SLC)
Year Built: 1994
Former Names: Condor was known as El Condor from 1994 to 2013
Other Facts: Condor was the world's first SLC
Before Ride Thoughts
El Condor was what I expected to be the second to worst thill coaster in the park, beating only Robin Hood. However, these expectations were drastically flipped. Although I didn't expect much from Condor, I got even less than my expectations. Before riding, I thought coaster enthusiasts were being a little hard on SLCs since my first Vekoma Boomerang experience was much better than what I thought. However, I was quickly proven wrong. Although they are some of the worst coasters out there, I can see why they are so popular with amusement parks. First, they are cheap, and second, Condor looks like the coolest, most awesome coaster from the outside, which is why it had one of the longest lines at the park. Also, while waiting in line, I noticed that the back two rows were roped off. This is never a good sign on any roller coaster, as it means the back was running too rough for guests to be able to ride that day. Condor has a mild Spanish theme as it is in the Spanish section. The queue is not themed at all, but the station isn't that bad. I do have to say, the new orange and teal color scheme that Condor got after its name change really makes it pop. As we boarded front row, I realized how stupid the restraints were. They would be absolutely fine if the weird two inch jut outs on either side of your head weren't there. It's almost as if they want to promote head banging. Secondly, the jut outs make it almost impossible to use defensive rider tactics. As the floor lowered, I braced my self for a rough ride, but it was even rougher than I expected.
The Ride
As the really disturbing SLC lift hill noise kicks in, I tried to enjoy the view and floor less effect that the trains give you especially in the front row. At the drop, I relaxed a little bit. It was fun, and not very rough at all. I immediately realized this was a huge mistake as Condor plays pinball with your head during the rollover. This is an awesome element, but the head banging completely ruins it. Next came a head banging-filled drop and the sidewinder, the only enjoyable inversion of the ride. As you repeatedly smash your head into the restraints, one of the designers thought it would be a great idea to add some in-line twists after a really sharp turn. This results in the ultimate head banging sensation, followed by some weird banked hills. One of these actually provided some decent floater air time. Finally, came the best part of the whole ride… the final break run. I was sourly disappointed with this ride's performance.
Overall Thoughts
In reality, Condor's track is pretty smooth, and Walibi does a great job with maintaining the ride. The layout is great other than the turn into the double twist. The only real problem with this ride is the crazy restraints. The head banging is mostly due to direction changes like in the rollover and on some of the turns. If this ride had normal OSTRs, It would be pretty smooth. However, due to these restraints, the ride is painful, and filled with head banging. This makes a bad coaster experience and makes no one want to go on it. If Condor had better restraints, I might go as far as saying it was actually an awesome experience. After looking around a bit, Condor is just an average SLC in terms of its roughness, making this basically a review for most SLCs. However, I'm willing to give the SLC another try. There is one at Morey's Piers in New Jersey that has some fantastic foot choppers and has normal restraints. I am interested to see what this would be like. However, my first SLC was a big bust.
My Rankings
For my overall score, the average SLC gets a 3/10 (not enjoyable). This is mainly due to the uncomfortable head banging found throughout most of the ride.
On the thrill scale, the SLC gets a 3.5/5 (normal) as there really aren't that many strong forces found throughout the ride.
For theming, Condor gets a 1/5 as the Spanish theme isn't really noticeable. Do condors even live in Spain?
Mitch Hawker Coaster Poll Ranking: Current Poll Ranking is 330th
Condor is part of the "Favorite Vekoma SLC" category of the poll
The highest this category has ever gotten was 103rd
Have You ridden a Vekoma SLC? How does your experience compare? I am very interested in hearing your thoughts.
On the thrill scale, the SLC gets a 3.5/5 (normal) as there really aren't that many strong forces found throughout the ride.
For theming, Condor gets a 1/5 as the Spanish theme isn't really noticeable. Do condors even live in Spain?
Mitch Hawker Coaster Poll Ranking: Current Poll Ranking is 330th
Condor is part of the "Favorite Vekoma SLC" category of the poll
The highest this category has ever gotten was 103rd
Have You ridden a Vekoma SLC? How does your experience compare? I am very interested in hearing your thoughts.