Popular coaster types, typical stats, and a recognizable real-world example for each model.
4D Free Spin
A compact coaster where seats rotate independently as the vehicle travels along a stacked vertical layout.
Debuted2015
TypeFree-spinning wing-seat coaster
Typical height100-120 ft
Typical speed35-40 mph
Typical length1,000-1,400 ft
InversionsVariable flips
Capacity500-800 riders per hour
The 4D Free Spin model gives parks a high-thrill visual icon with a small footprint. Magnetic fins influence the flipping pattern, so each ride can feel different.
Recognizable coasterBatman: The Ride 4D Free Spin
Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced the S&S 4D Free Spin model in the United States with wing seats, magnetic flip control, and a stacked vertical layout.
Batman: The Ride 4D Free Spin photos pulled from rcdb.com. User submitted photos are under View all photos. Open on RCDB
A launch coaster using compressed-air technology for punchy acceleration and tall vertical elements.
Debuted2001
TypeCompressed-air launch coaster
Typical height120-200 ft
Typical speed60-80 mph
Typical length2,000-3,800 ft
Inversions0-4
Capacity700-1,100 riders per hour
S&S air launch coasters are recognized for forceful starts and unusual layouts. They often pair quick acceleration with towers, inversions, or compact turning sections.
Recognizable coasterDodonpa
Dodonpa at Fuji-Q Highland was the most famous S&S air launch coaster, known for an extremely forceful compressed-air launch and a layout built around sudden speed and dramatic vertical elements.
Dodonpa photos pulled from rcdb.com. User submitted photos are under View all photos. Open on RCDB
A small-footprint thrill coaster with tight profiling, outward-banked turns, and steep drops.
Debuted2008
TypeCompact steel coaster with beyond-vertical drop
Typical height70-100 ft
Typical speed40-45 mph
Typical length1,200-1,600 ft
Inversions1-2
Capacity500-700 riders per hour
El Loco coasters use small vehicles to navigate tight elements that larger trains could not handle. The result is a compact layout with dramatic banking and hangtime.
Recognizable coasterEl Loco
El Loco at Adventuredome is the namesake example of the model, using small vehicles, a compact layout, a steep drop, tight turns, and outward banking to deliver a larger thrill than its footprint suggests.
El Loco photos pulled from rcdb.com. User submitted photos are under View all photos. Open on RCDB