A-Z Coaster of the Week: Predator

This week’s A-Z Coaster of the Week takes us to a former Six Flags park, now known as Darien Lake. Predator opened in 1990 as the largest wooden roller coaster in the state of New York and was built by the Dinn Corporation.

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The layout for this wooden roller coaster is in a double out-and-back configuration. The ride is very picturesque, sending riders along the lake shore and giving spectators great views!

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Predator Stats

Height: 95 feet

Length: 3,400 feet

Speed: 50 mph

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When Predator opened it used PTC Trailer Style trains, as did most wooden coasters back then. Over time, the ride became very rough. I know from personal experience that this ride used to be a true “Predator” to riders. But, in 2006, a large retracking project took place and in 2010, Darien Lake purchased 12 cars from Holiday World’s The Voyage. Guests are now able to once again enjoy this fast-paced coaster.

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It is always great to see a park put money into old rides to get them back to how they were intended to be. I hope to travel back up to Darien Lake to give Predator another shot! Has anyone else rode Predator? What are your thoughts on the recent retracking?

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