Phobia Phear Coaster — Attraction in Southington

A triple-launch coaster shaped like a twisted loop within a loop.

The synchronous linear motor first launches you forward to roll back partway up the first vertical rise; then backward, to almost but not quite make it around the coaster's non-inverting loop element. You roll forward again, then are launched up and over to pass through a roll inversion 150 feet off the ground; then you make a twisting dive into the non-inverting loop. You pass through the station to a final rollback that brings you back to the station.

For visuals, the big thrill here is being suspended upside down so high in the air, in a slow twist almost like a jojo roll (this is the ride's only actual inversion). Coaster enthusiasts might be more interested in the smooth launches and the whippy rotations that keep you upright through the rest of the ride. These give you some interesting, strong forces. If the ride had more restrictive restraints, the twists might bang your head, but with the simple lap bar holding you in place, it's no problem. Generally speaking, the ride is as smooth as glass; there is no rattle here (a marked contrast with the park's woodies). The ride's height affords good views of Lake Compounce's lovely scenery.

Phobia is an off-the-shelf ride model that coaster fans may be familiar with, a Premier Sky Rocket II (like Tempesto and Tigris at the Busch Gardens parks). At the time of writing, it's the only one of these in the Northeast US. Most of these are supporting rides at bigger parks, and at Lake Compounce it really stands out in the park's skyline. An advantage it has over some other Sky Rocket IIs, for sheer thrills and comfort, is that Compounce opted not to buy the "comfort collar" restraints that go over your shoulders--this one just has lap bars. They are secure enough that you're not going anywhere. But for many riders, the lack of shoulder restraints seems to contribute to the apprehension referred to in this ride's name.

This is a relatively short ride and might seem like just a gimmick, but I found it to be a lot of fun. It doesn't give you the overwhelming sensory overload of Boulder Dash, but it's a welcome addition to the park and well...

Giving a bonus star for uniqueness, but really a 3 star ride. It's the first triple launch coaster in New England and focuses on "fear factor" by having multiple drops by going back and forth before sending you around the track. It also does a slow corkscrew so you hand upside down. If you aren't scared of heights, it eats into the thrill, but again, this does add a unique element to the ride. Worth a ride but not at the status of a ride like Boulder Dash that warrants a separate trip to the park just to ride it.

Update: re-rode the ride in the back (first ride was in the front) and I'd say it is slightly more intense in that location as you get some airtime on some...

This my first ride I got in the second I got into Lake Compounce. This ride isn't for everyone especially for me since I'm not good with these rides but I did what any person would do is...