Flashback is a steel boomerang-style roller coaster located in the North End section of Six Flags New England, an amusement park in Agawam, Massachusetts. The ride’s thrilling design and compact layout have made it a staple attraction at the park since its relocation in 2000. Manufactured by the Dutch company Vekoma, Flashback is a classic example of a “boomerang” coaster model, known for delivering an intense experience in a relatively small footprint. This article explores the ride’s history, design, and its impact on Six Flags New England's lineup.
History of the Ride
Flashback's journey began far away from its current home. It was originally built in 1985 for Playland Park in New York under the name "Starchaser" and then relocated to Kentucky Kingdom, where it operated from 1990 to 1999 as “Starchaser.” Following a refurbishment, Six Flags acquired the coaster and moved it to its New England park, reintroducing it in 2000 under its new name, “Flashback.”
The coaster has undergone a few cosmetic changes and maintenance over the years but remains largely true to its original design. Flashback’s presence has filled an important niche in the park’s coaster collection, offering guests a quick yet intense ride experience that complements other larger coasters at Six Flags New England.
Design and Features
Flashback is a steel roller coaster with a track length of 935 feet and a maximum height of 116.5 feet. It features a distinctive “boomerang” layout, which means riders experience the course forward, then backward, creating a unique ride cycle.
The coaster begins with riders being pulled backward up a 116.5-foot lift hill. Once released, the train rockets through a drop, hits a Cobra Roll (a double-inversion that creates two back-to-back loops), and then transitions into a vertical loop. The train then slows at a second lift hill before being pulled back through the same elements, but in reverse. This configuration packs a lot of thrills into a relatively compact layout, and the sensation of moving both forward and backward through inversions adds to its excitement.
Key Features:
- Maximum Height: 116.5 feet
- Track Length: 935 feet
- Inversions: 3 (experienced twice due to the ride’s boomerang nature)
- Top Speed: Approximately 47 mph
- Ride Duration: Approximately 90 seconds
- Rider Requirements: Minimum height of 48 inches
The Ride Experience
Flashback is all about intensity and quick turns. The journey starts when riders are slowly pulled up the first tower while facing backward, creating a moment of suspense. As soon as the train is released, it feels like a sudden rush as it plunges forward into the first drop. The Cobra Roll follows, twisting riders upside down twice in rapid succession, creating a disorienting but thrilling experience. Riders then encounter a vertical loop, feeling the pressure of multiple g-forces, before racing up the second tower.
But the ride isn’t over yet—what goes forward must go backward! Flashback then pulls riders back through the same elements, providing a completely different sensation as they go through the loops in reverse. This unique motion makes it feel like two separate coasters packed into one.
Popularity and Impact
Flashback’s compact design and unique ride experience have made it a crowd favorite, particularly for guests who want a thrill without the overwhelming height or intensity of some of the park’s larger coasters. Despite its relatively small size, it often draws lines during peak times, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Six Flags New England is known for its collection of diverse and high-thrill coasters, ranging from family-friendly rides to the massive Superman: The Ride. Flashback serves as a solid mid-tier coaster, bridging the gap between introductory thrill rides and the park’s larger steel and wooden coasters.
Fun Facts
- One of Many: Flashback is one of more than 50 “Boomerang” model coasters produced by Vekoma, making it one of the most replicated roller coaster designs in the world.
- Historical Roots: It’s had multiple homes, beginning at Playland Park and then moving to Kentucky Kingdom before finding its permanent residence at Six Flags New England.
- Compact Thrills: With a track length of less than 1,000 feet, Flashback manages to pack in six inversions in a single cycle.
- Two-in-One Ride: Due to its boomerang-style layout, riders get to experience the same track both forward and backward.
Conclusion
Flashback at Six Flags New England is a classic coaster that has stood the test of time. Its unique boomerang layout, quick transitions, and reversible ride experience make it a favorite for guests looking for a quick thrill. Despite newer, larger attractions in the park, Flashback remains a staple, delivering a reliable and exciting experience year after year. If you find yourself at Six Flags New England, be sure to take a spin on this timeless coaster and experience a bit of history mixed with adrenaline.