Skyrush

Skyrush is an Intamin hyper coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Opened in 2012, Skyrush stands 200 feet tall, offering an intense ride experience characterized by high speeds, sharp twists, and steep drops. Its unique winged coaster trains feature "winged" seats, where riders are positioned on either side of the track without anything directly above or below them, enhancing the sensation of flight. With a top speed of 75 mph and a 5G force pull, it is known for its powerful airtime moments and rapid changes in direction. The coaster’s yellow track and bright blue supports make it a standout attraction in the park. Skyrush is often praised for its thrilling intensity but is also known for its "thigh-crushing" restraints, which some riders find uncomfortable. Despite this, it remains one of Hersheypark's most popular and exhilarating coasters.

Skyrush is renowned for its thrilling and intense ride experience due to several key factors:

1. Extreme Airtime: One of Skyrush's most exciting features is the intense airtime it delivers. With a top speed of 75 mph and a 200-foot drop, riders experience powerful moments of weightlessness, especially during the hill crests, giving a feeling of being lifted out of their seats.
2. Winged Seats: Skyrush's unique "winged" seat design positions riders on either side of the track with nothing directly above or below them. This setup enhances the feeling of freedom and flight, making each twist, turn, and drop feel more exhilarating.
3. 5G Forces: The ride subjects riders to up to 5Gs of force, particularly in its tight turns and rapid transitions. This intensity creates an adrenaline rush, as riders feel the strong forces pushing them into their seats.
4. Quick, Unpredictable Movements: Skyrush features rapid direction changes, tight turns, and overbanked curves that come quickly, leaving riders little time to anticipate what’s coming next. This unpredictability heightens the excitement and keeps the adrenaline pumping.
5. Steep, Massive Drop: The ride’s 85-degree, 200-foot first drop is one of the steepest and most thrilling parts of the coaster, providing a powerful rush as the train plummets toward the ground.
6. Minimalistic Restraints: Skyrush uses lap bar-style restraints, which, despite being known for their "thigh-crushing" pressure, provide a more open and vulnerable feeling compared to over-the-shoulder harnesses. This design amplifies the sensation of speed and airtime, contributing to the ride's intense thrill.

These features combined make Skyrush a standout coaster that delivers an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat experience, appealing to thrill-seekers who enjoy high-intensity rides.