Top Spin is a massive amusement ride manufactured by Huss Rides of Germany and other manufacturers around the world, such as Beston. The ride debuted in 1990 and has not only been a hit on European midways, but also at theme parks around the world.
The ride is made up of two arms with a large gondola slung between the two. On the opposite ends of the arms are two counterweights. On portable Top Spin 1 models, two large tanks flank the supports that act as a ballast for the ride. Top Spin 2 models do not have this feature.
Most traveling Top Spin rides retain their original name or add something onto the name such as “Top Spin Fresh.” Themeing usually consists of surfing artwork despite “top spin” not being a term used in surfing. Conversely, theme park Top Spin rides almost never keep their original name. Some names chosen include Twister, Hang Time, and Tomb Raider: The Ride (now The Crypt) among others.
The riders choose one of the two rows and move all the way to the end so others can get into the seats. Riders are secured by two restraints, a shoulder harness and T-style lapbar. When the lapbar comes down, it's almost standard fare to hear at least a few riders wail in exaggerated pain. They are indeed very snug, but considering how much hangtime riders are subjected to, I'd rather they be tight!
The cycle on a Top Spin can vary wildly. If you're riding a theme park version, especially one in the US, you can expect a very tame ride with only a couple of inversions over the course of a minute or so. A carnival will offer a cycle scores better than any theme park. Finally, a European funfair Top Spin will basically test the endurance of riders with multiple inversions and cycles approaching five minutes or more!
While cycles are different, they all contain similar elements in different orders and intensity such as:
Locking the gondola, moving the arms in one direction, and then releasing the gondola brake to make it flip. Every time the gondola goes upside down, the arms are moved down or up to keep it flipping.
Racing the arms over the top with the gondola unlocked to provide a negative-G sensation.
Locking the gondola upsidedown at the top for various lengths of time.
Locking the gondola right side up at the top and then slowly lowering the arms. If the particular Top Spin is equipped with water jets, then the jets are usually turned on high, leaving riders to edge closer and closer to them. Click here to check varied top spin rides.
Detailed information of top spin rides here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Spin_(ride)
If you want to know more other types of amusement park rides, you can check this page.
Article Source: http://thedod3.com/ride-reviews/top-spin/
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