Gerstlauer is a German Roller Coaster Designer and Manufacturer. They opened for business in 1982 but their first roller coaster wouldn’t premier until 1998. The plan wasn’t to get into the Roller Coaster business at the time. But after Legendary Roller Coaster designer, Anton Schwarzkopf folded his business, they were able to pick up some of their work. Since then, they have really set themselves apart from Schwarzkopf, and have forged a different path. Their coasters are very distinct in the marketplace. Best known for their Spinning Coaster Model, Euro-Fighters, and Infinity Coasters.
Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster Model
Their Spinning Coaster model was a huge hit when they installed the first of these in 2004. These started popping up all over the place once Six Flags saw their potential, and decided to make it the next coaster that they would clone for most of their parks. They offer a nice spin depending on where all the riders are sitting. Because these do not have a controlled spin. When riding, sit two on just one side and you will have an insane ride. The video below is one such of these models. Originally it opened themed to Tony Hawk the pro skater. However, it is now called Pandemonium for Six Flags St. Louis.
Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter
The Euro-Fighter has become Gerstlauer’s most popular model. You can always expect really tight turns and whippy inversions on these due to the size of the trains. They are markedly smaller than most other trains. The size gives them an advantage in the maneuverability department, but they pay for it with capacity issues.
The one element you can trust that will be included on any Euro-Fighter is the beyond vertical drop. Most coasters have a steep first drop. However, the drop on Euro-Fighters feels out of control! This is especially true with TMNT Shellraiser at American Dream Mall!
Infinity Coaster
The Infinity Coaster takes most of the complaints with the Euro-Fighters and addresses them. The Capacity issues are gone! These of course will cost a park much more to install so there is always a trade off. The Infinity Coaster is the premium model that Gerstlauer provides. The first of its kind is still the most popular. The Smiler at Alton Towers has a unique and infections theme to go along with all of its inversions.
The Future
Gerstlauer shows no signs of slowing down. They offer a wide variety of coasters with different experiences. While you can order a top of the line coaster from them and spend lots of money, they do offer great bang for the buck in less expensive options. It will be exciting to see what innovations they come up with next.
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