A Roller Coaster Helix is an element on a ride where the trains will make a sharp turn in a 360-degree motion. The feeling of being pushed down into the seat is felt. Roller coasters forces come in two flavors. Positive G’s and Negative G’s. With a Roller Coaster Helix, you will be feeling the positive G’s.
Roller Coaster Helix variotions
The picture at the top of this post shows the Ninja’s Helix Finale at Six Flags, St. Louis. That would be a level helix. But to give a different sensation Roller Coaster designers can opt to go upward or downward with the element. However, this will have an effect on the momentum of the ride.
Roller Coaster Helix going downward
By far the most common way you will experience a helix is the downward way. That means since the coaster is actually going at a downward sloped angle that the coaster will be gaining speed the further into the helix it goes. Because of it gaining momentum as it goes this is often a very popular choice for the double helix. A double helix will just mean that it will turn in a 360-degree motion twice.
Going upward
An upward helix is a very intense element. Since you are climbing upward while experiencing the positive G’s it is much more intense than when level or downward. However, this does come at a cost. Since the trains will be traveling upward they will be losing their momentum the longer the element lasts.
Thanks For Reading
If you found this post informative or helpful would you please consider sharing it with your friends, family, fellow roller coaster enthusiast? Also please comment on what is your favorite helix on a roller coaster is. You can connect with us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themeparkcoastercrazy/