Roller Coaster Review: Maxx Force, Six Flags Great America

Not since the 2014 debut of Goliath has Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill., had the chance to tout a new roller coaster. Maxx Force boasts three world records: fastest launch roller coaster (obtaining 78 mph in under two seconds), fastest inversion and tallest double-inversion. 

But given the 20 second total ride time, the coaster should have been named The Flash, which would be in line with other D.C. comic-themed rides in the park. The launch is a thrill for sure, but the ride is over too soon.

I rode Maxx Force twice on Thursday, July 25, 2019, about three weeks after its debut. At 1p.m. I only had to wait 35 minutes, which made me seriously question the ride’s appeal. Later at around 5:45, I had to wait 1:15 minutes to ride, which included a 20-minute delay in service.

Here are my thoughts about each aspect of the ride:

The Launch: Anticipating the take-off and acceleration to 78 mph in two seconds is the best part of the ride. The operators keep you guessing--there is no countdown to launch. When it occurs, everyone around the park knows it: a deep “boom” marks the moment, adding to the anxiety of those waiting in line. On the ride, one doesn’t really hear the boom, only feels the g-force of being pressed back into the cushy seat. And, since riders are being launched up and into the first inversion, there are no stomach-flipping drops to endure.

The Inversions: Due to the ride’s speed, the inversions are smooth and over quickly.

The Seating: The coaster is designed like a race car (with faux wheels front and back seats like those in a car). Riders are secured by a lap bar (as in Goliath) and hold onto handles in front. Each train only holds 16 riders. A second train is loaded even before the first is launched. It’s a comfortable and secure ride.

The Waiting Area: This ride was erected at the park’s entrance, in the footprint once occupied by the Pictorium (touted as the “world’s largest motion picture experience” and Chicagoland’s first IMAX when it opened in 1979). The line area is compact and unfortunately architects didn’t include any shade for those waiting in line.

Bottom Line: This is a better ride than the past two revealed by the park in 2018 and 2017: The Mardi Gras Hangover is billed as the world’s largest loop at 100-feet tall, but is just a one-trick pony. And The Joker is an aptly named schizophrenic track that lacks multiple ride appeal.

Link to POV footage of Maxx Force.

Link to my review of Goliath

Link to my review of “Justice League: Battle for Metropolis”