Top hat


A top hat (sometimes called a top cap) is an element most often used on launched roller coasters. It consists of an ascent at a 90 degree angle immediately followed by a 90-degree descent in the opposite direction from which the train enters. Often, vertical twists precede and follow the top hat element.
Both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster feature a giant top hat.
The inside top hat (also known as a top hat inversion) is a different type of top hat, that features an inversion. When the train approaches the top of the "hat", it makes a 90 degree lateral twist so that it is on the inside of the element (hence the name). Once the train reaches the top, passengers are briefly suspended upside down before dropping in the opposite direction from which they enter.
Examples[edit | edit source]
Below is a list of all the roller coasters with a top hat element. All of them are steel sit-down roller coasters.
Outside top hat[edit | edit source]
Inside top hat[edit | edit source]
Name | Amusement park | Manufacturer | Opened | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dragon Legend | Romon U-Park | Maurer AG | 2015 | Operating |
Freischütz | Bayern Park | Maurer AG | 2011 | Operating |
Helix | Liseberg | Mack Rides | 2014 | Operating |
Junker | PowerLand | Gerstlauer | 2015 | Operating |
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast | Six Flags Over Texas | Premier Rides | 1998 | Operating |
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast | Six Flags St. Louis | Premier Rides | 1998 | Operating |
Soaring with Dragon | Hefei Wanda Theme Park | Intamin | 2016 | Operating |
Takabisha | Fuji-Q Highland | Gerstlauer | 2011 | Operating |
Yamaha Racing Coaster | Trans Studio Indoor Theme Park | Premier Rides | 2011 | Operating |
Batman and Robin: The Chiller | Six Flags Great Adventure | Premier Rides | 1998 | Closed 2007 |