This coaster is the most relentless ride I've ever been on. I think Steel Vengeance is still slightly better because it is the overall total package but I personally like Lightning Rod more. Maybe it's because I just love Dollywood so much and prefer it over any Cedar Fair park. I actually hadn't listened to or read any reviews on it or watched any POVs when I got my first rides in 2016 and I could not believe how amazing it was. I also think that the launched lift hill doesn't get enough credit. It really makes the coaster feel incredibly aggressive and you don't have any moment to breathe once you've left the station.
I had just finished my chemo portion of my cancer treatment and knew that I had to ride this in fall of 2019. I was in the next to the back seat. On one of the quick turns, I knew that I had twisted myself wrong but it was the first ride of the day :) I continued with my day with no issues. However, by the next morning, I was in pain! I was driving back to Georgia and it was a rough drive. A few weeks later, I had to had a PET scan for my ongoing treatment. I had mentioned my pain in my ribs to my oncologist before the scan. When I got the call about the results, there was an issue on one of my left ribs, but it wasn't "lit" so they couldn't say it was cancer. They did a CAT scan, and it was a cracked rib....not cancer. Soooooo, if I ride again, I'll be at the front! But I still enjoyed it, and can always say....Lightening Rod broke my rib! hahahaha
Lightning Rod is one of the 2 best coasters I have ever been on. It is right there with Steel Vengeance and I am in the same ballpark in terms of the number of credits as you. Steel Vengeance is a complete roller coaster, and Lightning Rod has my single most favorite moment on a coaster, the quad down. If the Lightning Rod were just a little bit longer, I think it would be my clear #1. It is a ride that everyone needs to try out.
Lrod and steve were my top two and then everytime I rode lrod I liked it more and the night ride is phenomenal which made me like it even more...I was there last week which was the first week for night rides I believe
Rode it for the first time two weeks ago! Loved it soooo much. With the timesaver they gave me the third row and I felt every airtime hill, all the speed, it was perfect
So. I have had season passes to dollywood since 2011 and basically watched the park get built. Before lightning rod officially opened they didn’t have the trims on at the top. It. Is. Phenomenal with the trims off. Even a night ride. Night rides are amazing. I wasn’t really a coaster enthusiast at the time but it was still phenomenal for me being a GP. I do agree with you on the middle seat good airtime but but I strongly disagree with anyone who says this is super rough during the end. The only rough spot I find is the spot after the wave turn but before the weird banked turn. In my opinion the front is more for feeling speed and the back is more for feeling airtime. Those are my thoughts.
I didn't make this the first ride of the day and ended up waiting for sixty minutes to ride it. Thankfully, it was definitely worth the wait. This is easily one of the best roller coasters I've been on, if not the best. It never looses its pace throughout its duration, you come out of your seat continuously, and the setting on the hillside makes it even more exciting. I am just glad it didn't break down while I was waiting, and I am definitely making this my first ride of the day from now on, if it's open of course.
Out of my 7 rides in December I think I only rode towards the middle once. I got a couple back seat rides and several in the front. I actually liked the front a bit better on Lightning Rod and I typically like back better on most coasters. One area where I had a much different experience was smoothness. I found Lightning Rod to be extremely smooth for a wooden coaster (which is what I expected being topper track). I've heard a few others complain about potholes though. Lightning Rod is my number two coaster just behind Steel Vengeance. So thankful we have such a unique groundbreaking ride like this, especially since I don't see any other parks taking a risk with something like this anytime soon! I also gave Lightning Rod a perfect 10 🙂 It is so intense and perfectly paced throughout.
Lightning Rod, Lightning Racer, Lightning Run. I'm surprised that I don't hear it mixed up more often from youtubers. Lightning Rod is also a top 5 coaster for me. I didn't even find it to have any rough spots that bothered me, even while riding it 16 times in one day. Kennywood would go to a whole new level if they got something like this, in addition to Phantom's Revenge, which by the way, blew my mind on Saturday. It might be in my top 10.
It’s just unfortunate that this ride usually ends up being 1 train ops. It’s an amazing night ride. Rode it for the first time last year. And came back again this year. And the ending is the best ending I’ve ever experienced
Anxiously waiting for the opportunity to ride this monster. Opted for my first trip to King's Island instead of Dollywood due to the price and LR's frequent down time in 2018. But I will be back! Great content as always 👍
I need a video comparing these two Cause toro got a 9.3 with a 7 in smoothness Anyone getting a lightning rod vs Toro coaster fight rematch vibes here Great vid keep doing what you are currently doing
What’s interesting about that is RMC built both coasters. I guess after 4 years for LR it gets bumpy. El toro is not nearly as smooth as it was 14 years ago.
Honestly, I wish I had gotten the chance to ride this coaster in the front. Got my rides in the back and back-middle and didn't really care for them that much.
@@XscreamThrills Yeah. Was heading to it again to get the front row ride when a storm got too close, and the outdoor rides were down for the rest of the day.
I never rode Lighting rod but how is the airtime on the quad down better in the front? I know up hill elements have better airtime in the front but down hill elements are better in the back.
In the front, you’re getting pushed over those crests in the quad down(which is really six straight hills). It’s far better in the front. This is such a speed machine that it feels great in any row, but front left is the best
Well I would like to have a comparison to this review as I just got back from 2 days at DW but of course L Rod was closed the whole time with no warning that it wouldn't be operating at all. Nobody working on the ride, nobody telling guests it was down, nothing advertised on the site that it was down for refurbishment. Very disappointed in the park for shutting down their marquee attraction without at least telling guests that it's down or for how long. Anyone have any guesses when it'll be running again?
I think that the reason they went with the topper track was so that they could advertise it as a wooden coaster. My theory is that the track would be much smoother and more reliable if they went with the I box track. Without that marketing levrage from being a worlds first, an I box LR wouldn't bring in the revenue. I box LR would be more reliable but current LR brought in the revenue, despite being less reliable. So I think it was a risky business move that I'm not sure paid off
I've never ridden it, but to me it looks really short?? The airtime and relentless layout must really make up for the length for everyone to be ranking it so high and sometimes even above steel vengeance
@@thequackenscoasterchannel2927 How????????????? Lighting Run has more airtime and more intense elements. It makes sense to hear that it could be better but "miles" better?
Max Hagenauer Lightning Run may be smoother, but the restraints make it hard to not get stapled. I like the RMC restraints because I always use my legs to keep the lap bar up throughout the ride
This coaster is the most relentless ride I've ever been on. I think Steel Vengeance is still slightly better because it is the overall total package but I personally like Lightning Rod more. Maybe it's because I just love Dollywood so much and prefer it over any Cedar Fair park.
I actually hadn't listened to or read any reviews on it or watched any POVs when I got my first rides in 2016 and I could not believe how amazing it was. I also think that the launched lift hill doesn't get enough credit. It really makes the coaster feel incredibly aggressive and you don't have any moment to breathe once you've left the station.
I had just finished my chemo portion of my cancer treatment and knew that I had to ride this in fall of 2019. I was in the next to the back seat. On one of the quick turns, I knew that I had twisted myself wrong but it was the first ride of the day :) I continued with my day with no issues. However, by the next morning, I was in pain! I was driving back to Georgia and it was a rough drive. A few weeks later, I had to had a PET scan for my ongoing treatment. I had mentioned my pain in my ribs to my oncologist before the scan. When I got the call about the results, there was an issue on one of my left ribs, but it wasn't "lit" so they couldn't say it was cancer. They did a CAT scan, and it was a cracked rib....not cancer. Soooooo, if I ride again, I'll be at the front! But I still enjoyed it, and can always say....Lightening Rod broke my rib! hahahaha
you said lightning racer lmao
Literally as soon as he said that i went to the comments
You and everyone else :)
Lightning Rod is one of the 2 best coasters I have ever been on. It is right there with Steel Vengeance and I am in the same ballpark in terms of the number of credits as you. Steel Vengeance is a complete roller coaster, and Lightning Rod has my single most favorite moment on a coaster, the quad down. If the Lightning Rod were just a little bit longer, I think it would be my clear #1. It is a ride that everyone needs to try out.
Lrod and steve were my top two and then everytime I rode lrod I liked it more and the night ride is phenomenal which made me like it even more...I was there last week which was the first week for night rides I believe
Rode it for the first time two weeks ago! Loved it soooo much. With the timesaver they gave me the third row and I felt every airtime hill, all the speed, it was perfect
Ive done Steel Vengeance, Lightning Rod, and Storm chaser and I gotta say Lightning Rod is my favorite Rmc and overall coaster!
*gasp* those words! Not in this house.....omg I’m only kidding. That’s what makes being an enthusiast fun, everyone has different likes and opinions.
I've just done twisted timbers 😔
Haven’t done Twisted Timbers...it looks pretty good though.
@@joeyd.6172 it is 2nd best ride in the park for me
What’s your first...I305?
So. I have had season passes to dollywood since 2011 and basically watched the park get built. Before lightning rod officially opened they didn’t have the trims on at the top. It. Is. Phenomenal with the trims off. Even a night ride. Night rides are amazing. I wasn’t really a coaster enthusiast at the time but it was still phenomenal for me being a GP.
I do agree with you on the middle seat good airtime but but I strongly disagree with anyone who says this is super rough during the end. The only rough spot I find is the spot after the wave turn but before the weird banked turn. In my opinion the front is more for feeling speed and the back is more for feeling airtime. Those are my thoughts.
I didn't make this the first ride of the day and ended up waiting for sixty minutes to ride it. Thankfully, it was definitely worth the wait. This is easily one of the best roller coasters I've been on, if not the best. It never looses its pace throughout its duration, you come out of your seat continuously, and the setting on the hillside makes it even more exciting. I am just glad it didn't break down while I was waiting, and I am definitely making this my first ride of the day from now on, if it's open of course.
If you ever get the chance to ride it at night jump on it. It’s pitch black after the launch and it’s amazing! Totally different ride experience.
Incredible coaster. My #1. So fun.
So happy to have this at my home park!
Lucky!
When I went to the park this year they were open to 10 and I got 3 back row night rides on Lrod and it was insane
Please do a “Top Ten (or 25) Smoothest Coasters” video!
Sounds like a great idea!
Out of my 7 rides in December I think I only rode towards the middle once. I got a couple back seat rides and several in the front. I actually liked the front a bit better on Lightning Rod and I typically like back better on most coasters. One area where I had a much different experience was smoothness. I found Lightning Rod to be extremely smooth for a wooden coaster (which is what I expected being topper track). I've heard a few others complain about potholes though.
Lightning Rod is my number two coaster just behind Steel Vengeance. So thankful we have such a unique groundbreaking ride like this, especially since I don't see any other parks taking a risk with something like this anytime soon! I also gave Lightning Rod a perfect 10 🙂 It is so intense and perfectly paced throughout.
When he said lighting racer 💀4:10
my bad!
It’s ok lol it was funny
I had to ride this ride a few times to really appreciate it, I was really not expecting how intense it was going to be.
Lightning Rod, Lightning Racer, Lightning Run. I'm surprised that I don't hear it mixed up more often from youtubers. Lightning Rod is also a top 5 coaster for me. I didn't even find it to have any rough spots that bothered me, even while riding it 16 times in one day. Kennywood would go to a whole new level if they got something like this, in addition to Phantom's Revenge, which by the way, blew my mind on Saturday. It might be in my top 10.
It’s just unfortunate that this ride usually ends up being 1 train ops. It’s an amazing night ride. Rode it for the first time last year. And came back again this year. And the ending is the best ending I’ve ever experienced
One train ops are soooooo slow!
Anxiously waiting for the opportunity to ride this monster. Opted for my first trip to King's Island instead of Dollywood due to the price and LR's frequent down time in 2018. But I will be back! Great content as always 👍
Thanks! You'll love it for sure!
LRod looks super fun
This thing absolutely BLOWS SteVe away
It’s my #2! The quad down is INSAAANE 🤯🤯🤯
A lot of similarities to Outlaw Run for me!
I’m beginning to understand how this is better than SteVe. Does it feel short?
It doesn't to me at least. You feel really satisfied coming into the brake run.
Wisconsin Thrills Yeah, I assumed this. I’ve ridden Skyrush and I could imagine that having the same feeling as LRod. Short and sweet :)
Nope it doesn’t feel short, and that’s coming from someone who feels like phantom and skyrush are short
@@MillenniumForceMan It never felt like they were short
Wisconsin Thrills what phantom and skyrush?
Did not know lightning racer was that good
What can I say, I had Hersheypark on the mind apparently!
I need a video comparing these two Cause toro got a 9.3 with a 7 in smoothness
Anyone getting a lightning rod vs Toro coaster fight rematch vibes here
Great vid keep doing what you are currently doing
What’s interesting about that is RMC built both coasters. I guess after 4 years for LR it gets bumpy. El toro is not nearly as smooth as it was 14 years ago.
El Toro is an Intiman Prefab. Only one in America.
Kenneth Audette correct. Manufactured by Intamin, built by RMC
Word up!
That could definitely be in the works soon!
LRod>SteVe
Agreed
Facts
ToRo > LiTe RoD
Straight facts
Did you get a new Mic? Sounds pretty good!
Thanks, I did not, same mic
Oh
Kings island should get a launched topper track like lightning rod.
Not a launch, just a normal lift hill one.
Honestly, I wish I had gotten the chance to ride this coaster in the front. Got my rides in the back and back-middle and didn't really care for them that much.
I mean, they were good. Just not "near-best-in-the-world" good
Yeah, you gotta give the front rows a chance
@@XscreamThrills Yeah. Was heading to it again to get the front row ride when a storm got too close, and the outdoor rides were down for the rest of the day.
I never rode Lighting rod but how is the airtime on the quad down better in the front? I know up hill elements have better airtime in the front but down hill elements are better in the back.
In the front, you’re getting pushed over those crests in the quad down(which is really six straight hills). It’s far better in the front. This is such a speed machine that it feels great in any row, but front left is the best
I actually liked this more than SteVe cause I thought the airtime was more sustained and stronger
I don't know if I would agree with the sustained part, but definitely more intense
Well I would like to have a comparison to this review as I just got back from 2 days at DW but of course L Rod was closed the whole time with no warning that it wouldn't be operating at all. Nobody working on the ride, nobody telling guests it was down, nothing advertised on the site that it was down for refurbishment. Very disappointed in the park for shutting down their marquee attraction without at least telling guests that it's down or for how long. Anyone have any guesses when it'll be running again?
That's strange, haven't heard why it's down
I think that the reason they went with the topper track was so that they could advertise it as a wooden coaster. My theory is that the track would be much smoother and more reliable if they went with the I box track. Without that marketing levrage from being a worlds first, an I box LR wouldn't bring in the revenue. I box LR would be more reliable but current LR brought in the revenue, despite being less reliable. So I think it was a risky business move that I'm not sure paid off
I've never ridden it, but to me it looks really short?? The airtime and relentless layout must really make up for the length for everyone to be ranking it so high and sometimes even above steel vengeance
Lightning Rod got struck by lightning last week lmao
Fr?
I really don't see another launched wooden one after this one given the downtime and such.
But hopefully I'm wrong!
It's not that it's wooden that causes problems, but because of the 3rd party that built the launch equipment
I hope you noticed you said Lightning Racer
No worries, only a billion people have pointed out my mistake... LOL
I went to Dollywood a few days ago and lightning rod was closed.
Closed at least all weekend. I don't know when the last day it was running, but I'd like to know what's going on with it.
Better than Lighting Run?
Miles better
@@thequackenscoasterchannel2927 How????????????? Lighting Run has more airtime and more intense elements. It makes sense to hear that it could be better but "miles" better?
I could marathon Lightning Run all day, but Lightning Rod I would need a break every once and awhile. Not sure if that answers your question though
Max Hagenauer Lightning Run may be smoother, but the restraints make it hard to not get stapled. I like the RMC restraints because I always use my legs to keep the lap bar up throughout the ride
I got to ride it opening year and got stuck on it twice
Did it fail to launch?
Lightning rod is a awesome coaster but it's always breaking down
Unfortunately true 😥
LSM Launch=Light Speed Manipulation Launch
You said lightning racer
Oops!
4:11 lighting racer
Oops!
It’s ok I do that all the time about lightning racer and lighting rod!
Or Lightning Run
Hey wanna go ride DiamondSTACK and InTRIMIDATOR
Unpopular opinion- Storm Chaser is better than Lightning Rod.
We all have our own tastes, both are great coasters though!
Kennywood should RMC Racer, bring a dueling RMC to the east coast!
That would stir up some unrest but I'd be down with that conversion!
LIGHTNING RACER LOL
3:27 That quote aged poorly lmao
LIGHTNING RACER BAHAHAHA
What’s with that terrible POV
I was trying out these new camera sunglasses