I'm in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Nighthawk. Sure, the corkscrews were the roughest part, but the vertical loop was pretty intense. I much preferred it over Vortex next door.
I have over 300 credits, including steel vengeance, iron gwazi, time traveler, every b&m flying coaster in the country, velocicoaster, and batwing. I also live super close to batwing. Nighthawk has been my favorite coaster since I rode it. I genuinely almost cried when I heard about this, at least I got to ride king da ka one last time on it's last day.
It’s me. I’m the one you’re talking about. I loved that ride. It was called BORG when I rode it and we loved it. I’ve never been back, but I don’t obsess over roller coasters either. Let’s get rid of all of them and then we can just think back of how they used to be and reminisce.
I mean that is THE PERFECT theme for a flying coaster as it is something to do with the history of the aviation industry and a very important part of it as the Wright Brothers basically sparked the aviation industry with the first powered flight and it is in NC and the flight took place in Kitty Hawk so that is just a no-brainer move in my book.
@@zacg_ With it being a launched model, it would give it something that no other flying coaster has in the US so it would make it a unique experience cause all of the other flying coasters here have lift hills. Also the 2x2 seating would add to the uniqueness as the rest of them here have 4-across seating. It would be TOTALLY different from the rest of the flyers we have here and that is what it would make it stand out from the rest of the crowd and that would only bring more guests to Carowinds.
The ride itself was good, the problem was that it took 10 FKN MINUTES to get a train in and out of the station No matter how few people were in the park (I have been to Carowinds countless times) this ride always have a 60min+ wait because its operations were SO SLOW
Yeah for sure. Even if they had a team on it that was as good as Fury’s, it would STILL take forever to load and unload. It’s just a TOUGH ride to operate because of all the restraint checks and safety stuff to go through
Luckily the newer Vekoma Flying model fixed that cause the new models have more like standard vest restraints and the same leg holders but dispatch times would be greatly reduced with the new model.
I was literally just talking to my brother about Carowinds because my dad just moved to Charlotte. I was hoping that they wouldn't remove Nighthawk until after I make it out there because it seems like a unique ride experience. Then I see this minutes later!
@ completely agree, so different from b&m fliers, i definitely prefer manta for its comfortability and its setting, but that’s a given, nighthawk has a more interesting layout and definitely more intense
I'm glad to see it go! I actually talked to maintenance at Carowinds when I got stuck on Nighthawk (in the station haha). The Firehawk parts were incompatible. The track gauge was different so they couldn't use the trains flat out. The control system on Nighthawk was (SOMEHOW) simpler, used a different interface, and used 3 connectors to the train while Firehawk used 4 at a slightly different height so they were completely incompatible. The latching mechanism was different. Really despite looking the same the trains, which had most of the issues on Nighthawk, were pretty much completely different. Basically from what I heard from maintenance Firehawk was scrapped with the assumption that they could cannibalize parts, no one actually checked, tore the thing down and shipped the parts over, and they were only able to use the restraints (which were fine) lmao. I'm mostly mad they tore down the best Flying Dutchman in the US to try to fix the absolute worst... I hope they get another modern Vekoma though, a F.L.Y model would be AMAZING, or a Tilt Coaster right front and center at the entrance would be really really cool. Pretty much anything would be an improvement though. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but Carowinds has enough B&Ms and I don't really think it needs anymore especially if they do keep Vortex long-term (please I hope they do). OH! I do hope they add some more intense flat rides though... Hopefully some that are reliable. Those two really rounded out that area, and I worry that with them gone with no replacement it'll kind of be a dead zone.
That's because the GP only cares about what's there. Enthusiasts, being more knowledgable about Roller Coasters, are constantly thinking about what could be.
Nighthawk wowed me on my 2022 rides. My dad even called it a top 10 coaster once we got off. I'll definitely miss it but hopefully its replacement is worthy.
I never got the chance unfortunately. I'm not huge on flyers. They've clearly got a new policy since the merger to get rid of problem rides across the entire chain. Honestly, not a bad idea. Every park loses something, a few things even, but you trim your expenses on maintenance/staffing and are able to invest more into either new rides or paying down that crazy new debt they took on.
I'm more torn up over Scream Weaver tbh. Classic enterprises are getting rarer and rarer, and sure there's modern replacements, but you just can't beat the ride experience of the originals
I got a single ride during my one trip to carowinds in early 2024. We ropedropped it because it was on one train and the previous night the wait was 90 minutes. Got on one of the first trains and really enjoyed it. Since it was running slow, it was smooth and graceful. Sad this is going.
I will never understand this ride's reputation. I think Nighthawk was an absolute treat. It was intense, forceful, well paced, and undeniably unique. From my experience, it never really rode rough. I'd go as far as to call it the 4th best coaster at Carowinds, above Afterburn. Blasphemy, I know, but its how I feel, and I'm honestly disheartened to see yet another great coaster bite the dust.
The ride used to be almost unanimously hated, I was certainly in the crowd that disliked it back in 2016. My last rides were great though, and it's reputation has improved over the last few years. It's a shame that not everyone liked it, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
I was riding this ride with my sister at Scarowinds 7 ish years ago and her phone somehow fell out of an interior pocket and out the top of her coat. I saw it as we rolled over and I reached out and *caught it.* I stared at it in disbelief the rest of the ride and showed my sister at the end who still didn’t know her phone was missing at all. This was after my sister’s SIL lost her phone on the same ride on our same annual trip the year before and had it miraculously fall on the mesh on top of the queue and a stranger got it and returned it to her. Wasn’t the best ride, but we did lose and get back two different phones, so it shall be remembered fondly in my family.
Made my way to Carowinds for the first time this year and I honestly was going in thinking Nighthawk would be my least favorite. To my surprise though, it ended up probably being my 2nd favorite in the park behind Fury. That "hanging on for dear life" sensation you get on those final two corkscrews is so unique and is the reason I ended up marathoning it for a solid couple hours! Personally it's a bit of a shame to me it's going but hopefully they'll add in something just as good, if-not better, than Fury in that location
I still don't understand why parks won't announce ride closures before the park closes Imagine how much more money they could make if they did, take Kingda Ka for example, if they told everyone that it was closing, THOUSANDS more people would've came to Great Adventure this year, it makes no sense
One of the reasons they may not be making announcements about departures is that- in the future- side-by-side comparisons of departures and arrivals may not make them look good.
@@MidwestBoomyeah. I think it’s about the money. Like maybe the ops of the ride outweighs the extra ticket sales they would get so they don’t even bother.
Nighthawk 5th best in the park, call me crazy idc. It wasn’t too rough and the flying experience is unique for the area. It was absolutely liked by most locals and some enthusiasts who are located nearby
I will call you "mirroring my opinion". I too ranked this 5th-in-park. It was surprisingly comfortable (for what it was) and a very unique experience. I will indeed miss this one! 😢
I rode Nighthawk on the last day of the season this year. It rode extremely well, with the only roughness being the corkscrews. I stayed away from it for twenty years because when it was Borg Assimilator, I had the absolute worst ride I’d ever had on any coaster. I lucked out getting one of the last rides.
I was fortunate to operate Nighthawk for a short time this year. We did run with one train this year and was told that they were trying to fix the second. Just like King da ka this decision was very last minute. Nighthawk was one of the first ever coasters I worked and a personal favorite to operate and it will always have a special place with me. Fly high Nighthawk 🦇
These late season closures makes me wonder if Invertigo will reopen at KI. Apparently the Congo Falls sign is being removed already; should be interesting to see
They're literally is a guy that's ridden it 10,000 times his name is Alvin. I've ridden it with him. He's also ridden Fury a bunch of times. I guarantee you he's going to be sad because he's Mr nighthawk
Firehawk was the only Vekoma Flying Dutchman I ever rode, and gotta say I didn't mind it. Maybe Nighthawk is a lot worse, but Firehawk was definitely leagues better than any Vekoma SLC I have ridden. (Low bar I know, but I do miss it). Orion was a great addition but wish they could have kept both. Although I'm sure parts availability on these things is a nightmare at this point as well.
I think the perfect replacement would be a new Vekoma flying coaster themed to the Wright Brothers and the first powered flight. I mean that would be a fun and educational ride experience and it would be perfect as it would be a DIRECT ONE-TO-ONE REPLACEMENT to Nighthawk as that is a flying coaster as well. The dark ride section could tell the story leading up to when it happens and the ride happens when they actually are ready to go for that historic flight. It's a no-brainer move on Carrowind's part and look how well-recieved F.L.Y. was received at Phantasialand in Germany. It got rave reviews from everyone who rode it so it would make sense to bring that model to the United States. Also there are other parks within the new Six Flags chain that are getting Vekoma coasters with Cedar Point getting a Tilt Coaster and SFGA getting a Super Boomerang so that just makes the chances of it happening even greater.
My issues with Nighthawk boiled down to my horrendous luck with it. Plenty of times it broke down right as I was about to board it, and it simply wasn't fun enough to justify the long wait. Also there was that one time my train got stuck on the brake run... in the hot summer heat. Not to mention it used to look way cooler as Borg Assimilator. I would ride Manta over this any day.
Haven’t been to Carowinds since the 90’s. Back when they had Thunder Road! That ride was amazing especially backwards side 😀 This merger is crazy they are just cutting rides everywhere
my one and only ride on Nighthawk was back when it was BORG: Assimilator and I was assigned the front seat and I enjoyed that ride, but we waited about 45 minutes because of the slow operations.
Back in 2004, when this coaster first launched, it was named Borg Assimilation after the Star Trek First contact movie. Back then, it was a long wait ride because it was popular. Then it became a long wait because of the issues it started to develop. I rode it one last time over the summer, and in all honesty, it was a somber experience. Only 1 train was operable, and it took several minutes to unload and load new passengers to get them out of the station. I hated seeing a childhood memory reduced to that condition. The next visit the ride was closed for repairs and the maintenance worker I talked to that day made mention that the ride was truly on its last leg due to all the issues, and he wasn't expecting it to make another season. Ultimately, I'm glad I got to ride it one last time, but I'm relieved Afterburner or rather TOP-GUN is going to stick around for a long time to come.
Il miss this ride, this is why. It was not always at Carowinds. It originally came from my home park as Stealth, Paramount's Great America (now CGA) and since it was part of my park's history I have nostalgia. I never got to ride neither however so I have no idea how it was 😂
Exactly how I feel, I wasn't quite tall enough to ride it when it was Stealth, and by the time I built up the courage in 2004, it was already gone. GA is my home park as well.
I’ve never liked nighthawk, probably my least favorite coaster I’ve ever been on, I’m not sad about it going, but I am excited to maybe see something better replace it!!
I will say this, I know a lot of people that loved Nighthawk. It was one of there favorite roller coasters if not there favorite in the park. The GP really liked this ride for the most part. First time I rode it, it was number 5 in the park I thought it was intense and not that rough. The second time was awful, it was so rough I said I would never get back on it. Felt like an airplane crashing.😂 I hope they remove vortex soon and put something really good in that area.
Went to Carowinds in 2017, 108 degrees high that day, we got there about noon, and this was our first ride for the day. Line said 15 minutes wait and looked to be an accurate time. We waited 45 minutes first off, and the ride itself was ok, not as good as Firehawk, but ok. Then proceeded to be on the brake run on our backs for almost 10 minutes as they loaded the next train. It was very very uncomfortable on many levels. That position was awkward and it was Hotter than Hades. Suffice to say once we got off of the ride we vowed to never ever again experience it. Only experience worse that day was riding Vortex. Although I won't miss Nighthawk at all I just kind of thought Vortex would be trashed first. It probably will be next one down, if we are being honest. I say a Dive where Nighthawk was would look cool, although I'm not as excited about Dives, but they are crowd pleasers fo sure. Maybe give us a Gerstlauer or Premier launch coaster where Vortex is. Would do wonders for changing the top 5 coasters of the park.
Weird thing is they spent so much on getting parts and repainting both Vortex and Nighthawk. A lot of enthusiasts thought there was no way they would be going anytime soon.
As someone who has been visiting Carowinds since childhood, I am very sad that Nighthawk is permanently closed. Even though the ride experience wasn’t great, it was very picturesque and an icon of the park.
didn't they already say the water attraction is the replacement for Nighthawk? I think a Mack water coaster would be cool in that spot especially since Nighthawk was already sitting on top of a lake... not a shuttle coaster but a nice custom full circuit layout!
I don’t really know anything about nighthawk but I’ve marathoned batwing multiple times. It’s really smooth and I’m surprised to hear that other people don’t think it’s good.
Don't love that title card. I don't care what you thought of Nighthawk, every ride is someone's favourite, they deserve transparency from the park about a ride closure. Remember Mean Streak Henry? Even if we might've not loved Mean Streak, he did. And I'm glad that closure was transparent so he could give it a proper sendoff. Every ride has someone like that. This isn't "good riddance", it's "Richard Zimmerman has still not learned his lesson about how to handle closures". This was clearly a post-merger decision to put a headliner in their new flagship park (it's where HQ is. It's their flagship park) and send the spare oarts over to the park they are most likely to close entirely so they can keep Batwing going.
Carowinds is in decline. There's absolutely no passion or vision for that park. SCarowinds hasn't had a new haunt in several years. The Christmas holiday experience is cringe-worthy.
Oh, yes, the typical "enthusiasts hated this ride so trust us it's a good thing it's being removed" I've never gotten to ride a flying dutchman. If they remove Batwing at SFA, I'll literally never get the chance. But people will somehow still find a way to defend this.
I'm a "beginner" enthusiast with 81 credits so far and I'm a bit sad that Nighthawk missed my credit list, I would have ridden it once just for the credit. Carowinds is definitely on my list of parks to visit in 2025, never been there before.
2:34 ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?!?! NIGHTHAWK IS SO GOOD Genuinely, I absolutely adored nighthawk, and I'm really sad to see this ride close. This is THE BEST Flying Coaster I have been on so far, and this IS NOT ROUGH. It pulls such good forces, and it really pains me for Carowinds to get rid of this ride. I am just hoping i can ride batman at six flags america before it closes, cuz that looks so good also. Still love your content, but nighthawk is so much better then yall say it is.
This actually pissed me off so much I was there last night and found out because of A FRIENDS SNAPCHAT STORY, no announcement or nothing other than a post after the season was over. This was a good ride to me and I’m upset I didn’t even get a final ride.
6:03 B&M Flyer “Nighthawk 2.0” is how I would see it being called. I also could have totally seen B&M coming in and just replacing the Vekoma Track with B&M Track. So still the same exact layout but now 2 different credits for 2 different experiences... kind of.
Nighthawk was my favorite coaster in the world. I get that it'll be replaced with something better, and the line was miserably slow, but I'm really sad to see it go. Honestly now I'm thinking back to the last time I rode it and realizing that that was my last ride... Yeah this is gonna take a minute.
I was pleasantly surprised when I visited in October and Nighthawk was actually running. Looks like I actually got a farewell ride on it. Doesn't make up for missing out on Kingda Ka, but it's something.
Never been to Carrowinds, but I did ride this as Stealth at Great America. It was a huge deal back then being the 'first' flying coaster. It was crazy they removed it when it wasn't even there for 5 years. I guess these coasters didn't age well.
i think they will either remove hurler, and put in a new wooden coaster in that area or RMC it. there is now tons of rooms back there, and scream weaver and the drop tower were next to it. i could it see be used for elements after the first drop. if not, i hope they add better flat rides there. kind of sad seeing two extreme rides there and not being used
In a good seat, I liked Nighthawk but I also rode on an awful seat which took away the positives from my first ride. I liked the corkscrew elements, the intensity, but these vekoma flying dutchmans are really not my favorite.
This plot of land used to be a big pond with an old riverboat that circled a small island in the middle. I hope they open it back up and recreate the pond as a central feature of the park. Carowinds isn’t like cedar point where it’s built next to a lake. They need to create an environment or it’ll just fall deeper into a boring concrete jungle.
I live in LA, and in 2019, I went to Carowinds from California specifically to ride Nighthawk. In 2020, I went to Six Flags America on Labor Day Weekend and rode Batwing. Outside of the 2 last corkscrews, Nighthawk was actually a pretty good ride; Batwing was way worse. I have ridden 323 different roller coasters, and Batwing is the only one that has ever given me vertigo. I actually like Nighthawk more than Fury 325 (NOT JOKING).
I really loved Nighthawk. I never found it as rough as you 2. I'm pretty sad. Now we have so many giant gaping holes in the park where Nighthawk, the white water ride, drop tower and flat ride was plus the Dinosaurs Alive area. Feeling a little depressing that we are losing so much and getting so little.
I got to ride this and Firehawk at Kings Island. While I much preferred Firehawk before it closed due to its surprisingly smooth ride, I did appreciate Nighthawk for it's layout and ride experience. I wish they gave it a face lift but I'm excited to see what's next
I almost wish they could do the same thing with Vortex, but maybe not have it removed, maybe have it converted into a floorless coaster, and give it a retracking
Nighthawks closure is actually heavily rumored to be like Volcano's closure, in that the park didn't know they were removing it until it was already done. It had one last major break down during Scarowinds and they just pulled the plug on it there. It closed weeks ahead of it's typical scheduled closure date. I don't think this is as planned of a closure as the other six flags closures this season. Also when it comes to their drop tower, it's operations were pretty spotty this season, and even when it was open it never had a wait. No clue what they're gonna do with its land since it's basically surrounded on every side but it does make some sense.
I got to ride this in it’s opening year at CA Great America as Stealth. It was rough, uncomfortable, and ops were slow even back then. It was a draw to the park as it was the 1st vakoma Dutchman. End of an era for a lot of rides this year.
This coaster was fine. Imagine celebrating a billion dollar company closing a fine ride and do nothing in return. Six flags has done nothing but remove rides and delay new ones. Tbf this is the same people who were crying and wanting airie force to get trimmed because the ending has too much airtime
I loved to hear they were closing Nighthawk! The only great thing about Nighthawk was the theming when it was Borg: Assimilator! When the parks changed hands and the name changed, I was over it!
I actually seriously loved nighthawk. I rode if for the first time this year, just once, and it was my first flying dutchman. Most flying coasters are big and flowy, but this one was just tight turns and crazy forces and i never knew which way was up or down. It was just such a wild and unique experience that had me so enthralled, I genuingly barely noticed amy roughness. Im sure if I had gotten more rides in I would start to see the dislike for it. As it stands though, ill remember this ride fondly :)
Orbiter at Canada's Wonderland (old school enterprise) was removed in 2018 and replaced with a new pathway which connects Behemoth to Yukon Striker. There was never a new ride in its place. I don't know the location of the Carowinds enterprise but a new pathway is a potential option.
The drop tower makes sense closing the ride is barely ever opened. Even when the ride is opened it breaks down a lot so it makes sense. I got stuck on it for an hour once before lol
This one is kinda bitter sweet, because even though the ride was terrible, it's one of the last remaining coasters of a rare model. Also Six Flags, get your closures right and let people have a chance to ride it before it's too late!
i was lucky to get a ride on it this past summer; it was my first time at Carowinds. idk if it was a matter of me getting lucky with my seat (second-to-front row) but i really enjoyed it!! my main issue was the slow line, that was pretty dire and i reckon that capacity issue was a big reason they decided to axe it. still though, i'm sad to see it go
I'm that one person who absolutely loved "Nighthawk". Well, sorta. I only got to ride it once in 2017, but I do absolutely love "Batwing". Weird, janky, gimmicky coasters are my jam. Batwing is my favorite coaster at SFA, and Nighthawk was top five for me at CW.
Carowinds is my home park and I rode nighthawk often. I’ve always absolutely loved it and never understood the hate for it. Never found it unbearably rough at all. Was extremely bummed after finding out it closed for good.
When I look at Carowinds and Canada’s Wonderland, both parks have a lot of coasters, but a lot of BAD coasters. Both could lose 3 or 4 and replace with a few more solid coasters to really build up the park.
I'm in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Nighthawk. Sure, the corkscrews were the roughest part, but the vertical loop was pretty intense. I much preferred it over Vortex next door.
ditto! carowinds is my homepark, and it was my #5 in the park. hopefully they replace it with something better though!
Same. I feel like it’s overhated but after the big 4, Nighthawk was the fifth best? RIP Nighthawk 😔
I loved nighthawk is was top 4 in the park for me
It was top 5 for me
Same
I have over 300 credits, including steel vengeance, iron gwazi, time traveler, every b&m flying coaster in the country, velocicoaster, and batwing. I also live super close to batwing. Nighthawk has been my favorite coaster since I rode it. I genuinely almost cried when I heard about this, at least I got to ride king da ka one last time on it's last day.
Nighthawk was so underrated! It wasn't my favorite, but it was so enjoyable.
my #2 in the park after fury
i’m so sorry for your loss. go to SFA asap
It’s me. I’m the one you’re talking about. I loved that ride. It was called BORG when I rode it and we loved it. I’ve never been back, but I don’t obsess over roller coasters either. Let’s get rid of all of them and then we can just think back of how they used to be and reminisce.
Give them a new Vekoma Flyer with a Wright Bros theme.
I thought a Vekoma would be good too! But I want a launch coaster!
Agreed.
@@bgwkid well, so far there's only one and it's launched so that shouldn't be a problem.
I mean that is THE PERFECT theme for a flying coaster as it is something to do with the history of the aviation industry and a very important part of it as the Wright Brothers basically sparked the aviation industry with the first powered flight and it is in NC and the flight took place in Kitty Hawk so that is just a no-brainer move in my book.
@@zacg_ With it being a launched model, it would give it something that no other flying coaster has in the US so it would make it a unique experience cause all of the other flying coasters here have lift hills. Also the 2x2 seating would add to the uniqueness as the rest of them here have 4-across seating. It would be TOTALLY different from the rest of the flyers we have here and that is what it would make it stand out from the rest of the crowd and that would only bring more guests to Carowinds.
The ride itself was good, the problem was that it took 10 FKN MINUTES to get a train in and out of the station
No matter how few people were in the park (I have been to Carowinds countless times) this ride always have a 60min+ wait because its operations were SO SLOW
Yeah for sure. Even if they had a team on it that was as good as Fury’s, it would STILL take forever to load and unload. It’s just a TOUGH ride to operate because of all the restraint checks and safety stuff to go through
Luckily the newer Vekoma Flying model fixed that cause the new models have more like standard vest restraints and the same leg holders but dispatch times would be greatly reduced with the new model.
yesss my first time at carowinds i had fast pass and it took around 20 mins to get on with under 10 people in the fast pass line
I was literally just talking to my brother about Carowinds because my dad just moved to Charlotte. I was hoping that they wouldn't remove Nighthawk until after I make it out there because it seems like a unique ride experience. Then I see this minutes later!
I have multiple friends who LOVED nighthawk and are super sad
It is such an unique ride and not really that rough
@ completely agree, so different from b&m fliers, i definitely prefer manta for its comfortability and its setting, but that’s a given, nighthawk has a more interesting layout and definitely more intense
It’s a historic coaster. It was the first actual flying coaster
I'm suprised Batwing at Six Flags America ain't got scrapped for extra peices for Nighthawk at Carowinds
ikr i cant let gang know i fw it
I'm glad to see it go! I actually talked to maintenance at Carowinds when I got stuck on Nighthawk (in the station haha). The Firehawk parts were incompatible. The track gauge was different so they couldn't use the trains flat out. The control system on Nighthawk was (SOMEHOW) simpler, used a different interface, and used 3 connectors to the train while Firehawk used 4 at a slightly different height so they were completely incompatible. The latching mechanism was different. Really despite looking the same the trains, which had most of the issues on Nighthawk, were pretty much completely different.
Basically from what I heard from maintenance Firehawk was scrapped with the assumption that they could cannibalize parts, no one actually checked, tore the thing down and shipped the parts over, and they were only able to use the restraints (which were fine) lmao.
I'm mostly mad they tore down the best Flying Dutchman in the US to try to fix the absolute worst... I hope they get another modern Vekoma though, a F.L.Y model would be AMAZING, or a Tilt Coaster right front and center at the entrance would be really really cool. Pretty much anything would be an improvement though. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but Carowinds has enough B&Ms and I don't really think it needs anymore especially if they do keep Vortex long-term (please I hope they do).
OH! I do hope they add some more intense flat rides though... Hopefully some that are reliable. Those two really rounded out that area, and I worry that with them gone with no replacement it'll kind of be a dead zone.
carowinds is just a storage area for firehawks trains and nighthawk was the flying dutchmans prototype.
Its funny how the general public loves more coasters than enthusiasts do. Kind of shocking
So true! Crazy how a hobby about liking something, can hate something so much…
Not every coaster deserves love lol
The GP also hate I305 tho
@rileylippittThis is something you find with so many hobbies actually, Im surprised more people aren’t quitting hobbies
That's because the GP only cares about what's there. Enthusiasts, being more knowledgable about Roller Coasters, are constantly thinking about what could be.
Nighthawk wowed me on my 2022 rides. My dad even called it a top 10 coaster once we got off. I'll definitely miss it but hopefully its replacement is worthy.
Six Flags is certainly running up my defunct coaster count. I liked Nighthawk.
I never got the chance unfortunately. I'm not huge on flyers. They've clearly got a new policy since the merger to get rid of problem rides across the entire chain. Honestly, not a bad idea. Every park loses something, a few things even, but you trim your expenses on maintenance/staffing and are able to invest more into either new rides or paying down that crazy new debt they took on.
I'm more torn up over Scream Weaver tbh. Classic enterprises are getting rarer and rarer, and sure there's modern replacements, but you just can't beat the ride experience of the originals
I got a single ride during my one trip to carowinds in early 2024. We ropedropped it because it was on one train and the previous night the wait was 90 minutes. Got on one of the first trains and really enjoyed it. Since it was running slow, it was smooth and graceful. Sad this is going.
I will never understand this ride's reputation. I think Nighthawk was an absolute treat. It was intense, forceful, well paced, and undeniably unique. From my experience, it never really rode rough. I'd go as far as to call it the 4th best coaster at Carowinds, above Afterburn. Blasphemy, I know, but its how I feel, and I'm honestly disheartened to see yet another great coaster bite the dust.
The ride used to be almost unanimously hated, I was certainly in the crowd that disliked it back in 2016. My last rides were great though, and it's reputation has improved over the last few years. It's a shame that not everyone liked it, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
my second fav in the park
I was riding this ride with my sister at Scarowinds 7 ish years ago and her phone somehow fell out of an interior pocket and out the top of her coat. I saw it as we rolled over and I reached out and *caught it.* I stared at it in disbelief the rest of the ride and showed my sister at the end who still didn’t know her phone was missing at all. This was after my sister’s SIL lost her phone on the same ride on our same annual trip the year before and had it miraculously fall on the mesh on top of the queue and a stranger got it and returned it to her. Wasn’t the best ride, but we did lose and get back two different phones, so it shall be remembered fondly in my family.
I don’t like the hate of hurler. It’s not the most exciting ride but I had fun on it. It is super smooth with a couple of airtime pops
Bro I got so lucky with this coaster. Between the long line, the one-train ops, and it getting removed, I'm glad I got to ride it.
This is the worlds first flying roller coaster this deserved more recognition and respect
As a local drop tower is usually not popular. It’s almost always a walk on
Yeah but honestly, it’s sort of blocked off by trees, and it’s in the corner of the park over there by itself. It’s definitely not in a good spot
@@averyjohnson8508 definitely. But still I don’t think it will be too missed by the park
Made my way to Carowinds for the first time this year and I honestly was going in thinking Nighthawk would be my least favorite. To my surprise though, it ended up probably being my 2nd favorite in the park behind Fury. That "hanging on for dear life" sensation you get on those final two corkscrews is so unique and is the reason I ended up marathoning it for a solid couple hours! Personally it's a bit of a shame to me it's going but hopefully they'll add in something just as good, if-not better, than Fury in that location
same also second fav after fury
I still don't understand why parks won't announce ride closures before the park closes
Imagine how much more money they could make if they did, take Kingda Ka for example, if they told everyone that it was closing, THOUSANDS more people would've came to Great Adventure this year, it makes no sense
One of the reasons they may not be making announcements about departures is that- in the future- side-by-side comparisons of departures and arrivals may not make them look good.
It's not as much money as you think.Parks make the majority of the money off the general public and families, not enthusiasts
Stock would go down
@@MidwestBoomyeah. I think it’s about the money. Like maybe the ops of the ride outweighs the extra ticket sales they would get so they don’t even bother.
Nighthawk 5th best in the park, call me crazy idc. It wasn’t too rough and the flying experience is unique for the area. It was absolutely liked by most locals and some enthusiasts who are located nearby
I will call you "mirroring my opinion". I too ranked this 5th-in-park. It was surprisingly comfortable (for what it was) and a very unique experience. I will indeed miss this one! 😢
I ranked this #1 in america. I've ridden almost all the great coasters in the US (except X2, it was closed), this is my favorite of all of them.
2nd best in the park for me
I rode Nighthawk on the last day of the season this year. It rode extremely well, with the only roughness being the corkscrews. I stayed away from it for twenty years because when it was Borg Assimilator, I had the absolute worst ride I’d ever had on any coaster. I lucked out getting one of the last rides.
I was fortunate to operate Nighthawk for a short time this year. We did run with one train this year and was told that they were trying to fix the second. Just like King da ka this decision was very last minute. Nighthawk was one of the first ever coasters I worked and a personal favorite to operate and it will always have a special place with me. Fly high Nighthawk 🦇
Nighthawk 2: Electric Boogaloo
you beat me to it. lol
i'm glad i'm not in charge, i would've gone with nighthawk 2ah
@@macaronandcheese18113 HA!
Retro.. I love it!!
How is Canada’s Wonderland still operating all of their coasters 😭😭😭 All these closures and not one from there??? Wow.
B&M wing named “the Hawk” should be the replacement, with themed trains or sm. Might not be a lot os space but idrk.
I loved X-Flight/Firehawk. I'm really sad Nighthawk is closing too.
I’m fine if they put something good there to replace it ❤ SnS axis coaster???
These late season closures makes me wonder if Invertigo will reopen at KI. Apparently the Congo Falls sign is being removed already; should be interesting to see
They're literally is a guy that's ridden it 10,000 times his name is Alvin. I've ridden it with him. He's also ridden Fury a bunch of times. I guarantee you he's going to be sad because he's Mr nighthawk
Firehawk was the only Vekoma Flying Dutchman I ever rode, and gotta say I didn't mind it. Maybe Nighthawk is a lot worse, but Firehawk was definitely leagues better than any Vekoma SLC I have ridden. (Low bar I know, but I do miss it).
Orion was a great addition but wish they could have kept both. Although I'm sure parts availability on these things is a nightmare at this point as well.
It's being replaced by family/ kiddie attractions. Im so sorry Carowinds natives.
Yeah, no thrill coaster replacement. Sucks!
how do you guys know??
I think the perfect replacement would be a new Vekoma flying coaster themed to the Wright Brothers and the first powered flight. I mean that would be a fun and educational ride experience and it would be perfect as it would be a DIRECT ONE-TO-ONE REPLACEMENT to Nighthawk as that is a flying coaster as well. The dark ride section could tell the story leading up to when it happens and the ride happens when they actually are ready to go for that historic flight. It's a no-brainer move on Carrowind's part and look how well-recieved F.L.Y. was received at Phantasialand in Germany. It got rave reviews from everyone who rode it so it would make sense to bring that model to the United States. Also there are other parks within the new Six Flags chain that are getting Vekoma coasters with Cedar Point getting a Tilt Coaster and SFGA getting a Super Boomerang so that just makes the chances of it happening even greater.
My issues with Nighthawk boiled down to my horrendous luck with it. Plenty of times it broke down right as I was about to board it, and it simply wasn't fun enough to justify the long wait. Also there was that one time my train got stuck on the brake run... in the hot summer heat. Not to mention it used to look way cooler as Borg Assimilator. I would ride Manta over this any day.
Haven’t been to Carowinds since the 90’s. Back when they had Thunder Road! That ride was amazing especially backwards side 😀 This merger is crazy they are just cutting rides everywhere
my one and only ride on Nighthawk was back when it was BORG: Assimilator and I was assigned the front seat and I enjoyed that ride, but we waited about 45 minutes because of the slow operations.
Back in 2004, when this coaster first launched, it was named Borg Assimilation after the Star Trek First contact movie. Back then, it was a long wait ride because it was popular. Then it became a long wait because of the issues it started to develop. I rode it one last time over the summer, and in all honesty, it was a somber experience. Only 1 train was operable, and it took several minutes to unload and load new passengers to get them out of the station. I hated seeing a childhood memory reduced to that condition. The next visit the ride was closed for repairs and the maintenance worker I talked to that day made mention that the ride was truly on its last leg due to all the issues, and he wasn't expecting it to make another season. Ultimately, I'm glad I got to ride it one last time, but I'm relieved Afterburner or rather TOP-GUN is going to stick around for a long time to come.
Sequel B&M Flyer to replace it - "Hawk Twah - The Ride?" Yes? No? lol
Kidding aside, rode it once, that was all I needed.
Uh no.........this is a family park. LOL
Il miss this ride, this is why. It was not always at Carowinds. It originally came from my home park as Stealth, Paramount's Great America (now CGA) and since it was part of my park's history I have nostalgia. I never got to ride neither however so I have no idea how it was 😂
Exactly how I feel, I wasn't quite tall enough to ride it when it was Stealth, and by the time I built up the courage in 2004, it was already gone. GA is my home park as well.
I’ve never liked nighthawk, probably my least favorite coaster I’ve ever been on, I’m not sad about it going, but I am excited to maybe see something better replace it!!
I will say this, I know a lot of people that loved Nighthawk. It was one of there favorite roller coasters if not there favorite in the park. The GP really liked this ride for the most part. First time I rode it, it was number 5 in the park I thought it was intense and not that rough. The second time was awful, it was so rough I said I would never get back on it. Felt like an airplane crashing.😂 I hope they remove vortex soon and put something really good in that area.
Went to Carowinds in 2017, 108 degrees high that day, we got there about noon, and this was our first ride for the day. Line said 15 minutes wait and looked to be an accurate time. We waited 45 minutes first off, and the ride itself was ok, not as good as Firehawk, but ok. Then proceeded to be on the brake run on our backs for almost 10 minutes as they loaded the next train. It was very very uncomfortable on many levels. That position was awkward and it was Hotter than Hades. Suffice to say once we got off of the ride we vowed to never ever again experience it. Only experience worse that day was riding Vortex. Although I won't miss Nighthawk at all I just kind of thought Vortex would be trashed first. It probably will be next one down, if we are being honest. I say a Dive where Nighthawk was would look cool, although I'm not as excited about Dives, but they are crowd pleasers fo sure. Maybe give us a Gerstlauer or Premier launch coaster where Vortex is. Would do wonders for changing the top 5 coasters of the park.
Weird thing is they spent so much on getting parts and repainting both Vortex and Nighthawk. A lot of enthusiasts thought there was no way they would be going anytime soon.
Sad I never got to ride this. It was the only coaster closed on my trip to Carowinds in 2019. Had two days there and it never opened.
As someone who has been visiting Carowinds since childhood, I am very sad that Nighthawk is permanently closed. Even though the ride experience wasn’t great, it was very picturesque and an icon of the park.
didn't they already say the water attraction is the replacement for Nighthawk? I think a Mack water coaster would be cool in that spot especially since Nighthawk was already sitting on top of a lake... not a shuttle coaster but a nice custom full circuit layout!
Honestly Nighthawk was my second favorite in the park. I don't get the hate people give it. It never felt rough like anyone claims.
I don’t really know anything about nighthawk but I’ve marathoned batwing multiple times. It’s really smooth and I’m surprised to hear that other people don’t think it’s good.
How the hell is Nighthawk worse than Vortex
Coaster Studios, that's how
@@jordanwolfson8378 if i had a dollar for every time tailor greyed out on a ride i could retire
The Vekoma Flying Dutchman is one of the most under-rated coaster models out there. X Flight/Firehawk was my favorite of them all.
I'm suprised Batwing at Six Flags America ain't got scrapped for extra peices for Nighthawk at Carowinds
Don't love that title card. I don't care what you thought of Nighthawk, every ride is someone's favourite, they deserve transparency from the park about a ride closure. Remember Mean Streak Henry? Even if we might've not loved Mean Streak, he did. And I'm glad that closure was transparent so he could give it a proper sendoff. Every ride has someone like that. This isn't "good riddance", it's "Richard Zimmerman has still not learned his lesson about how to handle closures". This was clearly a post-merger decision to put a headliner in their new flagship park (it's where HQ is. It's their flagship park) and send the spare oarts over to the park they are most likely to close entirely so they can keep Batwing going.
I came from LA to ride the rides at Carowinds and had a blast on this ride. Glad I got a chance to ride it
Im actually going to miss this ride, the loop was fun in the back row. Im surprised vortex didn't go with nighthawk though
i guess batwing is a one-of-a-kind coaster
Carowinds is in decline.
There's absolutely no passion or vision for that park.
SCarowinds hasn't had a new haunt in several years.
The Christmas holiday experience is cringe-worthy.
add on the fact that it’s likely going to go 10 years without a major coaster which is insane
Oh, yes, the typical "enthusiasts hated this ride so trust us it's a good thing it's being removed"
I've never gotten to ride a flying dutchman. If they remove Batwing at SFA, I'll literally never get the chance. But people will somehow still find a way to defend this.
I'm a "beginner" enthusiast with 81 credits so far and I'm a bit sad that Nighthawk missed my credit list, I would have ridden it once just for the credit. Carowinds is definitely on my list of parks to visit in 2025, never been there before.
2:34 ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?!?!
NIGHTHAWK IS SO GOOD
Genuinely, I absolutely adored nighthawk, and I'm really sad to see this ride close. This is THE BEST Flying Coaster I have been on so far, and this IS NOT ROUGH. It pulls such good forces, and it really pains me for Carowinds to get rid of this ride. I am just hoping i can ride batman at six flags america before it closes, cuz that looks so good also. Still love your content, but nighthawk is so much better then yall say it is.
I went on it when it was brand spanking new in its first season at CGA it was great then
Nighthawk was fun - I can’t believe I’ve ridden a ride that Sarah hasn’t!
SAME HAHAHA
I never rode it either but I wished I could and this is coming from someone who is an enthusiast
This actually pissed me off so much I was there last night and found out because of A FRIENDS SNAPCHAT STORY, no announcement or nothing other than a post after the season was over. This was a good ride to me and I’m upset I didn’t even get a final ride.
hoping they at least replace it with a modern vekoma flyer, since there aren't a lot of newer coasters from that manufacturer in the us
6:03 B&M Flyer “Nighthawk 2.0” is how I would see it being called. I also could have totally seen B&M coming in and just replacing the Vekoma Track with B&M Track. So still the same exact layout but now 2 different credits for 2 different experiences... kind of.
canadas wonderland not removing any coasters:
Who said the grim reaper is done?
I think it’s coming. I think we’re getting one announcement a week for the next few months.
Nighthawk was my favorite coaster in the world. I get that it'll be replaced with something better, and the line was miserably slow, but I'm really sad to see it go.
Honestly now I'm thinking back to the last time I rode it and realizing that that was my last ride... Yeah this is gonna take a minute.
I was pleasantly surprised when I visited in October and Nighthawk was actually running. Looks like I actually got a farewell ride on it. Doesn't make up for missing out on Kingda Ka, but it's something.
Never been to Carrowinds, but I did ride this as Stealth at Great America. It was a huge deal back then being the 'first' flying coaster. It was crazy they removed it when it wasn't even there for 5 years. I guess these coasters didn't age well.
i think they will either remove hurler, and put in a new wooden coaster in that area or RMC it. there is now tons of rooms back there, and scream weaver and the drop tower were next to it. i could it see be used for elements after the first drop. if not, i hope they add better flat rides there. kind of sad seeing two extreme rides there and not being used
Don’t expect them to RMC it anytime soon. They’ve made it pretty clear it’s not happening.
In a good seat, I liked Nighthawk but I also rode on an awful seat which took away the positives from my first ride. I liked the corkscrew elements, the intensity, but these vekoma flying dutchmans are really not my favorite.
This plot of land used to be a big pond with an old riverboat that circled a small island in the middle. I hope they open it back up and recreate the pond as a central feature of the park. Carowinds isn’t like cedar point where it’s built next to a lake. They need to create an environment or it’ll just fall deeper into a boring concrete jungle.
I live in LA, and in 2019, I went to Carowinds from California specifically to ride Nighthawk. In 2020, I went to Six Flags America on Labor Day Weekend and rode Batwing. Outside of the 2 last corkscrews, Nighthawk was actually a pretty good ride; Batwing was way worse. I have ridden 323 different roller coasters, and Batwing is the only one that has ever given me vertigo. I actually like Nighthawk more than Fury 325 (NOT JOKING).
No no. It was one of the best rides in the park.
Thanks for the rides Stealth/Nighthawk…rest easy…
Also Borg Assimilator
I really loved Nighthawk. I never found it as rough as you 2. I'm pretty sad.
Now we have so many giant gaping holes in the park where Nighthawk, the white water ride, drop tower and flat ride was plus the Dinosaurs Alive area. Feeling a little depressing that we are losing so much and getting so little.
I got to ride this and Firehawk at Kings Island. While I much preferred Firehawk before it closed due to its surprisingly smooth ride, I did appreciate Nighthawk for it's layout and ride experience. I wish they gave it a face lift but I'm excited to see what's next
I almost wish they could do the same thing with Vortex, but maybe not have it removed, maybe have it converted into a floorless coaster, and give it a retracking
Six Flags America which is my home park all the sudden feels more special. (It always was)
They can replace the enterprise with a Zam Perla endeavor.
Nighthawks closure is actually heavily rumored to be like Volcano's closure, in that the park didn't know they were removing it until it was already done. It had one last major break down during Scarowinds and they just pulled the plug on it there. It closed weeks ahead of it's typical scheduled closure date. I don't think this is as planned of a closure as the other six flags closures this season.
Also when it comes to their drop tower, it's operations were pretty spotty this season, and even when it was open it never had a wait. No clue what they're gonna do with its land since it's basically surrounded on every side but it does make some sense.
I got to ride this in it’s opening year at CA Great America as Stealth. It was rough, uncomfortable, and ops were slow even back then. It was a draw to the park as it was the 1st vakoma Dutchman. End of an era for a lot of rides this year.
This coaster was fine. Imagine celebrating a billion dollar company closing a fine ride and do nothing in return. Six flags has done nothing but remove rides and delay new ones. Tbf this is the same people who were crying and wanting airie force to get trimmed because the ending has too much airtime
WTF? I loved Nighthawk. The vertical loop was one of my favorite elements ever.
I loved to hear they were closing Nighthawk! The only great thing about Nighthawk was the theming when it was Borg: Assimilator! When the parks changed hands and the name changed, I was over it!
Clearly, this video is by someone that hasn't ridden Vortex, Cyclone, or the Hurler. Nighthawk was one of my favorites, and I'm going to miss it.
I actually seriously loved nighthawk. I rode if for the first time this year, just once, and it was my first flying dutchman. Most flying coasters are big and flowy, but this one was just tight turns and crazy forces and i never knew which way was up or down. It was just such a wild and unique experience that had me so enthralled, I genuingly barely noticed amy roughness. Im sure if I had gotten more rides in I would start to see the dislike for it. As it stands though, ill remember this ride fondly :)
Orbiter at Canada's Wonderland (old school enterprise) was removed in 2018 and replaced with a new pathway which connects Behemoth to Yukon Striker. There was never a new ride in its place. I don't know the location of the Carowinds enterprise but a new pathway is a potential option.
To be honest, I never cared for it but I’m genuinely gonna miss this ride. Just seeing it at the entrance made me excited. I’ll miss you nighthawk 😢🫡🫡
The drop tower makes sense closing the ride is barely ever opened. Even when the ride is opened it breaks down a lot so it makes sense. I got stuck on it for an hour once before lol
Weird, I usually see it running everytime I go…. But damn I loved that ride 😭
Had no idea it was down so much. Interesting, I wonder why. It’s a very common model.
Do you think that Drop Tower should go to Michigan's Adventure ?
The layout looked so good, it’s a shame it was so rough
This one is kinda bitter sweet, because even though the ride was terrible, it's one of the last remaining coasters of a rare model.
Also Six Flags, get your closures right and let people have a chance to ride it before it's too late!
i was lucky to get a ride on it this past summer; it was my first time at Carowinds. idk if it was a matter of me getting lucky with my seat (second-to-front row) but i really enjoyed it!! my main issue was the slow line, that was pretty dire and i reckon that capacity issue was a big reason they decided to axe it. still though, i'm sad to see it go
Nighthawk was honestly my 4th favorite in the park over Intimidator. I just wish it had better operations.
My question is how is Vortex still open? That thing deserves to be put down 😂
Cheap to maintain high capacity and reliable. Filler for the GP no need to get rid of it just yet
@@user-pl5ds8iz6qthey should get rid of it since it’s a terrible ride but at the same time the real estate is not valuable
They could at least make it floorless.
@@user-pl5ds8iz6q It’s true, the land it sits on has no value. But they could at least make it floorless…
It deserves to be floorless, if they did that it would be a clear 5th best ride at the park
I'm that one person who absolutely loved "Nighthawk".
Well, sorta. I only got to ride it once in 2017, but I do absolutely love "Batwing". Weird, janky, gimmicky coasters are my jam. Batwing is my favorite coaster at SFA, and Nighthawk was top five for me at CW.
Carowinds is my home park and I rode nighthawk often. I’ve always absolutely loved it and never understood the hate for it. Never found it unbearably rough at all. Was extremely bummed after finding out it closed for good.
Losing an Enterprise hurts. They're so much fun, but they're definitely going away.
They better not give it the Vortex treatment😭🙏🏻
When I look at Carowinds and Canada’s Wonderland, both parks have a lot of coasters, but a lot of BAD coasters. Both could lose 3 or 4 and replace with a few more solid coasters to really build up the park.
Axe vortex since the layout and ride sucks