Outlaw Run vs Screamin’ Eagle – Which Missouri Coaster is Better?
Missouri is fortunate to have some classic wooden roller coasters. No offense intended to the newer metal structures, but I'm an old-school wooden coaster fan. Missouri has two of the best in Outlaw Run and The Screamin' Eagle, but which is better?
I need to recuse myself from this roller coaster battle. I grew up riding The Screamin' Eagle at Six Flags over Mid-America (aka Six Flags St. Louis). However, I've heard from multiple people that they think the relatively new Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City is superior.
A bit of coaster history first. As Wikipedia documents, Screamin' Eagle debuted at Six Flags in St. Louis in April of 1976. When it opened, it was the largest and fastest coaster in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. There's something about hearing the creaking wood underneath you that adds to the thrill.
Outlaw Run in Silver Dollar City opened in March of 2013 and brought a brand new twist (literally) to the coaster world. It's the first wooden coaster with multiple inversions. Wikipedia claims it's the 6th fastest wooden coaster in the world and after watching this point-of-view ride, I believe it.
Since I'm a stubborn (and quickly aging) male, I tend to be stuck in my ways and always prefer the older more established coasters. I will admit that Outlaw Run has tempted me to rethink my ride preferences.
The tie-breaker for me is driving distance to get there. Since Silver Dollar City is a bit of a haul from the Quincy/Hannibal area, I give the Screamin' Eagle a bonus point for availability. But, the speed and upside-down twists of Outlaw Run have me wondering. Have you ridden both and if so, which is better?