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What is the zipper roller coaster?

The Zipper consists of a boom with twelve cars attached. Each car can seat two adults or three children. While the boom rotates all twelve cars simultaneously, each car individually rotates. The doors of the cars are hinged on one side.



The "Zipper" is not actually a traditional roller coaster, but a legendary and high-intensity flat ride manufactured by Chance Rides that has been a staple of carnivals and fairs since 1968. It consists of a long, rotating boom with free-flipping passenger cars that travel along its perimeter on a cable chain. The "Zipper" name comes from the jagged, zigzag path the cars take. In 2026, it remains a peer-recommended "must-ride" for thrill seekers because of its unpredictable flipping motion; as the main boom rotates, your individual capsule flips 360 degrees based on weight distribution and momentum. It is a "high-G" experience that can be quite jarring, often causing riders to experience multiple inversions in a single minute. While it looks like a "vintage" ride, modern Zippers have been updated with more secure over-the-shoulder restraints. Because it provides such a disorienting and high-velocity experience in a small footprint, it has earned a "cult status" among ride enthusiasts who prefer the raw, mechanical thrills of a fairground classic over the smooth, computer-controlled loops of a modern steel coaster.

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Because of the many moving parts and systems in these swinging and spinning rides, the rides could easily malfunction or collapse if they are improperly maintained. Even if the ride works properly, improperly securing guests can lead to serious injuries or even death.

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