It has been nine years since Six Flags New England opened a new coaster. It has been 11 years since their last custom designed coaster opened, and it has been 27 years since they last had an operating launch coaster. That all changes on April 16, as the park is debuting their 12th coaster, Quantum Accelerator.

Designed & built by Intamin Amusement Rides of Lichtenstein, Quantum bridges a gap that desperately needed filling: a modern family coaster. Six Flags New England has a decent collection of roller coasters, but out of all 12 of those, six of them are high thrill coasters (Superman: The Ride, Wicked Cyclone, Batman: The Dark Knight, Riddler Revenge & Joker).

The remaining six includes Thunderbolt, which is the oldest operating coaster in the park, a gentle but fun wooden coaster from 1941). Pandemonium is a Gerstlauer Family Spinning coaster. Gotham City Gauntlet is a Mauer Rides Wild Mouse and Catwoman’s Whip is a Zierer Tivoli family coaster. The Great Chase, A E&F Miler kiddie coaster designed for the smallest guests, rounds out the roster.

While this is a good supporting cast of coasters, the last family coaster or moderate thrill coasters to open were Catwoman’s Whip in 2000 & Gotham City Gauntlet in 2011. Quantum Accelerator remedies this issue with ease & excellence, plus it gives Six Flags New England their long awaited launch coaster.

Quantum Accelerator is one of Intamin’s Family Launch Coasters, Themed to the eccentric Professor Screammore, riders first navigate a well themed queue line showcasing some of the Professor’s inventions, his work bench & even a few references to past attractions that occupied this plot of land.

Once they reach the load platform, riders board hoverbikes in a straddle riding position as they rocket through 2,604 feet of twisted track. The only ride of its kind in New England, Straddle coasters are a type of sit down coaster where riders quite literally straddle their seat as if they’re riding a bike. Beginning with a 30 mph launch out of the station, riders first navigate a warm up section consisting of some turns and a few hills before hitting the second launch and accelerating to 45 miles per hour.

The second launch in particular is a highlight as you are peeled back into your seat and absolutely rocket past the load station. Immediately following is a low snappy turn and a twisted double up ascent into the rides highest point at 59 feet. Following this is a sequence of low turns, twisted switchbacks, and 11 unique airtime moments before coming to a smooth controlled stop. All while keeping a quick pace, Quantum Accelerator remains an immaculately smooth ride throughout the entire duration.

While it’s a family coaster, don’t be fooled. This ride has a wild side. While not as wild as something like Superman: The Ride or Wicked Cyclone in the same park, Quantum is snappy & peppy. It’s the perfect transitional coaster for younger riders looking to work their way up the ranks of Six Flags New England’s world class coaster lineup.

Not only is it great for younger riders, it’s great for thrill seekers too as it remains engaging and fun throughout the entire ride. Quantum Accelerator is the perfect addition to Six Flags New England and is now firmly one of my personal favorite family coasters of all time.

In conclusion, Quantum Accelerator is the perfect addition to Six Flags New England, and the perfect coaster for riders of all ages. I am thoroughly impressed by the attraction, and I cannot wait to see what Professor Screammore has in store for his next experiment. Until then, you can catch me traveling through time on Quantum Accelerator.

Thank you to Six Flags New England & Alpha and Omega Entertainment for inviting me out to preview the attraction on April 16. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this attraction to life.