B+M

There are a variety of different companies that build roller coasters, with some having built more, and better ones, than others. Every once in a while, I’m going to discuss my opinion of the quality of some of them based on my experiences on their rides. Today, I will start with Bollinger and Mabillard (B+M).

B+M is arguable the most famous steel roller coaster manufacturer (though an argument could be made for Intamin as well). Founded in 1988, this company has made some of the greatest roller coasters in existence. In the 90s, the company received acclaim for its sit-down coasters (Kumba at Busch Gardens debuted in 1993, Hulk at IOA in 1999, Dragon Khan at Portaventura in 1995), which in many ways were seen as superior to existing looping coasters at the time, particularly those made by Arrow Dynamics, due to their smooth ride quality, excellent hourly rider capacity, and unique elements. During this era B+M became perhaps even more famous for their inverted coasters, which included excellent rides such as Afterburn, Alpengeist, and Montu. B+M also built many stand-up coasters during the 90s, which, while generally regarded as rough, are considered superior to those from other manufacturers, such as Togo. Post-2000, B+M has continued to be an innovator in industry, building some excellent gigacoasters and hypercoasters like Fury 325, Leviathan, Diamondback, Shambala, Nitro, and Mako. B+M has also branched out into floorless coasters, and some of the best include Superman Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Kraken at Seaworld. B+M has also demonstrated its innovation in the industry through its dive machines( for example, Oblivion at Alton Towers, Sheikra and Griffon at the two Busch Gardens). More recently, B+M has also branched out into wing coasters, such as Wild Eagle at Dollywood, and X-Flight at Six Flags Great America. Personally, B+M is my favorite steel roller coaster manufacturer, as its rides occupy 40% of my top 20. B+M has always been an innovator in this industry, and I look forward to riding its new coasters in the future.