Shock Wave is a classic, steel looping roller coaster added to the Tower section of Six Flags over Texas in 1978. When the ride opened it was the tallest, continuous-circuit coaster in the world. Shock Wave remains one of the few looping coasters with simple lap bars for restraints (as opposed to over-the-shoulder harnesses).
Though it may look tame compared to some of today’s rides, Shock Wave is easily one of the most intense coasters in the world. It produces serious G-forces, both positive and negative. The consecutive loops are circular instead of the elliptical shape used for most loops, producing up to 6 Gs. At the opposite end of the force spectrum, Shock Wave’s multiple hills provide powerful airtime, a rare feature on an inverting coaster.
Shock Wave’s location alongside Interstate 30 reportedly caused a few highway wrecks when it first opened due to distracted drivers.
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