So, you’re standing in the middle of Six Flags Great Adventure, staring at this massive red and gold tangle of steel. It’s hard to miss. THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity is officially the "new kid on the block" in Jackson, New Jersey, but honestly, its journey to opening day was a bit of a marathon for a ride named after the fastest man alive.
It finally opened its gates on March 29, 2025.
If you remember the hype from a couple of years back, you’ll know it was originally supposed to debut in 2024 for the park’s 50th anniversary. Construction hit some snags. Typical theme park stuff, really. But now that it’s running, it’s basically transformed the skyline near the front of the park, sitting right by the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis attraction.
What is a Super Boomerang anyway?
Most people hear "Boomerang" and think of those old-school coasters that just go forward, pull you up a lift hill, and drop you backward. This is not that. THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity is a Vekoma Super Boomerang. It’s actually the first of its kind in North America, which is a pretty big deal for coaster nerds.
Instead of a slow chain lift, you get launched. Multiple times.
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The ride uses a system called LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) launches. You don’t just blast off once; the train swings back and forth like a pendulum, gaining more speed with every pass through the station. You’ll hit about 59 mph at peak velocity. It sounds fast, but it’s the way you get there—forward, then backward, then forward again—that really messes with your equilibrium.
The ride experience: Spikes and stalls
The layout is compact but aggressive. You’ve got a 172-foot vertical spike that literally looks like it just ends in the sky. When you’re in the back row hitting that spike, the airtime is kind of terrifying. You’re looking straight down at the pavement.
Then there’s the "stalled Immelmann."
This is arguably the best part. The train goes upside down and just... hangs there for a second. It’s pure hangtime. You’re suspended in your seat, staring at the ground before the coaster snaps back into the next element. For a ride that only lasts about 1,430 feet in total track length, it manages to pack in four inversions because you’re traversing the same sections of track in different directions.
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Real-world stats to know before you go:
- Top Speed: 59–60 mph.
- Max Height: 172 feet.
- Inversions: 4.
- Height Requirement: 48 inches (This is a huge plus for families since it’s more accessible than the 54-inch "big" coasters).
- Ride Type: Steel Shuttle Coaster.
Why it matters for Six Flags Great Adventure
The park has been through a lot of changes lately. With the recent retirement of Kingda Ka—yeah, that still hurts—Great Adventure needed a win. THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity fills a specific gap. It’s a "thrill" ride that doesn’t require the 54-inch height limit of a coaster like Nitro or Medusa.
It’s approachable.
The capacity is roughly 800 riders per hour. That’s not massive, so the line can get a bit chunky on Saturdays. If you’re visiting in 2026, you’ll notice it’s one of the main draws while everyone waits for the massive "world-record-breaking" coaster promised to replace the Kingda Ka footprint later this year.
Tips for your first ride
Don't just run to the front row. On a shuttle coaster like this, the experience varies wildly depending on where you sit. The back row gives you the most intense "stomach-in-your-throat" feeling on the forward spike. The front row gives you that same feeling when you're flying backward up the rear spike.
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Both are great. Just different flavors of adrenaline.
Also, check the weather. High winds can sometimes put these tall shuttle spikes on a temporary delay. Since it's located so close to the main entrance, it’s usually the first thing people run to. If the line is over 60 minutes, head to the back of the park first and hit Jersey Devil or Nitro. Come back to THE FLASH around 3:00 PM when the initial "front of the park" crowd has filtered toward the Safari.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the App: Download the Six Flags app before you arrive to monitor real-time wait times for THE FLASH; it’s notorious for fluctuating.
- Verify Height: If you’re bringing kids, double-check they are at least 48 inches tall; the ride operators are very strict on this specific model.
- Flash Pass: If you only have one day, this ride is a prime candidate for a single-use Flash Pass skip-the-line option, especially during the summer months.