Wicked Cyclone is a steel hybrid roller coaster at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, built by Rocky Mountain Construction and designed by Alan Schilke. It opened on May 24, 2015, standing 109 feet tall, stretching 3,320 feet of track, and reaching a top speed of 55 mph through three inversions.
When it debuted, Wicked Cyclone earned the distinction of being the first hybrid coaster on the East Coast. Its signature elements include a 200-degree zero-g stall and two zero-g rolls, plus what was at the time a world-first ‘double-reversing bank airtime hill’ — a combination that made it an instant hit with enthusiasts and earned it a second-place finish in the 2015 Golden Ticket Awards for Best New Ride.
Quick Answer
Wicked Cyclone is a 109-foot-tall RMC hybrid coaster (steel track over a wooden support structure) at Six Flags New England that hits 55 mph, drops at 78 degrees, and delivers three inversions across 3,320 feet of track. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, and the ride is best suited for guests already comfortable with intense, airtime-heavy coasters.
Stats at a Glance
Park: Six Flags New England, Agawam, Massachusetts. Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction. Designer: Alan Schilke. Opened: May 24, 2015. Height: 109 ft (33 m). Top Speed: 55 mph (89 km/h). Length: 3,320 ft (1,010 m). Max Drop Angle: 78 degrees. Inversions: 3. Trains: 2 trains, 6 cars each, 24 riders per train. Minimum Height: 48 inches (122 cm).
Height Requirement, Restraints & Who Should Ride
Wicked Cyclone requires riders to be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall, in line with most major steel inversions coasters at the park. There is no published maximum weight limit, but as with any RMC hybrid, riders need to comfortably fit the individual ratcheting lap bar restraint — a lap bar and seatbelt setup rather than an over-the-shoulder harness, which is part of why the ride’s ejector airtime feels so intense.
Because the layout mixes sustained inversions, sharp direction changes, and strong lateral forces low to the ground, Wicked Cyclone is rated as an extreme coaster. It’s a great fit for riders who already enjoy hybrid or launched coasters, but it is not a gentle introduction for first-timers or younger kids who just cleared the height line.
The Ride Experience
Riders board one of two 24-passenger trains and ascend the 109-foot chain lift hill before plunging at a 78-degree angle. The layout blends airtime-heavy hills with three inversions: a massive 200-degree zero-g stall that briefly holds riders upside down, followed by two zero-g rolls that deliver a floating, twisting sensation.
The combination of Rocky Mountain Construction’s IBox steel track — layered over the original wooden structure — produces a remarkably smooth ride with intense lateral and ejector forces throughout. The back half of the course dives into a series of low-to-the-ground twists and quick direction changes, making full use of the 3,320-foot layout.
Capacity runs at 24 riders per train, and Six Flags New England also offers Fast Lane access for those looking to minimize wait times on busy summer days. Wicked Cyclone sits in the North End section of the park, near the park’s other major thrill coasters.
From Cyclone to Wicked Cyclone
Wicked Cyclone’s story begins with Cyclone, a traditional wooden coaster that opened at Six Flags New England on June 24, 1983, and carried more than 15 million riders over three decades. By 2014, the aging structure was closed and handed over to Rocky Mountain Construction for their signature RMC conversion treatment, which replaces the wooden track with steel IBox rail while retaining the original wooden support structure.
The $10 million transformation — the park’s largest capital investment since 2002 — took roughly a year, and the result was a coaster that bore little resemblance to its predecessor in terms of intensity or layout. Where Cyclone was a classic out-and-back wooden ride, Wicked Cyclone became a terrain-hugging, inversion-packed hybrid that quickly rose into enthusiast rankings as one of the best coasters in New England.
Records & Rankings
Wicked Cyclone opened as the first hybrid coaster on the East Coast and debuted the world’s first ‘double-reversing bank airtime hill.’ It finished second for Best New Ride in the 2015 Golden Ticket Awards, and in the years since has repeatedly landed on enthusiast lists of top steel coasters, including a tie for #14 in the 2017 Golden Ticket Awards for top steel coasters — a strong showing for a regional park coaster competing against much larger installations nationwide.
Planning Your Visit
Wicked Cyclone is included with standard Six Flags New England admission — no separate ticket is required, though Fast Lane passes are sold to skip the regular queue. Like most seasonal parks, Six Flags New England’s operating hours shift by day and season, running shorter schedules in spring and fall and extended hours in peak summer, so it’s worth checking before you go rather than assuming a fixed opening time.
Ticket pricing follows the typical tiered model for regional theme parks: single-day gate tickets, discounted advance online tickets, and season passes or memberships that pay off with repeat visits. For current hours, ticket prices, and any seasonal closures, check the official Six Flags New England site, which also lists Fast Lane pricing and calendar details for Wicked Cyclone and the park’s other rides.
Wicked Cyclone roller coaster FAQs
What type of roller coaster is Wicked Cyclone?
Wicked Cyclone is a steel hybrid coaster built by Rocky Mountain Construction using their IBox track system. It uses the original Cyclone wooden support structure but replaces the wooden rails with smooth steel track, combining the classic feel of a wooden coaster’s layout with a modern steel ride quality.
How many inversions does Wicked Cyclone have?
Wicked Cyclone features three inversions: a 200-degree zero-g stall and two zero-g rolls. These elements are woven into a fast, airtime-heavy layout that keeps riders off their seats throughout the course.
What is the height requirement for Wicked Cyclone?
Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ride Wicked Cyclone. There is no listed maximum height, but riders need to fit securely under the individual ratcheting lap bar restraint.
What kind of restraints does Wicked Cyclone use?
Wicked Cyclone uses individual ratcheting lap bars with seatbelts rather than over-the-shoulder harnesses. This lighter restraint style is common on RMC hybrids and contributes to the ride’s strong airtime sensations.
Is Wicked Cyclone suitable for first-time thrill seekers?
Wicked Cyclone is rated as an extreme coaster by most standards — it hits 55 mph, drops at a 78-degree angle, and throws riders through three inversions. It is best suited for riders who are already comfortable with high-intensity roller coasters rather than those new to the experience.
How does Wicked Cyclone compare to the original Cyclone?
The original Cyclone was a classic wooden out-and-back coaster that ran from 1983 to 2014. After a $10 million Rocky Mountain Construction conversion, Wicked Cyclone reused the wooden support structure but added steel IBox track, three inversions, and a far more aggressive, terrain-hugging layout — making it a fundamentally more intense ride than its predecessor.
Where is Wicked Cyclone located at Six Flags New England?
Wicked Cyclone is located in the North End section of Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, near the park’s other major thrill coasters.
Do you need a separate ticket to ride Wicked Cyclone?
No — Wicked Cyclone is included with standard Six Flags New England park admission. Fast Lane passes are available separately for guests who want to skip the regular line.
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