Shock Wave Roller Coaster Six Flags Over Texas

Shock Wave

Tower

42" Height Requirement

Lapbar/Seatbelt Restraints

High Thrill

Flash Pass Attraction
Opened April 22, 1978
Ride Type Steel Looping Speedracer Coaster
Ride Height 116 Feet
Drop Height 110 Feet
Track Length 3,600 Feet
Top Speed 60 MPH
Inversions 2
G-Forces 5.9 G
Trains 2
Cars Per Train 7
Riders Per Car 4
Designer Anton Schwarzkopf
Manufacturer Schwarzkopf
Track Color Neon Green
Support Color Blue

Breaking Records, Double Loop Debate

When Shock Wave opened in 1978, it was coined by Six Flags as the tallest, longest, fastest double loop roller coaster in the world. During the 1990s, a statistic began to swarm around the theme park industry claiming that Shock Wave was the first roller coaster to feature consecutive loops. In 1977, Geauga Lake added Double Loop. The roller coaster was the first to feature two consecutive vertical loops.

Shock Wave’s opening ceremony in 1978. Image: Six Flags Archives

Rehab for the Long Haul

In 2008, Six Flags Over Texas took action to ensure that Shock Wave’s life would be extended. The ride was closed and an extensive rehabilitation process took place on the ride's support and track structures.

Virtual Reality

In 2016, the Six Flags chain began to add virtual reality features to many of their attractions. Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas received the new feature during the summer and fall months. During summer months, the VR concept was known as New Revolution, themed to jet fighters. During Fright Fest, the VR experience shifted to Rage of the Gargoyles. In 2017, Galactic Attack debuted and introduced a mixed-reality concept.

Ride History

  • 2016 - 2017

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    A virtual reality feature is added to Shock Wave.

    The virtual reality feature returns to Shock Wave in 2017 with a mixed-reality concept.

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  • 2012

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with neon green track and blue supports.

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  • Shock Wave Roller Coaster Rehab Six Flags Over Texas

    2008

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    Shock Wave undergoes an extensive rehab project to select areas of track and support columns.

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  • 2004

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    Shock Wave has to be retrenched due to severe flooding and is closed for most of the summer.

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  • 2001

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with neon green track and blue supports.

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  • Shock Wave Roller Coaster Six Flags Over Texas

    1996

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with dark blue track and red supports.

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  • Six Flags Over Texas Shock Wave Roller Coaster

    1992

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with white track and mustard yellow supports.

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  • 1985

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with silver track and dark blue supports.

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  • Six Flags Over Texas Shock Wave Roller Coaster

    1983

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with light blue track and supports.

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  • Shock Wave Roller Coaster Six Flags Over Texas

    1980

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    Shock Wave receives a paint job with dark blue track and supports.

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Construction Updates

Follow along with ride construction, refurbishments, theming updates and fresh paint schemes.

Featured
Tony Hawk's Big Spin (Update 2), Shock Wave Refurbishment
Tony Hawk's Big Spin (Update 2), Shock Wave Refurbishment

Remaining track and support pieces from Tony Hawk’s Big Spin sit in the parking lot awaiting installation. Shock Wave track pieces also await installation after undergoing refurbishment.