Shock Wave

Tower
42" Height Requirement
Lapbar/Seatbelt Restraints

High Thrill
Flash Pass Attraction
Ride Status & Wait Time

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 travels down its first drop, seen from the ride’s main entrance

A look at Shock Wave from the Oil Derrick observation tower.

Shock Wave features two high-thrill inversions.

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 would last for the long haul. The ride was closed and an extensive rehabilitation process took place on the ride's support and track structures to extend the attraction’s life.

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

  • 2017

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

  • 2016

    • A virtual reality feature is added to Shock Wave.

  • 2012

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

  • 2008

    • Shock Wave undergoes an extensive rehab project to its track and supports.

  • 2004

    • Shock Wave is retrenched due to flooding and is closed most of the summer.

  • 2001

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

  • 1996

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

  • 1992

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

  • 1985

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

  • 1983

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

  • 1980

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

Shock Wave reaches a top speed of 60 miles per hour.

Shock Wave debuted during the park’s 1978 season.

Shock Wave is full of high-thrill airtime moments.

Each of Shock Wave’s trains holds up to 28 riders.

Shock Wave features two consecutive, high-thrill vertical loops.

Shock Wave pulls an impressive 5.9 Gs while completing its inversions.