The Experience
Introduction
Loup-Garou is a 2001 Wooden Coaster by Vekoma, residing at Walibi Belgium. This is one of only three wooden coasters ever built by Vekoma and one of only two still operating (the other being ThunderCoaster at TusenFryd). We've written both of their wooden coasters still in operations and one thing is for sure, they're very interesting products, having surprisingly strong layouts but very rough ride experiences.
The Vekoma Twister
Vekoma's wooden coasters are definitely more twisters than classic out-and-back layouts, perhaps most akin to some CCI woodies of the past. They are not quite as fast paced as most GCI's but they are definitely faster paced and more twisty than the big Intamin prefabs or most classic PTC woodies. Vekoma's execution of this particular coaster type is okay but the roughness is definitely a big downside. This is most likely due to several factors, but Loup-Garou being the only one still running Vekoma's own wooden coaster trains, could potentially also be one (not that ThunderCoaster, which has timberliners, run any smoother though).
Not without Potential
Many people will heavily dislike this coaster given its rough ride experience and while we don't love Loup-Garou, its heavy vibrations or occasional jackhammering, we most admit that while riding it, you can really feel the potential it has. If it ever were to get a proper re-track that would fix its roughness, the layout and potential ride experience its hiding, is very good. Loup-Garou is decently paced, has good laterals and a few good moments of airtime as well. The general thrill level is actually quite high and the layout is exciting, unfortunately, you will most likely be riding rather defensively in order to not get slapped around too much.
Conclusion
Loup-Garou is a polarizing ride. It's a decently large wooden twister, with that classic wooden coaster feeling, solid pace, good laterals and a few really good moments of airtime but it's lacking in theming and its ride experience is very rough, enough to where it can be hard to fully enjoy this otherwise good layout. The potential is there, but the execution still leave some to be desired.
Gallery
Loup-Garou Gallery
Loading images...
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Well paced | |
| Good laterals | |
| Some Good Airtime | |
| Not really any theming | |
| Very Rough |
Information
Technical Specs
Specifications
Sit DownCustomTwister
TypeWood
Length3395,7 ft
Height91,8 ft
Drop77,1 ft
Speed49,7 mph
Inversions0
Duration125 sec
Notes
Loup Garou means "Werewolf" in French