Vekoma SLC

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The Suspended Looping Coaster (or SLC) is a model of roller coaster built by Vekoma.

The SLC is similar in design to other inverted roller coasters, however unlike the four-across seating found on Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) inverted roller coasters, Vekoma SLC's use two-across seating.

The first SLC installation was El Condor at Walibi World in The Netherlands. Most other SLC rides are based on this design. The standard model includes a roll-over, a side-winder, and a double-spin. The other major element on an SLC is a hill that banks at the top. Variations include changing the arrangement of the inversions, and some models include an extra helix. The standard model also has a relatively compact layout, providing for "foot choppers". Vekoma also provides "custom" SLC installations, such as Jubilee Odyssey at Fantasy Island in the United Kingdom and Kumali at Flamingo Land, also in the United Kingdom. Most SLC's operate with two trains consisting of ten cars, however El Condor operates with eight cars in each train.

Close up of one of Kumali's trains and how it differs from a similar train designed by Bolliger and Mabillard

Close up of an SLC wheel assembly

Like some other Vekoma designed rides, the SLC has earned a reputation among many coaster enthusiasts of providing a "rough" ride. Through largely a poor train and harness design, coupled with an intense track layout, poorly maintained SLCs can cause riders to experience painful "head banging". Contrary to popular belief, the wheel spacing on the trains (the 'gaps' between the side friction wheels, up-stop wheels, and the track) adds little to the roughness of these rides. The SLC does, however, provide a good opportunity for parks who are unable to afford a more expensive inverted coaster.