Key Information
Son of Beast is a wooden hypercoaster designed by the Roller Coaster Corporation of America and Paramount Parks. It is the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster currently standing, and the second longest after its namesake, The Beast (also at Kings Island). To date, Son of Beast is the only wooden roller coaster in the hypercoaster (200 feet or taller) category.
Son of Beast was originally constructed with a 118 foot tall vertical loop, making it the first modern wooden roller coaster to incorporate a loop and the longest looping roller coaster on Earth.
In June 2006 after an incident with the ride's wooden structure, the ride was closed and lighter trains were installed to reduce stress levels. Consequently, the loop was removed.
In June 2009, a reported injury on the ride again prompted its closure (despite being certified by the state of Ohio) with park representatives noting that they are displeased with the infamously rough ride experience, and that Son of Beast will not open until a solution to its problems can be found.