??BEWILDERMENT?? One of the last operating -- and most unique -- custom Schwarzkopf roller coaster creations is far more than just a brain teaser. I, like many enthusiasts, consider this a sister coaster to 'Shock Wave' over at sibling park SFOT in Dallas. In fact, both rides opened within a month of each other--'Mind Bender' preceding its Texas brethren by a mere 3 weeks. Along with identical trains and similar four-tube truss track construction, the whopping G-forces are also alike (this pulls 5.4G, while 'SW' nets a gnarly 5.9G). Due to being built over a ravine, there's a considerable elevation change which adds to the ride's thrill factor. The 2nd vertical loop hovers mere inches above water; during local area flooding in September 2009, this portion of the ride was partially submerged! Trains use individual ratcheting lap bars and cars are fairly cramped. There's a brief tunnel before the final brake run and a very aesthetically-pleasing natural waterfall nearby. In 1997, this ride was repainted green to fit in with the Gotham City section of the park. The '?' is prominent on the entry signage, making 'Mind Bender' unofficially tied to the villainous Riddler. The wrapping on the train matches this scheme as well. The main reason for the unusually high G's is because the loops are more akin to a perfect circle and less like the typical teardrop shape. Whether in the front, back, or middle rows, you'll feel those G's, and baby it is WONDERFUL. A flip side to this is the delightful *negative* G's experienced in the front row at the crest of each turnaround. It twice caught me by surprise, and I ate that sh*t up. Simply marvelous. It comes as no surprise to me that both 'Mind Bender' and its fraternal twin 'Shock Wave' continue to rank highly in the worldwide poll of steel roller coasters. In fact, this particular ride was #14 in the 2010 listing, higher than both my own 'Raging Bull' AND the legendary 'Nemesis', which is rather impressive. Eric S's Six Flags Over Georgia coaster rating : 3rd out of 9! Final verdict --- this splendid "terrain" ride is truly one-of-a-kind in the world. Although it's nowhere near the fastest, tallest, longest, or has the most inversions, it began a steel thrill machine boom back in the late 1970's that still hasn't stopped to this day. For that it deserves a whole heap of praise.....and it's still a helluva fun ride, to boot! Between the brain-boggling G-forces, the unexpected pops of airtime in the front row, and the gorgeous green gully the coaster is built over, 'Mind Bender' is a fantastic attraction that you do NOT want to miss on your trip to Six Flags Over Georgia. Very highly recommended!! read more