B&M Hyper clamshells vs overhead lap bars; which restraint do you prefer?

[Matt N]

Hi guys. When debating the most comfortable steel thrill coaster restraints, I've noticed the two big candidates that tend to come up most often are the clamshell restraints utilised by B&M Hyper Coasters and the overhead lap bars utilised on many modern Mack/Intamin coasters. I accept that there are other restraints that people might find more comfortable, but it's these two that the consensus often seems to throw up as the most comfortable ride restraints out there. So my question to you today is; which commonly raved about restraint do you prefer?

Personally, having recently experienced both styles in the same park, it has to be the B&M Hyper clamshells for me. Don't get me wrong, the Mack overhead lap bars on Blue Fire are awesome, and super comfortable on the whole, but I noticed that they did have a tendency to tighten somewhat throughout the ride in a similar vein to a B&M vest restraint or old-style Intamin OTSR, although to a lesser extent than those 2 for sure. And there's just something about the B&M hyper clamshells that just feels so perfect for me; I can't quite put my finger on it, but they just feel so sublime whenever I sit in them!

But which restraint style do you prefer?

 

[Indy]

Definitely the Mack/Intamin overhead. I've never had a problem per se with the B&M clamshells. They've always been fine when it comes to comfort, but I've never really understood the love. They are unnecessarily bulky. Plus, I love the forward foot freedom that the overhead style provides. Personally, I think the Mack and Intamin overhead lap bars are the two best restraint systems in the industry. Just don't ask me which I prefer out of those two.

 

[Christian]

Definitely the Mack/Intamin overhead. I've never had a problem per se with the B&M clamshells. They've always been fine when it comes to comfort, but I've never really understood the love. They are unnecessarily bulky. Plus, I love the forward foot freedom that the overhead style provides. Personally, I think the Mack and Intamin overhead lap bars are the two best restraint systems in the industry. Just don't ask me which I prefer out of those two.

Agree completely + the way better seatbelt option on the Mack/Intamin.

 

[James F]

Both are great.

If we are talking about the seat and not just the restraint, I'd say B&M Clamshell as the bucket seats are more comfortable for taller riders such as myself.

However the Intamin OTH lapbars are the most liberating as you really feel exposed to the elements.

The Mack ones are solid as well, but are slightly bulkier if I'm going to nitpick.

Sent from my SM-A217F using Tapatalk

 

[Christian]

Had a test on Helix and the lap bar certainly comes down quite a bit throughout the ride, even if I don't touch it. When sitting on the breaks it is a tad bit uncomfortable but I never noticed it during the ride. I remember Intamin felt the same and B&M didn't. But I certainly prefer leg freedom and the unrestricting seatbelt so Mack/Intamin is still my pick.

 

[Nicky Borrill]

Not much in it for me to be fair. I do like the clamshells and have no problem with them whatsoever. But overall I feel slightly more 'free' with the Intamin / Mack style restraints.

Expanding a little on the B&M chairs, I do prefer the staggered seating to the 4 in a row. The B&M trains are quite compact, and sat 4 in a row is very 'cosy.' The staggered seating is much more comfortable for a bigger person like me, and gives a great feeling of freedom, and being exposed. One of several reasons I prefer Shambhala to SS,

 

[Eyebrows]

If we’re talking about the restraints in a vacuum, then the Intamin overhead restraints win it for me. However, the B&M clamshells mesh so well with the forces that B&M Hypers exert that I have to give it to them. B&M floater in a loose clamshell is one of the best coaster sensations period.

 

[Matt N]

Interesting people mention about leg freedom; I don’t really notice any difference myself.

Although in fairness, I’m not especially tall (only about 5’9”/5’10”), so my feet don’t touch the floor on either… therefore, I have a fair feeling of “freedom” on both, with my legs dangling! Or is that not the kind of “freedom” you’re referring to?

 

[Christian]

Interesting people mention about leg freedom; I don’t really notice any difference myself.

Although in fairness, I’m not especially tall (only about 5’9”/5’10”), so my feet don’t touch the floor on either… therefore, I have a fair feeling of “freedom” on both, with my legs dangling! Or is that not the kind of “freedom” you’re referring to?

I sometimes like to stretch out my legs on coasters where I don't touch the floor, not just holding them down. This is a lot easier without a big stick between the legs.

 

[Matt N]

I sometimes like to stretch out my legs on coasters where I don't touch the floor, not just holding them down. This is a lot easier without a big stick between the legs.

Fair enough; I just tend to keep my legs in a regular seated position on rides, so as they're not touching the floor, I don't really notice the stick in the middle of B&M's clamshells. There's a lot of legroom, and my legs are hanging free.

 

[Jamesss]

I prefer the B&M clamshell. Especially if it's staggered seating like Shambhala - have yet to find anything that beats the combination of comfort/space on the outside seats.

My only nitpick with Mack overhead lap bars is I found them uncomfortable for the thighs on strong airtime moments. Namely, the airtime hill on Helix just after the top hat.