They're Schwarzkopf coasters so they're smooth & Germany has the most stringent inspection system in the world (TUV). You have to remember that those coasters are family owned. They are their one & only attraction, so they take meticulous care of them. You can't compare them to coasters you find at fairs over here (where all the rides are owned by companies that are then leased to the fairs i.e. American rides, etc.).