Geez---everyone needs to just take a chill pill about the Son of Beast and whether or not it is rough--isn't that a personal decision anyway??
I have not riden SOB yet this year, but I did ride it the day before it shut down---and quite frankly I was surprised it shut down and injuried everyone on the ride. I have been told by many people I have a high tolerance for pain (especially for being a girl ) I have yet to ride a roller coaster that is rough--and I've riden quite a few in my day.
On the other hand---my boyfriend complains that The Beast is too rough---which has caused some stress in our relationship since The Beast is my all-time favorite ride. Since I have been riding The Beast from the time I was tall enough to ride--I have learned some simple tricks to make the ride 'smoother', which out of the kindness of my own heart I will share with everyone.
1. For all roller coasters---lean the opposite way of the turn (for example, if the track is turning left, lean right). Due to centripetal force you will be 'thrown' in the opposite direction of the turn, if you are already leaning this way the 'throw' isn't so sudden and violent (so to speak).
2. For The Racers---NEVER sit in the second car (going down the hill). Due to the constant up and down of the track--this car basically gets caught in the middle between the car before trying to go up a hill and the car behind it still trying to come down from the hill. If you REALLY listen while you are riding in this car, it actually comes off the track during that time, which then upon returning to the track is very hard on your back. My suggestion for the smoothest ride on The Racers is to be in the first car going down the hill.
3. For any roller coaster with the bar that comes over your head (which if my memory serves me right, I believe The Vortex and Face off are the only roller coasters with these now, Outer Limits (or Flight of Fear) used to have them)---hold your head to one side, typically on The Vortex when you are going down the 'second' hill (so to speak, the part when you begin all of the corkscrews) hold your head to the right side---this will reduce any banging back and forth of your head.
4. Don't tense up when riding any ride at any park---when you tense your muscle they are more prone to become injuried during the ride. Also, usually the pain you may feel after a visit to the park isn't due to the rides, but actually due to you straining muscle that you don't use as often---just relax and enjoy the ride!!!