Since its debut in May 2018, ICON has drawn both praise and critique. Marketed as Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s first double-launch coaster, it promised innovation — a ride that accelerates you like a Formula 1 car, twists through and over other rides, and delivers thrills without the old-school roughness.
But does ICON live up to its billing as “the UK’s smoothest thrill?” In my view: mostly yes — but with caveats.
What ICON Gets Right
Smoothness & Ride Quality
One of the strongest arguments in favor of ICON is how smooth it is. Multiple ride‐review sources and coaster enthusiasts agree that, compared to many older or wood/steel hybrids, ICON is remarkably refined. What might stand out most is that its launches — often a source of harsh jolts on other coasters — feel clean and polished. They don’t necessarily punch you in the chest with violent force, but they deliver a propulsion that blends well into the ride’s flow.
For people who dislike rough rides, headbanging corners, or “rattle” in the track, ICON offers a respite. The steel track, modern engineering by Mack Rides, and relatively new infrastructure all contribute to that crispness in transitions and track segments.
Balanced Thrills
ICON is not hyper-intense in the way some coasters are (think speed, height, multiple inversions). But it finds a comfortable middle ground. You get two launches, a heart-dropping top hat element, an inline twist, a Junior Immelmann, airtime hills, and lots of banked turns.
This makes it appealing both to thrill seekers who want excitement, and to visitors who would balk at something too punishing. ICON’s smoothness helps here: the ride’s thrills don’t come with excessive rough edges, which means more people can enjoy it more often. Re-ride value seems high for many.
The Limitations
Lack of Brutal Punch
While ICON’s launches are smooth, some riders feel they lack the visceral snap or force found in other launch coasters (especially those built to deliver high Gs or strong acceleration). If you want the kind of launch that feels like it’ll hurl you out of your seat, ICON might feel a bit tame in comparison.
Similarly, apart from its inversion and the top hat, there are moments in the middle or later parts of the ride where it coasts through banked turns or modest airtime hills rather than delivering gut-wrenching thrills. For hardcore coaster enthusiasts, this may seem like a missed chance to push the envelope.
Comparisons & Expectations
Because ICON is one of the newer big investments in the UK coaster scene, expectations were high. Some fans compare it to Blue Fire at Europa-Park, Helix (Sweden), or intense modern launches internationally, and by those comparisons, ICON doesn’t always win on pure intensity.
Also, while the smoothness is broadly praised, some reviews mention light bumpiness (though not painful), especially in later runs. Wear and tear over time may affect how ICON performs compared to how pristine it was on opening.
Verdict: Is it the Smoothest UK Thrill?
“Smoothest” is a high bar. If by smoothness we mean minimal harsh jolts, clean track dynamics, well-engineered launches, good restraint comfort, and transitions that don’t jar the rider, then ICON deserves serious consideration as one of the UK’s best in that regard.
However, “smoothest” does not automatically equal “most thrilling.” For those seeking raw, brutal force or record-setting statistics, ICON might underdeliver.
On balance, for many riders — families, coaster fans who prefer finesse over ferocity, or visitors who want thrills without aches — ICON is closer to the smoothest major steel coaster in the UK than many alternatives. It’s not perfect; there are moments where it pulls back rather than holds on with full intensity. But as a package of ride quality + thrills + smooth delivery, it’s masterfully done.
Tips (From My Ride & Others)
- Ride at the Back Row: Some riders report that the back seats give more airtime and a stronger ride feel, especially over the top hat and during the drop. If you’re looking for more “flavour,” that might be where to sit.
- Later in the Day: According to some reviews, later runs (when the train and track are warmed up) feel smoother and slightly more lively.
- Expect a Good Balance: Don’t go if you want non-stop extremes. Expect a thrilling but polished experience.
ICON represents a modern kind of thrill ride: one that aims not just to shock the senses, but to do so with precision, comfort, and repeated enjoyment. In a UK theme park landscape where many rides are aging, rough, or designed for maximum spike rather than sustained fun, ICON is a breath of fresh air.
So, is ICON the UK’s smoothest thrill? Probably not in absolute terms (others may rival or beat it in certain aspects). But it’s certainly among the top contenders, especially for riders who value elegance and comfortable adrenaline over raw brutality. For many, ICON delivers what it promises: a ride that is thrilling, but smooth enough to make you want to ride it again.
The ride sounds nice and smooth. I like the idea of a comfortable coaster.