There is a dedicated topic to the Smiler restraint smell here https://towersstreet.com/talk/threads/eau-de-smiler.3130/
Forget the state of the ride. in this current pandemic, I be just happy to ride the rides regardless the state that they are in. The use of camera and phones on rides are strictly forbidden.
Yeah I have no idea why they weren't stopped. Looks like it's a fixed GoPro but they are still outlawed at Merlin parks.
To be honest though, yes it is tatty in places but there is a distinct orangey-brown hue about that video - look at the bright yellow covers of the seat backs, they're not bright yellow! That hue gives a more rusty look to everything in that video. In fact, in that thumbnail above, it looks like the toilets roof is covered in a layer of sand!
He must have hidden it, you can see he covers the camera up with his hand at the end of the video as he comes into the station.
I rode the smiler yesterday and honestly it's quite rough this year in my opinion. I even got on the front and it still didn't ride well. Shame
I didn't find that when i rode it but then again @Ethan if does depend on the height of the riders usually. It definitely needs some tlc I'll say that!
I’m 5 foot 7 and only have ever had one rough ride on it in 2013. It looks and absolute state this year but I really do love the ride.
It and Oblivion both need jet washing done on their track, because i just think they're looking in need of a bit of track revival just like Nemesis and part of Galacticair got!
Thought my ride last month was smooth. Think it depends on a) where you sit and b) how worn the wheels are.
My front row ride in July was very rough, unfortunately. However, I am only 5’9”, so I might be more prone to headbanging than some of the taller members. Oddly, Rita (the other ride I always used to find really rough) was not painful at all when I rode it the other day, and I actually thoroughly enjoyed it!
It's the end bit that bothers me. Those last 3 inversions are brutal. It hurts my shoulders more than anything I wouldn't say it's headbangy
The last inversion isn’t bad, it’s 2, 12 and 13 you need to brace for. The first downwards corkscrew has aged the worst, the cobra roll exit and first of the double barrel rolls have always been bad.
I rode it today front row and yesterday towards the back. Both times it was rough but still enjoyable imo. The tracks did look worn out though especially up close.