Sling Shot at Adventuredome fun — for a quickie

Kirk Baird

Friday, May 28, 2004 | 8:26 a.m.

As of late I've developed a habit of ordering appetizers at restaurants in lieu of a main course.

And nearly every time I regret my dining decision.

It's not that the appetizers are bad, it's just they're only quick appetite fixes that are never as filling -- or tasty -- as the entree.

And that's the best way I can summarize my feelings about the just-opened Sling Shot thrill ride at Circus Circus.

While it's a quick and fun jaunt, on in its own there's not much to it.

Thankfully, there are 23 other rides and attractions at the Adventuredome to choose from. And in that sense, the Sling Shot is a must-ride attraction while you're there.

The Sling Shot is yet another "thrill ride." They might as well call these "extreme rides," since it's obvious what demographic they're targeting.

A year in development, the Sling Shot cost $1.5 million to build and is the Adventuredome's third new ride in as many years.

The Sling Shot consists of a circle of seats that accommodates 12 riders. The car then shoots up a 100-foot tower at 4 Gs of force. For comparison's sake, the launch of a Space Shuttle puts the astronauts through 3 Gs.

So, if you've ever wanted to know what a rocket launch feels like, check this out.

As you zip to the top, the car suddenly brakes to a stop, and then slowly climbs another 10 feet or so to the tower's pinnacle, where you're given a lovely view outside the pinkish dome housing the attractions.

Before you have time to check out the surroundings, or lack thereof, the car suddenly reverses course.

Unlike similar launch-'em-and-drop-'em rides, such as the Big Shot atop the Stratosphere or the Drop Zone at Buffalo Bill's in Primm, Sling Shot doesn't let you free-fall gently back to Earth.

Instead, you're violently jerked down, which provides a sensation of weightlessness.

It's an added bonus that makes the Sling Shot unique among West Coast attractions. In fact, there are only six Sling Shots in the United States.

The entire ride lasts about a minute. You'll spend more time being strapped into your seat with a locking over-the-shoulder bar and seat belt than going up and coming down.

Still, the Sling Shot is a must if you're at the Adventuredome.

While it doesn't offer the citywide view of the Big Shot, it's faster going up and, even better, it's faster going down.

And since I haven't ridden the Drop Zone, I can't compare either ride. Still, the Sling Shot is at least on the Strip, whereas the Drop Zone is about a 45-minute drive.

A single ticket for the Sling Shot is $6. But I recommend buying the all-day pass for $21.95.

That way you can sample all of the attractions at the Adventuredome, such as the Canyon Blaster roller coaster, rather than filling up on the appetizer.