Flat Spin

A flat spin is a corkscrew-type inversion found primarily on B&M inverted and flying coasters, where the geometry of the element is arranged so the spiral appears nearly horizontal to observers on the ground. On an inverted coaster — where the train hangs below the track with riders' feet dangling freely — a flat spin creates a particularly dramatic visual as riders sweep through a wide, nearly level circle at high speed, feet sweeping outward in a broad arc.

For riders, the flat spin produces a smooth, sustained rotation with moderate G-forces and a strong sense of sweeping speed rather than sudden directional change. It is a signature element on B&M inverted coasters such as Banshee at Kings Island and Afterburn at Carowinds — both considered among the finest inverted coasters in North America. In Europe, several B&M inverted installations including Katun at Mirabilandia feature flat spins as part of their inversion sequence.