Restraint Freedom Explained – Theme Park Definition

Restraint freedom — "Bügelfreiheit" in the German community — describes how much space is left between the rider and the restraint once it is locked. Generous freedom under a lap bar lets riders lift out of the seat during airtime moments, dramatically intensifying the floating or ejector sensation, while a tight or aggressively-stapled restraint kills that feeling. Enthusiasts prize coasters with loose lap bars (such as many Intamin and Mack designs) for exactly this reason, and complain when staff staple restraints too firmly.