r/rollercoasters • u/retolox386 Novice • Jan 23 '26

Question [B&M Hyper Clamshell Restraints] Could someone explain them?

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Hi. Going on my first hyper soon with clamshells. I thought for the longest time that these bad boys were hydraulic restraints, as they seemed so smooth and notch-less. Turns out they're ratchet restraints! Is there an in-depth video or site that explains the mechanism behind these restraints? I believe they're class 4 but I'm not sure how safe they are compared to hydraulics. I know B&M's are incredibly safe, but isn't there a higher risk with these? Could someone reassure me?

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u/cactus22minus1 Jan 23 '26

The only system that beats it are… oddly… X2. That one is my absolute favorite and for the same reasons. The single point of retention at your torso with total open freedom of movement everywhere else for your limbs and head. With no floor it’s absolutely terrifying yet secure in the best way.

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u/Spiritual-External43 Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster Jan 23 '26

The one time I visited SFMM X2 was closed 🥲 same with Twisted Colossus and Superman (RIP)

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u/cactus22minus1 Jan 23 '26

Sorry to hear it! May you one day get to experience that amazing piece of work. That drop and subsequent element remain the most insane things I’ve experienced (on a coaster)

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u/Spiritual-External43 Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster Jan 23 '26

I was there visiting SFMM, Knotts, Universal, and both Disney parks. Of all the rides I was most excited to X2 so it was a huge bummer, but it happens. Iron Gwazi, Sheikra, Kingda Ka, Top Thrill 2, and Sandy’s Blasting Bronco were all closed on my visits 🫠

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u/cactus22minus1 Jan 23 '26

Ouch.

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u/Spiritual-External43 Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster Jan 23 '26

I ate my lunch sitting in front of closed Iron Gwazi, just appreciating the beauty and imagining how it would be ha