Phantom's Revenge

{{Short description|Roller coaster at Kennywood}} {{good article}} {{Infobox roller coaster | name = Phantom's Revenge | logo = Phantoms Revenge entrance sign.jpg | logodimensions =  | image = Kennywood Park.JPG | imagedimensions = 250px | caption = | previousnames = Steel Phantom<br />(1991-2000) | location = Kennywood | locationarticle =  | section = Kenny Lane | subsection =  | coordinates = {{Coord|40.388992|-79.865978|display=it|format=dms}} | status = Operating | opened = {{Start date|1991|05|10}} | soft_opened =  | year = 2001 | closed = | cost = $4.6 million | previousattraction = [[Cascabel (roller coaster)|Laser Loop]] | replacement = | extend =  | type = Steel | type2 = | type3 =  | manufacturer = D. H. Morgan Manufacturing | designer = | model = Hyper Coaster  | track = [[Terrain roller coaster|Terrain]] Mega Coaster | lift = Chain [[lift hill]] | height_ft = 160 | drop_ft = 232 | length_ft = 3365 | speed_mph = 85 | inversions = 0 (4 as Steel Phantom) | duration = 1:57 | angle = 52 | capacity =  | gforce = 3.5 | restriction_in = 48 | trains = 2 | carspertrain = 7 | rowspercar = 2 | ridersperrow = 2 | virtual_queue_name = Speedy Pass | virtual_queue_image =  | virtual_queue_status = Available  | single_rider =  | accessible =  | transfer_accessible =  | custom_label_1 = | custom_value_1 = | rcdb_number = 123 }}

'''Phantom's Revenge''' is a [[steel roller coaster|steel]] [[hypercoaster]] located at [[Kennywood]] in [[West Mifflin, Pennsylvania|West Mifflin]], Pennsylvania. It originally opened as '''Steel Phantom''' in 1991, featuring the fastest speed and longest drop of any roller coaster in the world at the time. Its second drop is longer than its first, which is a unique characteristic among roller coasters. Originally manufactured by [[Arrow Dynamics]], the ride was later modified and renovated by [[D.H. Morgan Manufacturing|D. H. Morgan Manufacturing]] for the 2001 season when it reopened as Phantom's Revenge. The second drop and track length were both increased, and its four inversions were removed, allowing for the removal of its uncomfortable over-the-shoulder restraints. The ride has consistently ranked among the top 50 steel roller coasters in the world in the annual [[Golden Ticket Awards]] publication from ''[[Amusement Today]]'', occasionally ranking in the top 10. Additionally, it has frequently ranked in the top 5 of the [[National Amusement Park Historical Association]]'s annual steel coaster survey. In 2025, it was named the United States' best roller coaster in a contest hosted by ''[[USA Today]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=10 best roller coasters in the United States for 2025 |url=https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-roller-coaster/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=10best.usatoday.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==

=== Steel Phantom (1991–2000) === In the late 1980s, Harry Henniger, president of [[Kennywood Entertainment Company]], sought to enter the "coaster arms race" of the time with the addition of a large steel coaster to the park.<ref name="90s Steel Coasters">{{cite web|title=90s Steel Coasters - Part One|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/history/1980_1990/90s_part_one.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=December 10, 2012|archive-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129052200/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/history/1980_1990/90s_part_one.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Faced with the challenge of finding the necessary space,<ref name="90s Steel Coasters" /> the park settled on a design from [[Arrow Dynamics]].<ref name="Debut">{{cite news|last=Blank|first=Ed|title=Ed Blank reviews Kennywood 'Phantom'|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5UocAAAAIBAJ&pg=4699,5039973&dq=steel+phantom+kennywood&hl=en|access-date=December 11, 2012|newspaper=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]|date=May 8, 1991|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225109/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5UocAAAAIBAJ&pg=4699,5039973&dq=steel+phantom+kennywood&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The concept featured a {{Convert|160|ft|m|adj=on}} [[lift hill]] with a world record-breaking {{Convert|228|ft|m|adj=on}} drop,<ref name="Debut" /><ref name="Post-Gazette" /> surpassing the previous {{Convert|194.7|ft|m|adj=on}} record set two years earlier by [[Magnum XL-200]] at [[Cedar Point]].<ref name="Magnum">{{cite news |last1=Reindl |first1=JC |title=Cedar Point's Magnum marks 20 thrilling years |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2009/05/17/Cedar-Point-s-Magnum-marks-20-thrilling-years/stories/200905170017 |access-date=November 17, 2021 |work=[[The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)|The Blade]] |date=May 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117060822/https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2009/05/17/Cedar-Point-s-Magnum-marks-20-thrilling-years/stories/200905170017 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Magnum XL-200|location=Cedar Point|rcdb_number=11|access-date=November 17, 2021}}</ref> With a top speed of {{Convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, it was also set to become the world's fastest.<ref name="Adjustments" /> It would be the second hypercoaster ever built.

[[Kennywood]] unveiled plans for the new ride, dubbed Steel Phantom, on July 27, 1990.<ref name="Adjustments" /><ref name="Announcement" /> Steel Phantom was built on the former site of Laser Loop, a [[Shuttle Loop]] coaster removed after the 1990 season.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite news|title=Kennywood will name new coaster Steel Phantom|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7IMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=2891,4732290&dq=steel+phantom+kennywood&hl=en|access-date=December 11, 2012|newspaper=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]|date=July 27, 1990|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924142512/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7IMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=2891,4732290&dq=steel+phantom+kennywood&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> It reused Laser Loop's station building.

Construction of Steel Phantom began during Labor Day weekend in early September 1990.<ref name="StomachTwisting">{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Diana Nelson|date=May 10, 1991|title=The Steel Phantom: Stomach - twisting 'ride of a lifetime'|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|publisher=Post-Gazette Staff Writer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89111106/the-steel-phantom-stomach-twisting/|url-status=live|access-date=November 18, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118143554/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89111106/the-steel-phantom-stomach-twisting/}}</ref> It was set to open on May 4, 1991,<ref>{{cite news|date=April 19, 1991|title=Kennywood's new coaster on track for May 4|work=The Pittsburgh Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90415971/kennywoods-new-coaster-on-track-for/|access-date=December 14, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214151323/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90415971/kennywoods-new-coaster-on-track-for/|url-status=live}}</ref> but this was ultimately delayed six days to May 10.<ref name="Debut" /> When it opened, it set new records in drop height and speed, in addition to featuring four inversions.<ref name="RCDB" />

While the coaster was initially well-received and frequently ranked high in contests regarding coasters,<ref name="Post-Gazette" /> riders often complained of neck strain and excessive headbanging through its inversions.<ref name="90s Steel Coasters" /><ref name="Adjustments" /> Shortly after its debut, engineers found that the train would reach speeds exceeding specifications.<ref name="Adjustments" /> The ride was closed for over a week so [[trim brake]]s could be installed prior to the inversions where the injuries were occurring.<ref name="Adjustments">{{cite news|title=Steel Phantom a bit too fast; Being adjusted|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4bciAAAAIBAJ&pg=5499,2491859&dq=steel+phantom&hl=en|access-date=December 18, 2012|newspaper=[[Beaver County Times]]|date=May 13, 1991|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112030744/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4bciAAAAIBAJ&pg=5499,2491859&dq=steel+phantom&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Steel Phantom 1.jpg|thumb|left|Steel Phantom in 1996]]

=== Phantom's Revenge (2001–present) === On March 5, 2000, Kennywood announced that they would dismantle Steel Phantom.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 6, 2000|title=Kennywood will replace Steel Phantom coaster|work=Star-Gazette|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87933547/kennywood-will-replace-steel-phantom/|access-date=November 15, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115145413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87933547/kennywood-will-replace-steel-phantom/|url-status=live}}</ref> A replacement for Steel Phantom was not announced at the time. "Just about anything is on the table," said Kennywood spokeswoman Mary Lou Rosemeyer.<ref name="Post-Gazette">{{cite web|last=Lowry|first=Patricia|title=Seeking a new buzz, Kennywood to end Steel Phantom's run|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000307kennywood3.asp|publisher=Post-Gazette|access-date=December 11, 2012|date=March 7, 2000|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060556/http://old.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000307kennywood3.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the decision to remove Steel Phantom was announced, the park received many complaints about the decision. Kennywood ultimately decided to keep the roller coaster but make modifications to it.<ref name="Park's coaster will be redone">{{cite news|title=Park's coaster will be redone|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8gtJAAAAIBAJ&pg=2882%2C5794812&dq=phantom%27s+revenge+kennywood&hl=en|access-date=December 18, 2012|newspaper=[[The Vindicator]]|date=August 11, 2000|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924142511/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8gtJAAAAIBAJ&pg=2882,5794812&dq=phantom%27s+revenge+kennywood&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="URC PR announcement">{{cite web|title=Kennywood Unveils Steel Phantom Replacement for 2001|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2000/stories/081000_01.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=December 18, 2012|date=August 10, 2000|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103132041/http://ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2000/stories/081000_01.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 10, 2000, Kennywood announced that Steel Phantom would be transformed into Phantom's Revenge for the 2001 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kristen|first=Hays|date=August 11, 2000|title=Kennywood Park unveils plan for new roller coaster|work=Standard-Speaker|publisher=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87933136/kennywood-park-unveils-plan-for-new/|access-date=November 16, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116155348/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87933136/kennywood-park-unveils-plan-for-new/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the ride closed on [[Labor Day]] weekend in 2000,<ref name="One last ride">{{cite news|title=Phantom fans take one last ride|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l99RAAAAIBAJ&pg=4578%2C3057332&dq=phantom%27s+revenge+kennywood&hl=en|access-date=December 18, 2012|newspaper=[[The Vindicator]]|date=September 5, 2000|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225110/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=l99RAAAAIBAJ&pg=4578%2C3057332&dq=phantom%27s+revenge+kennywood&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> Steel Phantom underwent extensive changes by D. H. Morgan Manufacturing, most notably the removal of all of its inversions.<ref name="URC PR announcement" /> The modified coaster reopened as Phantom's Revenge on May 19, 2001.<ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Phantom's Revenge|location=Kennywood|rcdb_number=123|access-date=December 18, 2012|url=}}</ref>

The coaster operated with one train in its first season. In 2002, [[magnetic brakes]] were added to the ride so a second train could be used.<ref name="90s Steel Coasters" /><ref name="Park's coaster will be redone" /> Because of the modifications, both D.H. Morgan Manufacturing-style and Arrow Dynamics-style track are present on the ride today.<ref name="Park's coaster will be redone" /> A short theme tune used in television commercials for the attraction was composed by Jim DiSpirito, former member of Pittsburgh-based rock band [[Rusted Root]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Jim DiSpirito - Phantom's Revenge Theme (Kennywood Park, 2001) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV2GK_TICdI |language=en |access-date=2023-02-21}}</ref>

Kennywood hosted an online poll in September 2021, asking fans to decide whether Phantom's Revenge should be repainted teal or purple.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Phantom’s Revive: Fans Asked to Choose New Color for Kennywood Coaster’s Track | website=Pittsburgh Magazine | date=September 7, 2021 | url=https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/the-phantoms-revive-fans-asked-to-choose-new-color-for-kennywood-coasters-track/ | access-date=September 18, 2022 | archive-date=September 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225111/https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/the-phantoms-revive-fans-asked-to-choose-new-color-for-kennywood-coasters-track/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Kennywood wants you to pick Phantom’s Revenge new paint color | website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=September 6, 2021 | url=https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2021/09/06/Kennywood-wants-you-to-pick-Phantom-s-Revenge-new-paint-color/stories/202109060077 | access-date=September 18, 2022 | archive-date=September 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225136/https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2021/09/06/Kennywood-wants-you-to-pick-Phantom-s-Revenge-new-paint-color/stories/202109060077 | url-status=live }}</ref> Nearly 10,000 people participated in the poll,<ref>{{cite web | title=Nearly 10,000 Fans Voted on a New Color for Kennywood's Phantom's Revenge. What is It? | website=Pittsburgh Magazine | date=September 17, 2021 | url=https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/nearly-10000-fans-voted-on-a-new-color-for-kennywoods-phantoms-revenge-what-is-it/ | access-date=September 18, 2022 | archive-date=September 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225115/https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/nearly-10000-fans-voted-on-a-new-color-for-kennywoods-phantoms-revenge-what-is-it/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ultimately voting to repaint the track purple.<ref name="WTAE 2021">{{cite web | title=Kennywood fans vote on Phantom's Revenge color: Petrifying Purple | website=WTAE | date=September 17, 2021 | url=https://www.wtae.com/article/kennywood-phantoms-revenge-purple-roller-coaster/37634346 | access-date=September 18, 2022 | archive-date=June 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619050138/https://www.wtae.com/article/kennywood-phantoms-revenge-purple-roller-coaster/37634346 | url-status=live }}</ref> The repainting took place in October 2021.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | title=Kennywood Begins Repainting Phantom's Revenge With 'Petrifying Purple' | website=CBS News | date=October 14, 2021 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/phantoms-revenge-petrifying-purple-repaint/ | access-date=September 18, 2022 | archive-date=September 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919225110/https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/phantoms-revenge-petrifying-purple-repaint/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2026, the ride received numerous upgrades and renovations to celebrate its 25th anniversary, including airgates in the station, updated train decals and colors, and audio effects throughout the ride.<ref name=":2" />

== Characteristics == [[File:Phantoms Revenge second drop 2004.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|The second drop of Phantom's Revenge]] The [[terrain roller coaster|terrain coaster]] layout is built to take advantage of the natural elevation changes provided by the park's hilly terrain. Unlike most roller coasters, the ride's second drop is longer than its first, and its transformation to Phantom's Revenge in 2001 increased its drop length, track length, and top speeds by small margins.

===Ride experience=== ==== Steel Phantom (1991–2000) ==== Upon dispatch from the station, the train made a slight turn to the right, climbing the {{convert|160|ft|adj=on}} chain [[lift hill]]. After ascending the lift hill, it went down a banked drop to the right into a section of straight track. The train ascended a second hill that turned slightly to the right, and then dropped {{convert|225|ft|adj=off}} through [[Thunderbolt (Kennywood)|Thunderbolt]]'s structure, reaching a top speed of {{convert|80|mph}}. The train made a U-turn to the left at the bottom of the ravine, before climbing another incline into a set of [[trim brake]]s before entering a [[vertical loop]]. After the loop, the train immediately traversed a [[Batwing (roller coaster element)|boomerang]], an element which turned riders upside down twice. The train then made a right turn into a [[corkscrew (roller coaster element)|corkscrew]], the fourth and final inversion. Following this, a right turn passed immediately under the corkscrew and then ascended into the brake run. One cycle of the ride took approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds.<ref name=RCDB /><ref name="SP POV">{{cite web|title=Steel Phantom POV|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gaPHiwHZ-8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/5gaPHiwHZ-8 |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|access-date=December 19, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==== Phantom's Revenge (2001–present) ==== Upon dispatch from the station, the train makes a slight turn to the right before climbing the {{convert|160|ft|adj=on}} chain lift hill. After cresting the lift hill, the train drops to the right, reaching a speed of {{convert|60|mph}}. Riders then enter a straightaway before climbing a second hill which turns to the right and drops {{convert|232|ft|adj=off}}, reaching a top speed of {{convert|85|mph}}. The train then makes a 280-degree turn, passing back under Thunderbolt's structure. Next, the train circles around the [[Tumble Bug|Turtle]] ride before traveling back under the second drop through an airtime hill. Riders then make a turn to the left, passing under the ride's brake run and entering a second airtime hill. The train then enters a 180-degree curve, traversing a final airtime hill and entering the [[brake run]]. One cycle of the ride takes approximately 1 minute and 57 seconds.<ref name=RCDB /><ref name=Coaster-Net>{{cite web|title=Phantom's Revenge at Coaster-Net|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/ride-gallery/196-phantom-s-revenge/|publisher=Coaster-Net|access-date=December 19, 2012|archive-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510010528/http://coaster-net.com/ride-gallery/196-phantom-s-revenge/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=POV>{{cite web|title=Phantom's Revenge POV|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS8godGPSu4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/JS8godGPSu4 |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|access-date=December 19, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

As seen in earlier digital models, the ride was originally meant to feature a [[Double dip (roller coaster element)|double-up]] element instead of the straightaway found between the first and second drops, as well as a longer tunnel after the turnaround.<ref>{{Citation |title=Phantom’s Revenge Original 2001 POV Animation {{!}} Kennywood Roller Coasters |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4nWVxs6fw8 |language=en |access-date=2023-02-21}}</ref>

===Trains=== [[File:Phantom's Revenge camelback hill.jpg|thumb|The green train on an airtime hill]] As Steel Phantom, the ride had two trains; one painted purple with yellow stripes, and one yellow with purple stripes. Each train featured the Kennywood logo on the lead car. Both trains had seven cars that seated two riders in two rows, making for a total of 28 riders per train. The trains were the same type used on all other Arrow Dynamics looping coasters.

When the ride was renovated, the trains were also updated. The train's [[chassis]], which were built by Arrow Dynamics, were kept, but D. H. Morgan Manufacturing upgraded the chassis with new, aerodynamic fiberglass bodies. The over-shoulder-restraints were also replaced with [[Lap bar|lap bars]] and seatbelts.<ref name="90s Steel Coasters" /><ref name="Ride facts">{{cite web |title=The Phantom's Revenge Construction Information |url=http://kennywood.com/attractions/ride_facts/fact_phantom.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210083301/http://www.kennywood.com/attractions/ride_facts/fact_phantom.php |archive-date=February 10, 2013 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |publisher=Kennywood}}</ref> Like its predecessor, Phantom's Revenge operates with two seven-car, 28 passenger trains; one teal and one purple. A unique lap bar restraint system had to be designed during the process of modification due to the utilization of the original chassis, which were unable to accommodate a traditional floor-mounted lap bar system. Instead, the lap bars on Phantom's Revenge are mounted to the outer side of the seats and lower from beside the rider.

Originally, each train had both purple and teal paint, with the top half of the train being one color and the bottom half being the other. The front car of each train had the Kennywood logo painted on it in white. In 2014, the trains received new bodies identical to the old ones, though they featured new paint jobs. Each train was colored solid teal or solid purple, with the ride's logo on the lead cars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kennywood Park- Images of New Phanton's Revenge Cars |url=https://www.insanitylurksinside.com/2014/03/kennywood-park-images-of-new-phantons.html |access-date=2023-02-21}}</ref> In celebration of the ride's 25th anniversary in 2026, the cars of the trains were updated with alternating purple and teal colors.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=100 years of The Whip, 25 years of The Phantom’s Revenge and the grand return of cheesesteaks to Kennywood |url=https://nextpittsburgh.com/latest-news/100-years-of-the-whip-and-the-grand-return-of-cheesesteaks-to-kennywood/ |author=Roman Hladio |website=NEXTPittsburgh |access-date=2026-04-13}}</ref>

===Track=== Phantom's Revenge's steel track is {{Convert|3365|ft|adj=off}} in length, and the height of the lift hill is approximately {{Convert|160|ft|adj=off}}. Before the renovation, the length was {{Convert|3000|ft|adj=off}}, and the lift hill's height was the same. The second drop on Phantom's Revenge is {{Convert|232|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}}, seven feet longer than the original second drop on Steel Phantom, which was {{Convert|225|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phantom's Revenge {{!}} 232-Foot Drop Roller Coaster |url=https://www.kennywood.com/experiences/attractions/phantom-s-revenge |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Kennywood |language=en}}</ref>

The track was originally manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. After the renovation, D. H. Morgan Manufacturing replaced the majority of the track. Though the ride initially opened in 2001 with many portions of Arrow Dynamics track still in use, much of it has since been replaced, and today, the only original Arrow Dynamics track remaining on the ride is in the lift hill, the station, the brake run, and the transfer track.<ref name="Ride facts" /> The track in the station and on the transfer track was not repainted with the ride's renovation, and still features the black paint of Steel Phantom.

The first iteration of the ride featured black tracks with gray supports. When it was modified, the track was painted green, and the supports were painted black.<ref name="RCDB" /> After the 2021 season, the track was repainted purple according to the results of a poll hosted online.<ref name=":0" />

==Statistical comparison== {| class="wikitable" |- ! width="20%" | Statistic !! width="40%" | Steel Phantom !! width="40%" | Phantom's Revenge |- | Operating years || May 10, 1991 – September 4, 2000 || May 19, 2001 – present |- | Manufacturer || [[Arrow Dynamics]] || [[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing]] |- | Height || {{Convert|160|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} || {{Convert|160|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} |- | Drop || {{Convert|225|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} || {{Convert|232|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} |- | Length || {{Convert|3000|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} || {{Convert|3365|ft|m|disp=|sp=us}} |- | Speed || {{Convert|80|mph|km/h|disp=|sp=us}} || {{Convert|85|mph|km/h|disp=|sp=us}} |- | Duration || 2:15 || 1:57 |- | Inversions || 4 || 0 |- | Restraints || Over-the-shoulder harness || Lap bar and seatbelt |- | Height restriction || {{cvt|52|in|cm}} || {{cvt|48|in|cm}} |}

==Reception and awards== The original Steel Phantom was initially well-received, but it was later criticized for its roughness, mainly due to its speed through its inversions and its unpopular over-the-shoulder restraints.<ref name="Conversion-WPXI">{{cite web |last1=Simmons |first1=Matt |title=On This Day: May 19, 2001, Reworked Steel Phantom debuts as Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood Park |url=https://www.wpxi.com/archive/this-day-may-19-2001-reworked-steel-phantom-debuts-phantoms-revenge-kennywood-park/Q6OLVYT5FNAKLG3YIVL55VWSZA/ |publisher=WPXI-TV |access-date=September 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519120828/https://www.wpxi.com/archive/this-day-may-19-2001-reworked-steel-phantom-debuts-phantoms-revenge-kennywood-park/Q6OLVYT5FNAKLG3YIVL55VWSZA/ |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |date=May 19, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following its 2001 conversion, Phantom's Revenge received near-universal acclaim, being praised for its airtime moments, improved ride experience, smoothness, and for maintaining the worthwhile portions of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20010520phantomreg5.asp|title=Retooled Kennywood 'Phantom' offers faster, smoother thrill ride|access-date=2021-09-16|archive-date=2001-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011007223338/http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20010520phantomreg5.asp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Conversion-WPXI" />

Phantom's Revenge regularly ranks highly in the [[Golden Ticket Awards]] hosted by ''[[Amusement Today]]''. It also makes common appearances in the [[National Amusement Park Historical Association]]'s (NAPHA) annual steel coaster survey. In 2025, it was named the United States' best roller coaster in a contest hosted by ''[[USA Today]]''.<ref name=":1" />{{GTA table | type = steel | access-date = September 12, 2016 | 1998 = 11 | 1999 = 11 | 2000 = 19 | 2001 = 15 | 2002 = 7 | 2003 = 8 | 2004 = 8 | 2005 = 8 | 2006 = 7 | 2007 = 7 | 2008 = 8 | 2009 = 8 | 2010 = 9 | 2011 = 5 | 2012 = 11 | 2013 = 13 | 2014 = 11 | 2015 = 14 | 2016 = 10 | 2017 = 12 | 2018 = 13 | 2019 = 12 | 2021 = 15 | 2022 = 13 | 2023 = 12 | 2024 = 15 | 2025 = 11}}

{| class="wikitable" |- ! style="text-align:center; background:white;" colspan="31"|[[National Amusement Park Historical Association|NAPHA]] Survey: Favorite Steel Roller Coaster |- style="background:#white;" ! style="text-align:center;"|Year !2005 !2006 !2007 !2009 !2010 !2011 !2012 !2013 !2014 !2015 !2016 !2017 !2018 !2019 |- !Ranking |style="text-align:center;"|4{{#tag:ref|Tied with [[Nitro (Six Flags Great Adventure)|Nitro]] at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]].<ref name="napha.org">{{cite web |url=http://napha.org/nnn/LATESTINFO/Surveys/tabid/60/Default.aspx |title=NAPHA 2005–2011 Survey Results |publisher=National Amusement Park Historical Association |access-date=May 27, 2012 |archive-date=May 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511032959/http://www.napha.org/nnn/LATESTINFO/Surveys/tabid/60/Default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>|name="Napha" |group="nb"}} |style="text-align:center;"|3<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|4<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|3<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|3<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|2<ref name="napha.org"/> |style="text-align:center;"|1<ref name="napha.org"/>

|style="text-align:center;"|1<ref name="napha.org"/>

|- |}

==Notes== {{Reflist|group=nb}}

== References == {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Phantom's Revenge (Kennywood)}} * {{RCDB|123}} *[http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/reviews/phantoms-revenge/ Phantom's Revenge Article and Photos] on Ultimate Rollercoaster.com *[http://www.americacoasters.com/Reviews/?page=phantomsrevenge America Coasters review] of Phantom's Revenge

{{s-start}} {{s-bef|rows=2|before=''[[Magnum XL-200]]''}} {{s-ttl|title=World's longest roller coaster drop|years=May 1991–July 1996}} {{s-aft|rows=2|after=''[[Fujiyama (roller coaster)|Fujiyama]]''}} {{s-ttl|title=World's fastest roller coaster|years=May 1991–July 1996}} {{s-end}}

[[Category:Kennywood]] [[Category:Roller coasters manufactured by Arrow Dynamics]] [[Category:2001 establishments in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Hypercoasters]] [[Category:Terrain roller coasters]] [[Category:Roller coasters in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Steel roller coasters]]