Both rides drop people from a height, and both look similar on a photograph. In practice a drop tower vs free fall decision comes down to three numbers: how tall you may build, how much power you have, and how many riders you need per hour.
DINIS builds four vertical rides. Here is how they compare.
Drop tower vs free fall: the four vertical rides
| Model | Operating height | Riders per cycle | Land | Power | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 m rotating tower | 12.5 m | 12 | 8 x 8 m | 40 kW | US$69,500 |
| 25 m rotating tower | 19.5 m | 16 | 9 x 9 m | 70 kW | US$98,500 |
| 35 m rotating tower | 28.5 m | 16 | 11 x 8 m | 90 kW | US$155,000 |
| 63 m free fall | 63 m structure | 32 | 15 x 15 m | 520 kW | US$597,900 |
The three rotating towers are park rides. The 63 m free fall is a destination ride, and the jump in power from 90 kW to 520 kW is the line between them.
What a rotating tower does
A rotating tower lifts one cabin, turns it at the top so riders see the whole site, then drops it in a controlled descent. The 15 m model lifts 12 riders; the 25 m and 35 m models lift 16 each.
Cabin rotation is the reason families ride these towers. The view at the top is the part children remember, and the drop is short enough that the same visitors come back.
What a free fall does differently
The 63 m free fall is built around the drop itself. Thirty-two riders sit in one cabin, the descent reaches 80 km/h, and the documented throughput is 180 riders per hour.
It also needs a dedicated power supply, a bigger foundation and a longer installation programme. Buyers who choose it are usually building a landmark, not adding a ride.
How to choose in one minute
- Mall, indoor centre or a tight plot: the 15 m tower on 8 x 8 m and 40 kW.
- Family park adding its first vertical ride: the 25 m tower. One container, 16 riders, and 70 kW that most sites already have.
- Park that wants a skyline: the 35 m tower at 90 kW.
- Destination park with a dedicated supply: the 63 m free fall.
The full range is on the drop tower and free fall overview page.
Questions buyers ask about vertical rides
Is a taller tower always better?
No. Above about 25 m the extra height starts to cost freight, foundation and inspection time. Buy height for a reason, not for a photo.
Can a tower run indoors?
The 15 m model can, subject to ceiling clearance and local indoor ride rules.
How many staff does a tower need?
Two people is typical for the rotating towers: one operator and one on the gate.
Related: 15 m tower · 25 m tower · 35 m tower · 63 m free fall