Giga-coasters vs. Strata-coasters

[acer 510]

As far I can tell the current records for tallest giga and tallest strata
will remain unbroken in 2013. I am not aware of any new coasters going up
that are looking to shatter these records either. Correct me if I'm wrong
but isn't Leviathan at CW the current record holder for tallest giga ?
Likewise,isn't Kigda Ka at SFGA the tallest strata ? Also,why has this
quest for worlds tallest rollercoaster slowed down ? Most likely not too
many parks have a budget of 25-30 million annual budget for just one ride
I assume.
On a side note,would a 400 foot plus drop on a regular coaster in the
same style of Millennium Force or I-305 be any different than that of the
400 foot plus drop currently on Kingda Ka ? In other words if they took
out the spiral element on the downward side of Kingda Ka and just let you
drop straight down would that be any worse or still the same ? Either way
you're still falling over 400 ft to the ground. All comments welcomed.
Thanks, Jim

[Surf Dance Chris]

Price is a major factor. That's why all the 400"ers have been one
trick pony types, and with launches. A traditional out n back 400+ or
500+ coaster would be awesome, but the cost and amount of land for
that one ride would be incredible. But at least it would be a long
lasting and good ride on its own if the record would be broken. I
believe it will happen someday, most likely at Cedar Point.

[thekma...@gmail.com]

____________________

So is land!

Even Steel Dragon 2000, at *only* 318ft, probably stretches 1/2mile from the station to the spaghetti bowl at the opposite end. That's a lotta real estate.

My dream is a strato- out & back, 50%air, 30%turns, 20%tunnels. 500' tall, first tunnel 30' max below grade, probably reach Terminal Velocity before hitting that tunnel. LOL