Arrow solved issues by utilizing modern technology in the design, including its tubular steel track developed in 1959 for Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds.

Despite a successful launch and reception, the suspended coaster was plagued with mechanical problems and frequent closures over the course of its short lifespan.

Arrow implemented improved banking and braking design in future installations that were more successful, such as Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which opened in 1984.

[1] Although the concept wasn't entirely new, with unsuccessful attempts of manufacturing suspended roller coasters dating back to the early 20th century, Arrow was able to utilize their tubular steel track technology to succeed where others failed.

[1] They built a working prototype at their facility in Mountain View, California, and invited Kings Island executives to visit and test ride in 1978.

[1] Prior to the opening of The Beast in 1979, Kings Island was already in the initial stages of planning their next major ride and had turned to Arrow for ideas.

[1] Kings Island gladly accepted and decided to invest in the new concept, supplying land and support from their in-house engineering department.

[1] A vast amount of free publicity was generated from guests and media speculation, and General Manager William Price teased The Cincinnati Post by saying, "It’s a totally new concept ... There’s nothing like it in the whole world!

Bush, recently named Vice President and General Manager, revealed the new ride as The Bat, a suspended roller coaster where riders would not have "the psychological security of the steel tracks or wooden support beams below them".

[1] Bat heads sculpted by Kings Island's art department were attached to the front of each car, which would eventually become a part of the ride's logo.

[1] The materials were used to form 162 support columns and 2,456 feet (749 m) of track, that together required twisted tubular steel that stretched over 4 miles (6.4 km) in total length.

[5] The main computer system monitoring the mechanical and safety performance of the ride involved 62 sensors placed throughout the track layout, all connected by more than 52,000 feet (16,000 m) of copper wire.

[1] Additional shock absorbers were installed to reduce the intensity of the swing, and for the three weeks prior to the ride's opening, the park continued to make adjustments.

[1] In an effort to prepare guests, park officials briefed local media reminding them the ride was a prototype and should be expected to act "temperamental".

[1] The ride's wait times would often exceed three hours due to the frequent downtime, and the line would stretch as far back as the entrance to The Racer on the opposite end of Coney Mall.

Also, the brake system engaged from below the train and failed to adequately stop the momentum of the heavy chassis overhead, creating stress on the frames and carriage.

The trains were overhauled, including a modification to the over-the-shoulder restraints, which were fitted with flatter collars to reduce head-banging and improve the ride experience.

Additional stress cables were installed in the support structure to help dissipate the strain caused by the outward pull when a train traversed the helices.

[1] A deeper analysis revealed that the high lateral forces from trains and the lack of banking around turns was damaging the welds that attached the track to supports.

[1] As a consolation to guests, Kings Island began running the south side train of The Racer backward,[1] which was well-received and became a permanent decision – one that would last until 2008 when new owners Cedar Fair reverted it back.

[1] In March 1984, Kings Island announced that The Bat would remain closed for the upcoming season as they continued to review issues preventing consistent operation.

[12] In the meantime, the park focused on opening a new ride called King Cobra, which was the first roller coaster designed from inception as a stand-up model.

[citation needed] The Bat was originally designed to feature two corkscrew inversions that were 60-foot (18 m) long and had proper leads in and out to allow for optimal g-forces.