Predator – Willy Kaiser
Head-over-heels action with a colourful history
Operator: Willy Kaiser (Munich)
Predator by Kaiser is an upside-down ride that stands out for its unusual combination of spinning movements and distinctive towering structure. Willy and Wilma Kaiser from Munich present it as a thrilling funfair experience, with ever-changing views of the fairground. Even from the outside, the moving structure makes it clear that this is no gentle ride.
Learn more – pick a topic:
What to expect
- Loops / inversions
- Multi-axis rotation
- Light show / LED facade
Highlights & records
Awarded the title of most beautiful ride at Nürnberger Volksfest 2025.
Predator combines unusual spinning movements with an impressive presentation – particularly striking when the lights come on.
What is a ride on Predator by Kaiser like?
Several movements come together on Predator. The central structure lifts the riders while different parts of the ride rotate. As a result, your body is constantly turned in different directions, and the ride can even take you upside down. From the ground, you can see a combination of swinging, rotation and flips. In the seat, this sequence feels much more intense than on an ordinary circular ride.
The changing perspectives are what make it special: one moment you see the façades of neighbouring attractions, and shortly afterwards the sky or the illuminated track. The visual presentation adds to the experience. After dark, the lighting emphasises the ride's movements. The size of the structure also makes Predator stand out at a fair, even from a distance.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Soriani & Moser (Italy)
- Model
- Top Star Tour
- Year built
- 1997
- Premiere
- 1997
- Also known as
- Star-Gate; Transformer II
Ride
- Height
- 16 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 23 × 23 m
- Power rating
- 250 kW
History: from Transformer II to Star-Gate
The ride was built by Soriani & Moser in 1997 and made its debut at Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing. During its long history of travelling, it went by several names. It first toured as Transformer II with Rolf Schmidt; it was later called Star-Gate and changed operators several times. After stops with, among others, Avi, Snep, and Ernst & Agtsch, Reiner Löffelhardt & Söhne took over the ride. It later passed to the Kaiser showman family.
Under Kaiser, the ride received a comprehensive redesign. Its current appearance combines the original technical core with a modern presentation. A special tribute followed at Nürnberger Volksfest in 2025: a jury named Predator the most beautiful ride. The award highlights that the impact of a funfair attraction depends not only on the ride itself, but also on its upkeep, façade and presentation.
Timeline
Introduced as Transformer II in Straubing in 1997; later Star-Gate. Redesigned as Predator in 2013/2014; subsequently with Willy Kaiser. Awarded the title of most beautiful ride at Nürnberger Volksfest in 2025.
- Operator
- Willy Kaiser (Munich)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Rolf Schmidt (1997); Avi (1998–2003); Snep (2004–2006); Ernst & Agtsch (2007–2013); Reiner Löffelhardt & Söhne (2014)
Who is Predator by Kaiser suitable for?
Predator is mainly for visitors looking for intense movements and flips. If you enjoy rotations on several axes and are comfortable with rapid changes in body position, it offers a distinctive alternative to classic looping rides. If, on the other hand, you are sensitive to strong rotation, watch the ride from the outside first. You can find the official riding requirements at the attraction.
A good place to watch is at the side, in front of the ride. From there, you can see how the individual movements overlap. This also makes Predator interesting for spectators: its complex choreography looks different from the regular circling of a swing ride. You can find more profiles of rides like this in our attraction overview.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Predator – Willy Kaiser live
Sources: Ride-Index – Predator (Kaiser); KirmesMagazin – Award 2025. Image credits (archival footage 2016, Pützchens Markt): Four stills extracted from a video, at seconds 7, 13, 19 and 25. HendrixHammer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adaptation: stills extracted; shared under the same licence.
