Falling Shelves

The Falling Shelves is an obstacle, firstly introduced as the third obstacle during the finals on American Ninja Warrior 12.

Competitors must grab a set of handles placed on an X-shaped frame and make a transition to the second set of handles that could swing. Then, they must make a transition to the third set of handles in which the handles were placed on the other side (meaning competitors must make a blind transition to grab them, a very similar manner to the Leaps of Faith or Angry Birds), and lock it into the place. Finally, they must make a dismount to the landing platform.

Despite being just the third obstacle, the obstacle eliminated seven competitors, more than any other obstacle in the finals. Amongst the victims were Chris DiGangi and David Wright. Most competitors who failed on this obstacle were unable to make the blind transition to the final set of handles. It was also notable for taking out three of the four women in the finals (Jeri D'Aurelio, Sandy Zimmerman, and Jessie Graff). The only woman to complete the obstacle was Jesse Labreck, who went on to complete the course.

An interesting fail happened during Thomas Stillings's run, as he attempted to grab the blind grab while on the second shelf. He ended up letting go of the third shelf and causing it to tilt, making him unable to grab the third shelf and causing him to fall.

A very similar obstacle named the Swing Edge would later appear in SASUKE 39's Third Stage, replacing the Planet Bridge.

American Ninja Warrior 13
On American Ninja Warrior 13, the Falling Shelves appeared as the sixth and final obstacle of Stage Two, replacing the Water Walls from its past two recent appearances. This time, the obstacle featured four sets of handles, with all handles dropping down when the competitors applied their weight. The first two sets of handles had the frame would be locked after the drop, but the last two sets retained the function from the previous season.

It proved to be a brutal final obstacle, taking out six competitors: Elijah Browning, Josiah Pippel, Mike Silenzi, and more notably, Adam Rayl, Sean Bryan, and Jake Murray. All six failed while attempting the blind grab on the final set of handles. Rayl and Murray had completed the obstacle the previous season. Only four competitors could complete the obstacle (and subsequently finish stage 2): Vance Walker, Austin Gray, Kyle Soderman, and Kaden Lebsack.

Ninja Warrior France
Les Croix À Bascule, Ninja Warrior France's official name for the Falling Shelves would appear as the fourth obstacle of Qualification 3 of Ninja Warrior France 6. It is paired with the Butterfly Wall as part of Route A of the Crossroads. This time, the obstacle would involve two sets of handles with the second set being lower than the first. Competitors would not be required to do a blind transition in this instance due to the fact that both handles are facing towards the competitor. In addition, a rope is added as a medium for competitors before reaching the first set. On the other hand, once they reach the second ledge, a resting bar and a rope was present that will aid them to the landing platform.

Trivia

 * With the appearance of the obstacle as the final Stage Two obstacle of American Ninja Warrior 13, it is the first instance in American Ninja Warrior history that the final obstacle on Stage Two is not a wall variant obstacle. (e.g. Wall Lift, Wall Flip, and Water Walls.)
 * This also marks the few times in American Ninja Warrior history where competitors would actually fail at the last obstacle of Stage Two.

Competitors' Success Rate

 * All results based on the NBC broadcast and external information found