Changes: Cliffhanger

Revision as of 06:03, 7 May 2021

Cliffhanger (クリフハンガー) is one of the longest-enduring obstacles in SASUKE to date, having proven to be brutal throughout the history of SASUKE.

In essence, competitors must traverse through a series of narrow ledges which are 3 cm wide, only long enough to support the fingertips. Since its introduction in SASUKE 4, it has had eight different versions, with Takahashi Kenji attempting the most versions of it, with five.

First Version

The full name as Choku Senkei Cliffhanger (直線型クリフハンガー, literally Cliffhanger Straight Version) is the first ever version of Cliffhanger, appearing only in SASUKE 4. In this version, all three ledges were placed at the same height and each ledge was 1.2 metres long. There are gaps present between the ledges to provide challenge, with each gap being 50 cm-long.

Akiyama Kazuhiko attempting Cliffhanger in SASUKE 4

Due to Akiyama Kazuhiko's Kanzenseiha in that tournament, it was replaced by Cliffhanger Dansa as part of making the course harder in the following tournament, despite the fact it eliminated five out of 10 competitors that attemped this version. Among those five competitors that failed this version are Kane Kosugi and Yamada Katsumi, the two favourites to achieve Kanzenseiha during the tournament.

Second Version

The full name as Cliffhanger Dansa (クリフハンガー段差, literally Cliffhanger with Dropout Section) is the second version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 5 to SASUKE 8. The only modification from the previous version being the third ledge was raised by 30 cm, creating a "step" to be crossed by (Dansa means "Step" in Japanese). The length of the gaps remained at 50 cm.

Interestingly, the obstacle was initially named in SASUKE 5 as Cliffhanger (Kai) [クリフハンガー (改)], but for unknown reasons, it was reverted to the original naming in the next tournament. The successor version adopted the name afterwards.

Yamamoto Shingo attempting Cliffhanger Dansa in SASUKE 5 — Yamamoto Shingo attempting Cliffhanger in SASUKE 5

Yamamoto Shingo was the only competitor to attempt this version more than once in SASUKE 5 and SASUKE 7 (both times clearing it). This version claimed at least one victim in two out of four tournaments in which it was used, with SASUKE 5 and SASUKE 8 being the tournaments with 100% clear rate, making it the first Cliffhanger version to have multiple tournaments with 100% clear rate.

This version was notable for being the only version to have been replaced without the impetus of a kanzenseiha until the introduction of the Cliffhanger Dimension.

Third Version

Cliffhanger Kai (クリフハンガー改, literally Altered Cliffhanger) is the third version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 9 to SASUKE 17. The modifications compared to the previous version being the first ledge was doubled in length to 2.4 metres (despite it being 1.2 metres in blueprint), the second ledge was raised by 30 cm, and the third ledge was lowered by 45 cm. The length of the gaps still remained at 50 cm.

So far, this version lasted the longest thus far of any versions. In later tournaments, the obstacle marked the halfway point and clearing it was a major accomplishment.

Like Lamp Grasper which introduced in the same tournament, the distance of the obstacle to the finish platform varied from one tournament to another:

In SASUKE 9, the platform was placed very far from the third ledge, so competitors were forced to traverse the entire length of the third ledge.
In SASUKE 10, 11, and 13 to 17, the platform was placed slightly underneath the third ledge, so competitors could dismount after traversing around three-quarters of the third ledge's length.
In SASUKE 12, the platform was placed slightly after the second gap, so competitors could dismount after touching the third ledge.

Cliffhanger Kai's blueprint. It showed all three ledges being the same length, rather than the first ledge being longer than the other two

Shiratori Bunpei attempting Cliffhanger Kai in SASUKE 12 — Shiratori Bunpei attempting Cliffhanger Kai
in SASUKE 12

This version was more deadly compared to the previous version, as from nine tournaments it was used, only SASUKE 9 ended up being the only tournament to had 100% clear rate (and in that tournament, it was only attempted by Nagano Makoto).

However, due to Nagano Makoto's Kanzenseiha, it will be replaced by Shin-Cliffhanger in SASUKE 18.

Fourth Version

Shin-Cliffhanger (新クリフハンガー) (literally New Cliffhanger) is the fourth version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 18 to SASUKE 24. The modifications compared to the previous version being the second ledge shortened to 77 cm with an incline of twelve-degree (causing the length of the second gap changed for the first time from 50 cm to around 1 metre), the width for the third ledge's first part increased to 6 cm, and all ledges have been beveled to increase the difficulty.

Due to the large gap, in SASUKE 18, Nagano Makoto was disqualified when he attempt to jump to the third ledge. A metal sheet was placed above the first and third ledges starting from SASUKE 19 to prevent such case occured again.

Nagano Makoto's Shin-Cliffhanger DQ in SASUKE 18 — Nagano Makoto attempting Shin-Cliffhanger in
SASUKE 18, but disqualify himself after grabbing the top of the obstacle

Takahashi Kenji attempting Shin-Cliffhanger in SASUKE 23 — Takahashi Kenji attempting modified Shin-Cliffhanger in SASUKE 23

Seeing Nagano's failure before him, Nagasaki Shunsuke tried to cross the gap without jumping, however, he couldn't overcome the gap, making it seemed impossible for the competitors to clear the gap without jumping. However, in SASUKE 23 and 24, Takahashi Kenji was able to cross the gap without jumping, being the only one to do so.

This remain the version with the longest wait for a clear, as the first clear happened in SASUKE 21 by Takeda Toshihiro, a wait of four tournaments. However, in SASUKE 23 and 24, it surprisingly become much easier as competitors begin to understand how to clear it, with only Levi Meeuwenberg being the only victim of it during both tournaments (doing so in SASUKE 23, making him the only competitor to fail this version twice after doing so previously in SASUKE 20). Also, with two 100% clear rate in SASUKE 21 and SASUKE 24, this version become the second Cliffhanger version to have multiple tournaments with 100% clear rate.

Despite all of that, due to Urushihara Yuuji's Kanzenseiha, it was replaced by Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 25.

Fifth Version

Ultimate Cliffhanger (アルティメットクリフハンガー) is the fifth version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 25 to SASUKE 27. A major overhaul was done compared to the previous version, with this version having six ledges instead of three. The length of the ledges and the gaps are as follows:

Ledges
- First ledge's length is 2 metres and on a twenty four-degree angle, requiring competitors to climb diagonally to their right.
- Second ledge's length is 2 metres and on a twelve-degree angle, requiring competitors to climb diagonally to their left.
- Third ledge's length is 3.2 metres but being put without an incline, requiring competitors to traverse to their right.
- Fourth ledge's length is 1.2 metres but being put without an incline, requiring competitors to traverse to their right.
- Fifth ledge's length is 15 cm, the smallest from all six, requiring competitors to jump from the fourth ledge to grab it.
- Fifth ledge's length is 2 metres but being put without an incline, requiring competitors to traverse to their right.
Gaps
- First gap's length is 20 cm vertically.
- Second gap's length is 60 cm vertically.
- Third gap's length is 90 cm horizontally.
- Fourth and fifth gap's length is unknown.

Hashimoto Koji attempting Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 25

Lee En-Chih attempting Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 25

A tester demonstrating Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 25 — Comparison between Hashimoto Kouji, Lee En-Chih, and a tester when attempting the transition to the third ledge in SASUKE 25

In its first tournament, this version was proven to be unbelievably difficult, as all four competitors who attempted it failed before any could even reach the third ledge, though Hashimoto Kouji and Lee En-Chih got close. It was speculated that both of their failures were results of not trying to reach the end of the second ledge, as a tester was shown able to clear the gap after traversing the entire length of the second ledge.

Modification

Ultimate Cliffhanger (SASUKE 26) — Modified Ultimate Cliffhanger in full, as seen in SASUKE 26

Nagano Makoto attempting Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 27

In SASUKE 26, the third ledge was lowered to make the transition from the angled ledges easier, but this resulted in making the transition to the fourth ledge much harder. To compensate for what would have been a 1.2 metre gap between the third and fourth ledges, the third ledge was also lengthened slightly to make it a gap more similar to the gap between the second and third ledges of the second version. Also, a large sheet of metal was placed at the base of the obstacle, in order to hide the metal supports that were visible in SASUKE 25.

Lee En-Chih and Okuyama Yoshiyuki, in their second attempts, made it to the end of the fourth ledge, but failed while building momentum to swing to the small fifth ledge. Two American competitors, Brent Steffensen and David Campbell, also able to attempt this, however, both of them failed while trying to make a transition to the fourth ledge.

In SASUKE 27, the obstacle was relocated to the third obstacle. This change proved to be essential, as it was finally conquered by Hashimoto Koji (in his second attempt), eventual finalist Matachi Ryo, and eventual two-time Champion Urushihara Yuuji (both having their first attempts at this version, the former impressively doing so on his first Third Stage's appearance). It was nearly cleared by David Campbell as well, but his grip gave out on the final ledge, just before he could reach the finish platform. This make him one of five victims in this tournament, with the other four being James McGrath, Ryan Stratis, Paul Kasemir, and Nagano Makoto (the only All-Star to attempt Ultimate Cliffhanger).

Due to the fact that Ultimate Cliffhanger had eliminated every American competitor who attempted it in SASUKE 26 and SASUKE 27, Ultimate Cliffhanger had earned its status as one of the most brutal obstacles for the American competitors.

However, due to Urushihara Yuuji's second Kanzenseiha, it will be replaced by Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 28.

Sixth Version

Crazy Cliffhanger (クレイジークリフハンガー) is the sixth version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 28 to SASUKE 31. Another major overhaul was done compared to the previous version, with this version now having four ledges instead of six previously used. The first three ledges was almost similar to Cliffhanger Kai, with the difference being the third ledge was at the same height as the first ledge as opposed to being 15 cm lower. However, the third ledge had been shortened to a point where the competitors couldn't reach landing platform from it. Opposite the third ledge was another wall with a fourth ledge that was 1.2 metres-long.

Competitors must make enough momentum and jump from the third to the fourth ledge (similar to Spider Flip) and only then they could transfer to the finish platform. Though mentioned since SASUKE 28, in SASUKE 31, the distance of the third to the opposing fourth ledge was shown on-screen to be 1.8 metres. However, unlike Shin-Cliffhanger and Ultimate Cliffhanger, the ledge that must be jumped onto was not wider than the other ledges, making the transition more difficult.

Crazycliff2 — The distance between the third and fourth ledges as seen in SASUKE 28

Morimoto Yusuke attempting Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 29 — Morimoto Yūsuke attempting Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 29

While grip and upper body strength played an important role in every Cliffhanger version, this version seemed to be based more on the weight of the competitors (rather than technique or stamina), due to the style of the last ledge transition. Also, unlike previous versions of Cliffhanger, in which competitors would eventually get the hang of the techniques required to clear the jump (most notably Shin-Cliffhanger), the jump on Crazy Cliffhanger was never truly mastered. This is largely due to the element of landing the jump, as competitors would succeed in doing the transition but would not have enough grip to hold on to the ledge. Even in its fourth and final appearance in SASUKE 31, only two out of eight competitors cleared.

In SASUKE 31, Drew Drechsel try to attempt the obstacle using uncoventional jump method in which he would turn to face the fourth ledge before attempting the jump. While succeeded, he was told that he was disqualified. After some arguments with the producers, he was granted a second chance, in which he would attempt the jump using conventional jump method that ended in failure. This tournament also saw Asa Kazuma's fourth consecutive failure at this version (the longest streak of failure on a Cliffhanger version, eventually tied by Satō Jun in SASUKE 36), Kanno Hitoshi finally clearing it at his fourth consecutive attempt (and being just the fifth competitor to clear), and Morimoto Yūsuke being the only competitor to clear this version twice (after previously doing so in SASUKE 29).

This version in overall was not cleared 18 times, which was the largest number of failures on any Cliffhanger version in SASUKE to date, even beating Cliffhanger Kai that appeared in more tournaments (it was not cleared 17 times).

Despite the difficulty, due to Morimoto Yūsuke's Kanzenseiha, it was replaced with Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 32.

Seventh Version

Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger (ウルトラクレイジークリフハンガー) is the seventh version of Cliffhanger, appearing from SASUKE 32 to SASUKE 36, revealed via Inui's Twitter account, and then in SASUKE 32's Navi after Morimoto Yusuke's kanzenseiha. Compared to previous version, there are major differences, with the number of ledges being reduced to three, the catch is that competitors have to make two 1.8 metres transitions similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger, the second ledge curved inwards to increase the difficulty, and the third ledge is a moving ledge (first of such occasion in any Cliffhanger) that goes up and down by 90 cm. It was also tied together with Vertical Limit Kai without any break originally (before being changed in SASUKE 35) to make the second half of Third Stage more difficult as a whole.

Jessie Graff attempting Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 34

Similar to Crazy Cliffhanger, this version also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition. However, unlike the past three versions of Cliffhanger, this obstacle was successfully cleared in its introductory tournament, with Drew Drechsel managing to become the first competitor to clear it (although he immediately fail Vertical Limit Kai almost immediately due to lack of the break mentioned).

Unfortunately, no one managed to clear it in the next tournament, as Drew Drechsel, the only competitor to attempt it in that tournament, did the transition to the moving ledge one second too late (with the moving ledge starting to move up as he tried to make the transition), thus falling to the water. The number of attempts during the first two tournament were also noticeably smaller than the previous versions of Cliffhanger due to the presence of Flying Bar in the first half of Third Stage.

However, a larger number of competitors took on the obstacle in SASUKE 34 and it will proven itself a force to be reckoned with, eliminating a whopping six competitors out of seven, including Kawaguchi Tomohiro, Drew Drechsel (who failed the second transition yet again, this time one second too early), and Jessie Graff (who was the first woman to attempt Third Stage in SASUKE history). Only Morimoto Yūsuke was able to clear it in that tournament and again due to the lack of the break mentioned, he fail Vertical Limit Kai soon enough.

However, in SASUKE 35, three people were able to clear the obstacle, being Drew Drechsel (who became the first competitor to clear this version twice), Kawaguchi Tomohiro (who became the second competitor to clear Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger), and Morimoto Yūsuke (who became the only competitor to clear both Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger twice). Due to the green resting bar that was provided starting from this tournament, he would later clear Third Stage.

In SASUKE 36, another three competitors were able to clear the obstacle, being Tada Tatsuya (who became the fourth competitor to clear this version), Matachi Ryo (who became the third competitor to clear Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, doing so in a very memorable attempt as he made a one-hand save when attempting the jump), and Urushihara Yuuji (who advanced to Third Stage for the first time since SASUKE 28). Morimoto once again clearing it in this tournament, becoming the only competitor to clear Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger three times in a row. Just like on the previous tournament, he would later become the only competitor to clear Third Stage in that tournament.

While the focus in this version is usually the second transition, few competitors also failed to clear the first transition, being Satō Jun (SASUKE 32, 34, and 35), Hioki Masashi, Jessie Graff (both SASUKE 34), and Kawaguchi Tomohiro (SASUKE 36). In addition, Anastase Ragivaru was notable for being the only competitor to attempt this version but didn't attempt the transition(s) due to him losing his grip on the first ledge.

Possibly due to this version gradually having more successes as the tournament progressed, Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger is replaced by Cliffhanger Dimension in SASUKE 37, making this the second Cliffhanger version to have been replaced without the impetus of a Kanzenseiha.

Eighth Version

Cliffhanger Dimension (クリフハンガーディメンション) is the eighth and current version of Cliffhanger, being introduced in SASUKE 37. It again receive major modifications compared to the previous version, with the second ledge now moving up and down, the third ledge was embedded on the Plexiglas board and moved forward and backward, and both the second and third ledges moved as its respective direction by 90 cm (however, in SASUKE 38, the second ledge moves by 1 metre, an increment of 10 cm from its debut tournament).

This version of the Cliffhanger, similar to Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, is also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition.

Tada Tatsuya attempting Cliffhanger Dimension in SASUKE 37

Like Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, this version was successfully cleared in its introductory tournament, this time by Tada Tatsuya. This was due to the fact that in SASUKE 37, due to poor weather resulting the motors of the ledges malfunctioning, the ledges were stopped and adjusted to its respective height and distance around 1.8 metres, rendering the obstacle less difficult and brutal, eliminating the need to glance prior to transition to the moving ledge. However, based on Rene Kaselowsky's testimonial, he mentioned in a post-tournament interview that the ledges were halted due to the fact that the production team wanted at least one clear on Third Stage so that the live Final Stage could go ahead. Despite that, it was still proven to be a threat, as only three of the eight competitors could clear it. It took out notable competitors such as Hioki Masashi, Jessie Graff, and Satō Jun.

In SASUKE 38 however, is where the motors of the obstacle are finally fully functional, showing its true lethality. Both ledges moves at different speed, making transition even more crucial than it is before. This was proven by Tada, who failed the second transition. However, controversy arose before his run, as Yamamoto Yoshiyuki who was the first to attempt Cliffhanger Dimension in the tournament actually cleared both transitions, however, due to the soap that was not washed properly prior to his run, he slipped at the third ledge. Morimoto Yūsuke will later be the fourth competitor to clear this version and he would go on to not just clear Third Stage, but also achieve his second Kanzenseiha.

KUNOICHI Appearance

Cliffhanger (クリフハンガー) will then appeared in KUNOICHI, originally used as the sixth obstacle of BLUE Stage (Second Stage), however, it was relocated in KUNOICHI 2017 Summer as the fourth obstacle of BLACK Stage (Third Stage.

It originally was a toned-down version of the original Cliffhanger, featuring only two ledges (as it seemed like the first gap was removed to merge the first two ledges as one, making it being longer compared to the other ledge) and both ledges were increased to 4.5 cm in thickness. To compensate the toned-down difficulty, the gap between the ledges was increased to 60 cm. Also, the current logo of KUNOICHI was being visible below the first ledge.

However, due to the dominance of Sponge Bridge in the tournament, it was only attempted by Izumi Hikari, who was able to clear it easily.

Izumi Hikari attempting Cliffhanger in KUNOICHI 2017 Spring

Watanabe Kana attempting Cliffhanger in KUNOICHI 2017 Summer — Watanabe Kana attempting modified Cliffhanger in KUNOICHI 2017 Summer

For unknown reasons, Cliffhanger was modified in the next tournament, decreasing the thickness of the ledges to 4 cm. Also, the second ledge was raised about 7 cm, making it seemed like a toned-down version of Cliffhanger Dansa.

It was attempted by three competitors, with AYA being the only one who failed, while Watanabe Kana and Izumi Hikari easily cleared it and went to Pipe Slider.

However, in the following tournament, it will be replaced by Planet Bridge.

Competitors' Success Rate

All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found

SASUKE

Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
4	5	10	50%
Total	5	10	50%

Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
5	1	1	100%
6	1	2	50%
7	1	3	33.33%
8	3	3	100%
Total	6	9	66.67%

Cliffhanger Kai

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
9	1	1	100%
10	1	2	50%
11	2	4	50%
12	5	9	55.56%
13	2	3	66.67%
14	2	5	40%
15	3	4	75%
16	3	7	42.86%
17	3	4	75%
Total	22	39	56.41%

Shin-Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
18	0	3	0%
19	0	0	N/A
20	0	1	0%
21	2	2	100%
22	2	4	50%
23	5	6	83.33%
24	7	7	100%
Total	16	23	69.57%

Ultimate Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
25	0	4	0%
26	0	4	0%
27	3	8	37.5%
Total	3	16	18.75%

Crazy Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
28	0	3	0%
29	1	4	25%
30	3	9	33.33%
31	2	8	25%
Total	6	24	25%

Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
32	1	3	33.33%
33	0	1	0%
34	1	7	14.29%
35	3	4	75%
36	4	8	50%
Total	9	23	39.13%

Cliffhanger Dimension

SASUKE	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
37	3	8	37.5%
38	1	4	25%
Total	4	12	33.33%

KUNOICHI

KUNOICHI	Clears	Attempts	Percentage
2017 Spring	1	1	100%
2017 Summer	2	3	66.67%
Total	3	4	75%

Other Appearances

Cliffhanger

Australian Ninja Warrior

A variation of this version of the Cliffhanger, called the Swinging Cliff Hanger, appeared as the fourth obstacle in Stage One on Australian Ninja Warrior 3.

The obstacle featured two ledges, each was attached to a swinging board (similar to the one used on the Swinging Peg Board). Therefore, after traversing the first ledge, competitors must build enough swing and momentum to make the transition to the second ledge, and then build enough swing and momentum from the second ledge to make the dismount to the landing platform.

Cliffhanger Kai

American Ninja Warrior

ANW5 Cliffhanger — American Ninja Warrior 5's Cliffhanger in Venice Beach

This version appeared as the ninth obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 5 during Venice Beach finals, eliminating 6 out of 12 competitors who attempted it (likely due to fatigue after completing the previous obstacle, the Rope Maze), including Brian Kretsch, Dan Mast, Lance Pekus, Jesse La Flair, and Justin Walker.

SASUKE Vietnam

Ảnh chụp màn hình (43) — SASUKE Vietnam 2's Cliffhanger Kai

Treo Người Trên Vách or Đu Người Trên Vách (SASUKE Vietnam's official name for the Cliffhanger Kai) appeared as the fifth obstacle in Stage 3 on SASUKE Vietnam 1 and SASUKE Vietnam 2. However, unlike in SASUKE, after reaching the end of the third ledge, competitors must grab a resting bar, as an intermediary to the next obstacle (the Pipe Slider).

On SASUKE Vietnam 1, the obstacle eliminated 4 out of 5 competitors who attempted it (including Nguyễn Phước Huynh, Đỗ Văn Quang, Nguyễn Đức Thọ and Lê Văn Đại). Lê Văn Thực was the first competitor to beat the obstacle.

On SASUKE Vietnam 2, it was notable for eliminating some top competitors like Nguyễn Đức Thọ, Trần Văn Anh, and Brian Kretsch. Nevertheless, 14 competitors were able to complete the obstacle.

With the total victories of Lê Văn Thực, Nguyễn Phước Huynh, and David Campbell on SASUKE Vietnam 2, the Cliffhanger Kai was replaced by the Crazy Cliffhanger the next season, following the tradition in which the course would be modified after a total victory was achieved.

Shin-Cliffhanger

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia

SNWI Cliffhanger — SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia's Cliffhanger in Final Stage

On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia the Shin-Cliffhanger appeared as the fourth obstacle during Final Stage (although it was simply called as the Cliffhanger). Among the 10 competitors who attempted it, six of them could complete it, while the other four competitors failed to make the transition to the third ledge.

Ultimate Cliffhanger

Ninja Warrior UK and Sweden

NWSAlexanderMars — Alexander Mars on the Cliffhanger, Ninja Warrior Sweden

On Ninja Warrior UK and Ninja Warrior Sweden, a variant of the obstacle (unofficially named as the Miska Cliffhanger) has appeared.

This version featured radically different ledges placement compared to the SASUKE and American Ninja Warrior versions, with a greater emphasis on diagonal ledges and long jumps.

No one has attempted this version on Ninja Warrior UK and Ninja Warrior UK 2, due to being replaced by the Crazy Cliffhanger (American Ninja Warrior 7 version) on Ninja Warrior UK 3, although Alexander Mars failed there on Ninja Warrior Sweden.

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia

SNWI2017 Ultimate Cliffhanger — SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Final Stage

On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2, the Ultimate Cliffhanger appeared as the fifth and penultimate obstacle during Final Stage, with the following specification:

The obstacle's wall was the same as American Ninja Warrior 7 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger, except there was no leap transition to the final ledge at the hanging board.
There were seven ledges, with the first five ledges were similar to the first fice ledges from SASUKE 26-27 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger, and the last two ledges were similar to the last two ledges (excluding the final ledge at the hanging board) from American Ninja Warrior 7 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger.
After reaching the end of the seventh ledge, competitors must grab the resting bars, as an intermediary to the sixth and final obstacle, the Flying Bar.

Among the two competitors who attempted the obstacle (Yosua Laskaman Zalukhu and Angga Cahya), both of them could complete it. Also, during SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia: International Competition, no competitor failed on this obstacle.

American Ninja Warrior

Ultimate Cliffhanger ANW4 — American Ninja Warrior 4's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three

On American Ninja Warrior 4, the Ultimate Cliffhanger appeared as the fourth obstacle in Stage Three, with the same specification from SASUKE 26-27. Brent Steffensen, who himself failed there in SASUKE 26, became the first American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger.

On American Ninja Warrior 5, Brian Arnold became the second American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger, and nearly beating Stage Three.

During USA vs. Japan, Paul Kasemir (who failed on this obstacle in SASUKE 27) from Team USA became the third American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger, also nearly beating Stage Three. On the other hand, Kanno Hitoshi from Team Japan failed to make the transition to the fifth ledge.

ANW5 Ultimate Cliffhanger — American Ninja Warrior 5's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three

ANW6 Ultimate Cliffhanger — American Ninja Warrior 6's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three

On American Ninja Warrior 6, the ledges were made much thicker. Instead of being 1.18 inches (3cm) as they had been in SASUKE and two previous American Ninja Warrior seasons, they were increased to 2.25 inches (5.7cm) in thickness (later seasons were decreased to 2 inches (5.08cm)), making the obstacle much easier. Also, the fourth ledge was made longer, making the gap between the third and fourth ledge was smaller. As the result, Joe Moravsky became the fourth American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger and just the third to complete it on American Ninja Warrior's regular season.

During USA vs. The World, all seven competitors who attempted the obstacle were able to complete it.