Iron Paddler (アイアンパドラー) was a Third Stage obstacle first introduced as the second obstacle in SASUKE 28, replacing Flying Bar from the previous tournament. It consisted of a bar with two dips for handles held on a scaffolding by the competitors' waists, with a circular shape at the ends of the bar that revolve. To clear the obstacle, competitors must hold themselves up using the bar and roll it to the end of the 5.5-metre (18.04-foot) long scaffolding using the handles, much like Arm Bike, except that the rolling bar was by the competitors' waists, thus being the first Third Stage obstacle to strain the triceps specifically. Also, when the competitors reached the other side of the obstacle, they could use the rigging on the sides of the obstacle to support themselves on the dismount, but touching the black part of the bar or the scaffolding would result in disqualification.
Although this was designed merely to be an energy waster due to the placement of Crazy Cliffhanger after this obstacle, it was very difficult on its own, as most competitors who cleared it showed signs of struggle throughout the obstacle. In fact, Morimoto Yūsuke had to rest for more than four minutes after clearing this obstacle in SASUKE 29, in which he took about 90 seconds alone to clear this obstacle, even shown signs of being thrown from the obstacle. However, after Takahashi Kenji's attempt in SASUKE 29, where he manage to clear the obstacle rather quickly without signs of fatigue, even only spending about five seconds on it, competitors began to understand how to clear the obstacle, thus showed less signs of struggle with the obstacle since, prompting the producers to introduce Drum Hopper in SASUKE 30, which also focused on the competitors' triceps, making it a deadly combination to further drain energy prior to Crazy Cliffhanger.
However, due to its 100% clear rate, as well as Morimoto achieving Kanzenseiha in SASUKE 31, it was replaced by its predecessor in the following tournament as part of the course's renewal.
Takahashi Kenji attempting Iron Paddler in SASUKE 29, viewed from the goal
Rolling Steel[]
American Ninja Warrior[]
American Ninja Warrior 5's Rolling Steel in Miami
A variation of the Iron Paddler called the Rolling Steel appeared as the ninth obstacle during Miami finals on American Ninja Warrior 5. It is a hybrid of the Iron Paddler itself and the Arm Bike.
Competitors must move a similar bar from the Iron Paddler, with a similar fashion as the Arm Bike, on a 24-foot (7.32-meter) track with a slight upward incline.
Unlike the Iron Paddler (where the obstacle didn't eliminate any competitor who attempted it), the Rolling Steel eliminated 2 out of 10 competitors who attempted it (Grant David and Idoko Abuh).
Australian Ninja Warrior[]
Australian Ninja Warrior 3's Rolling Steel
On Australian Ninja Warrior 3, the Rolling Steel appeared as the fourth obstacle in every qualifying heat. Competitors must move the bar in a 6.6-meter (21.35-foot) inclined track to advance.
Similar to its appearance during Miami finals on American Ninja Warrior 5, the obstacle only eliminated a handful of competitors. During the broadcast, it eliminated Mel Armstrong in Heat 3 and Tatyanna Pogonza-Dumas in Heat 5.
Australian Ninja Warrior 5's Rolling Steel
This obstacle returned on Australian Ninja Warrior 5 as the first obstacle in Stage Two. The length of the track remained unchanged. Mainly being served as an energy waster, no one failed at this obstacle.
Ninja Israel[]
Ninja Israel 2's Rolling Steel
On Ninja Warrior Israel 2, the Rolling Steel, called locally פדל הפלדה (literally The Steel Pedal) appeared as the fourth obstacle in Heat 10, which was very similar to the one used on Australian Ninja Warrior 3, except that there was a laché as a medium to reach the bar.
Ninja Warrior France[]
Ninja Warrior France 4's Rolling Steel
La Manivelle d'Acier (literally The Steel Crank), Ninja Warrior France's official name for the Rolling Steel, would appear on Ninja Warrior France 4 as the fourth obstacle of Path B of Qualification 1 and 4. The track length was revealed to be 6m (19.69ft).
Ninja Warrior France 5's Rolling Steel
On Ninja Warrior France 5, Rolling Steel appeared as the second obstacle of Stage One. A lache bar was present at the end of the obstacle.
Ninja Warrior France 6's Rolling Steel
Rolling Steel later appeared in Ninja Warrior France 6 as the second obstacle of the Semifinals, which was very similar to the one used on Australian Ninja Warrior 3. This would have a greater angle in its track compared to its appearances from other competitions.
Competitors' Success Rate[]
- All results based on the TBS/NBC/Keshet 12 broadcast and external information found.
SASUKE[]
| Iron Paddler | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
| 28 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 29 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 30 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
| 31 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
| Total | 24 | 24 | 100% |
American Ninja Warrior[]
| Rolling Steel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
| ANW5 | 8 | 10 | 80% |
| Total | 8 | 10 | 80% |
Ninja Israel[]
| Rolling Steel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NWI | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
| NWI2 | 17 | 18 | 94.44% |
| Total | 17 | 18 | 94.44% |
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