The Log Grip (ロッググリップ) is a First Stage obstacle, which was firstly introduced in SASUKE 18, after Nagano Makoto's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 17.
Competitors must cling onto a vertical log (60cm in thickness) with their arms and legs, while it slid down a 9-meter track to the landing platform. The log contained many small indentations to provide some grip.
The track was similar to the one previously used for the Sandan Rolling Maruta, but there were several differences:
- the drops were bigger and the track was longer, and
- the drops were closer together, almost eliminating a chance to recover from the previous drop.
SASUKE 21-25 Version
In SASUKE 21, the Log Grip was modified. The actual log was placed lower to the platform and a new mechanism was engineered where once a competitor applied his or her weight, the log would start down the track.
This was proven to make the log much easier to start, but in contrast, competitors would fail more because of the speed and shock of the drops.
It was the second obstacle initially, but became the third obstacle from SASUKE 22 to SASUKE 24, when these three obstacles took its previous position as the second obstacle throughout the three tournaments:
- the Circle Hammer (SASUKE 22),
- the Curtain Slider (SASUKE 23), and
- the X-Bridge (SASUKE 24).
In SASUKE 25, it was moved even later in the course, shifting to the fifth obstacle. Since being moved later into the course, competitors would show fatigue and fail. It was removed after SASUKE 25.
SASUKE 29-30 Version
Log Grip, SASUKE 29
The Log Grip returned in SASUKE 29, as the second obstacle in the First Stage, replacing the Rolling Escargot from the previous tournament. However, the obstacle had two ledges to hang on instead of the holes in the previous versions. For male competitors, the ledges were taller than the ledges used for female competitors. This modification made the obstacle extremely easier, as many competitors were placing their hands on top of the ledges, providing an extra grip. As the result, fewer competitors failed here.
SASUKE 31 Version
A tester on the Log Grip, SASUKE 31
Minor modifications were made to the Log Grip in SASUKE 31:
- The track was steeper, and
- The drops were much larger than usual, which forced competitors to hold on tightly to prevent themselves from falling off the log.
Those who cleared had serious bruises from holding onto the log. It was replaced by the TIE Fighter in SASUKE 32.
American Ninja Warrior Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 3's Log Grip
The Log Grip made its first appearance on American Ninja Warrior 3, as the second obstacle during qualifying and semifinal, but the log was much thinner and the track was much shorter than the one in SASUKE.
Other Season Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 4
American Ninja Warrior 4's Log Grip
Then, the obstacle returned as the second obstacle in every qualifying region on American Ninja Warrior 4. This time, the log was thicker and made out of wood.
American Ninja Warrior 6
American Ninja Warrior 6's Log Grip in Dallas
After one season hiatus, the Log Grip returned as the second obstacle in Dallas on American Ninja Warrior 6, but with four handles instead of holes (two on each side) and only one drop on the track.
American Ninja Warrior 7
American Ninja Warrior 7's Log Grip in Pittsburgh
On American Ninja Warrior 7, the Log Grip appeared as the second obstacle in Pittsburgh, which was similar to the one used on the previous season, but with two drops again.
American Ninja Warrior 8
American Ninja Warrior 8's Log Grip in Philadelphia
American Ninja Warrior 8's Giant Log Grip in Stage One
On American Ninja Warrior 8, the same version of the Log Grip from the previous season returned as the second obstacle in Philadelphia.
Later on the same season season, the Log Grip returned in the form of the Giant Log Grip, as the third obstacle in Stage One, replacing the Silk Slider from the past two American Ninja Warrior seasons. This version had four handles as usual, but:
- The obstacle had a 52-foot long track, with three drops, and a dismount onto a small landing pad floating in the water (similar to the Silk Slider.
- The log also twisted around at the end of the track.
- Competitors also had to time their landing correctly or let the log stop swinging to land.
This version of the Log Grip was proven to be lethal, as several competitors either lost their grip or couldn't time the dismount properly. Although only 12 competitors failed on this obstacle, it eliminated several top competitors (e.g. Jo Jo Bynum, Adam Arnold, Meagan Martin, Brent Steffensen, Kevin Bull, and Jamie Rahn).
On American Ninja Warrior 9, the Giant Log Grip was replaced by the Double Dipper.
Other Appearances
Australian Ninja Warrior's Log Grip
SASUKE Vietnam's Log Grip
The Log Grip has been used on several SASUKE/Ninja Warrior's international formats, including:
- Ninja Warrior UK (similar to American Ninja Warrior 6-8 version),
- Australian Ninja Warrior (similar to American Ninja Warrior 6-8 version),
- SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia (similar to SASUKE 29-31 version), and
- SASUKE Vietnam (similar to SASUKE 29-31 version, and was called locally as Bám Trụ or Ôm Trụ).
Competitor's Success Rate
All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 37 | 52 | 71.15% |
| 19 | 43 | 52 | 82.69% |
| 20 | 63 | 85 | 74.12% |
| 21 | 58 | 73 | 79.45% |
| 22 | 49 | 66 | 83.05% |
| 23 | 64 | 72 | 88.89% |
| 24 | 36 | 60 | 61.02% |
| 25 | 21 | 26 | 82.61% |
| 29 | 57 | 60 | 95% |
| 30 | 57 | 68 | 83.82% |
| 31 | 41 | 42 | 97.61% |
| Total | 525 | 656 | 78.79% |