The Sidewinder R (サイドワインダー・R), (also called simply "Sidewinder") is an obstacle in the Third Stage, which debuted in SASUKE 31 as the third obstacle.
In essence, the obstacle consisted of four columns (referred as poles) that competitors must get across one by one to the other side and each one has grips for the competitors to hang onto the columns (poles). The four columns (poles) were parallel to each other, similar in a zig-zag formation. The distance between each columns (poles) was 1.8 m if the competitors crossed the columns (poles) one by one, similar to the function of the Hariyama or Pole Grasper. Also, there was a black line placed around each column (pole), which served as a boundary for the competitors to place their hands onto.
Since its introduction in SASUKE 31, there have been three versions, with Drew Drechsel being the only competitor to attempt all three.
The Wind Chimes, which was used on American Ninja Warrior 7 in Pittsburgh was similar to the Sidewinder R, except the columns (chimes) were much thinner and shorter.
Though no one failed on the obstacle, it exhausted most of the competitors who attempted it, leading to all but two (Morimoto Yūsuke and Kanno Hitoshi) failing the Crazy Cliffhanger. This was similar to the relationship between the Tackle and Soritatsu Kabe in the First Stage.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
| Total | 8 | 8 | 100% |
Sidewinder R Kai [Version 2] (SASUKE 32)
In SASUKE 32, the tournament following Morimoto Yūsuke's kanzenseiha, the obstacle was modified. To make the obstacle harder, it was modified with the second and third pole would drop 60cm when the competitors put their weight on them (similar to the fourth pole of the Pole Grasper during American Ninja Warrior 7's Stage Three). Therefore, its name was changed to Sidewinder R Kai (サイドワインダー・R 改), and its position still remained as the third obstacle.
This obstacle took out André Sihm, who was the only competitor to fail on this obstacle in that tournament.
Even though this obstacle was difficult enough, this only lasted for one tournament, as it was modified once again in SASUKE 33.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| Total | 3 | 4 | 75% |
Sidewinder Kai [Version 3] (SASUKE 33~)
In SASUKE 33, the obstacle was modified once again, making it one of the only five obstacles to be modified in three consecutive SASUKE tournaments and the only obstacle that warrant a name change for each version, along with the Jumping Spider, Flying Chute, Vertical Limit, and Fish Bone.
This time, the second and third pole would still drop 60cm when the competitors put their weight on them. However, all poles were arranged in a straight line instead of the usual zig-zag formation. The name has left out the letter "R" thus was called Sidewinder Kai (サイドワインダー 改). The obstacle was called the Sidewinder (サイドワインダー) in SASUKE 35, likely due to the announcer referring it simply as it is.
To make the obstacle harder, it was tied together with the Flying Bar with no rest. With that change, only Drew Drechsel attempted and completed the obstacle due to the immense difficulty of the previous obstacle.
In SASUKE 34, all of the competitors managed to complete the new modified Flying Bar, though this obstacle took out two competitors (Obata Satoshi and Suzuki Yusuke).
Also, a unique method of attempting this obstacle was made by Jessie Graff in the same tournament, as she locked her legs on the poles, thus allowing to rest her arms in the process.
In SASUKE 35 and SASUKE 36, the Sidewinder Kai was moved to the second obstacle, due to the removal of the Drum Hopper Kai, but still being preceded by the Flying Bar.
Jessie Graff was prior to make the transition from the Flying Bar to the Sidewinder Kai, SASUKE 34
Jessie Graff rested her arms on the Sidewinder Kai, SASUKE 34
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 34 | 7 | 9 | 77.78% |
| 35 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| 36 | 8 | 9 | 88.89% |
| 37 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
| 38 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| Total | 33 | 36 | 91.67% |