American Ninja Warrior 10's Spin Hopper in Indianapolis
The Spin Hopper is an obstacle, firstly introduced as the fifth obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 10 in Indianapolis.
It consisted of a series of rounded handles, divided into 3 sections. The first section was angled upward with 5 handles, the second section was straight with 1 long handle, and the third section was angled downward with also 5 handles. On the first section, the first and fifth handles were stable, while others would spin side-to-side when the competitors grabbed on them. On the third section, the first and third handles were stable, while others would spin side-to-side when the competitors grabbed on them.
Competitors must use their upper body to traverse the handles and reach the landing platform. Since several handles would spin when the competitors grabbed on them, on the first and third sections, they must make the transition between the handles with two hands and time the transition correctly, in order to minimize the handles from spinning too much.
During Indianapolis qualifiers, the obstacle was proven to be brutal, as it eliminated several top competitors, including Tyler Yamauchi, Brian Arnold, and Ethan Swanson. Only 10 competitors were able to complete the obstacle, which included Jesse Labreck and Isaac Caldiero on his return since his total victory on American Ninja Warrior 7. In total, 21 competitors failed on this obstacle.
It was worth noting that every competitor who failed on the obstacle advanced to Indianapolis finals. This was because a total of 31 competitors attempted the obstacle, and Madelynn McNeal, who made it to the obstacle and technically placed 31st overall, ultimately advanced via the top 5 female competitors.
During Indianapolis finals, the third section was modified by removing the first handle and making the other 4 handles more stable, in order to make the obstacle easier. As the result, only 5 competitors failed on the obstacle.
Other Season Apprarances
American Ninja Warrior 11
American Ninja Warrior 11's Spin Hopper in Los Angeles
On American Ninja Warrior 11, the Spin Hopper appeared as the fifth obstacle in Los Angeles. This time, the third handle on the first section was made stable.
Only 23 competitors attempted the obstacle during Los Angeles qualifiers. While it notably wiped out competitors like Adam Rayl, Samantha Bush, and Austin Seibert, just like during Indianapolis qualifiers on the previous season, all competitors who reached the obstacle advanced to city finals.
During Los Angeles finals, just like during Indianapolis finals on the previous season, the third section was modified by removing the first handle and making the other 4 handles more stable, in order to make the obstacle easier. This time, 4 competitors failed on the obstacle, including Arnold Hernandez.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the NBC broadcast and external information found
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW10 (qualifiers) | 10 | 31 | 32.26% |
| ANW10 (finals) | 16 | 21 | 76.19% |
| ANW11 (qualifiers) | 16 | 23 | 69.57% |
| ANW11 (finals) | 24 | 28 | 85.71% |
| Total | 66 | 103 | 64.08% |
Trivia
- It was worth noting that during both of its respective city qualifiers rounds, all the competitors who reached the Spin Hopper made it to the city finals.
- During American Ninja Warrior 10's Indianapolis qualifiers, there were 31 competitors reached the obstacle and a woman (Madelynn McNeal) made it to the 31st place, yet still advanced to the city finals within the top 5 female competitors.
- During American Ninja Warrior 11's Los Angeles qualifiers, since the fifth obstacle was not the cut-off for the competitors to advance to the city finals within the top 30, every competitor who reached the obstacle would automatically advance, as only 23 competitors attempted the obstacle. This also became currently the lowest amount of attempts on the fifth obstacle during city qualifiers round in American Ninja Warrior history.