Big Balls

The Big Balls are four big, red, rubbery balls in a row, appearing as the third obstacle in The Qualifier. Very few people have ever crossed them. The most to cross the Big Balls in a regular show is four (out of twenty); in the Series 4 Champion of Champions however, five contestants managed to cross the balls. The Big Balls are the only obstacle to have appeared in every episode of Total Wipeout.

Changes
From Series 3 onwards, the balls were accompanied by 'The Motivator' - a pendulum fitted at the top of the starting ledge in order to push contestants who wasted too much time on the ledge onto the balls. The swinging of The Motivator was preceded by a klaxon to give the contestants a final warning.

In Series 5, the pendulum was replaced by a moving floor which propelled contestants into the air, however it kept the name 'The Motivator'.

In Winter Wipeout, The Motivator was removed and replaced with a travolator. The balls were also significantly reduced in height, with the second ball being slightly taller than the rest.