The Sledgehammer Nose Lever is a grip strength challenge, wrist endurance, and forearm control event that tests an athlete’s ability to repeatedly lever a sledgehammer down to their nose and back up under strict form. This challenge is designed to measure precision, stability, and muscular endurance in a controlled and competitive setting.

Athletes must complete as many controlled repetitions as possible while maintaining strict form. The event is scored based on the total number of successful reps performed within the time limit.

Equipment & Setup

Sledgehammer Specifications

• The standard feat of strength for reps is a 16-pound sledgehammer that typically will weigh between 16.8 lbs and 17.6 lbs (including any tape or grip modifications).
• The handle must be a minimum of 36 inches in length—no cut-down or modified handles.
• The hammer must be verified for weight before the attempt.

Sledgehammer Nose Lever Challenge Scaling System for Divisions/Weight Classes

Division	Weight Class	Sledgehammer Weight (lbs)
Teen (13-16, 17-19)	123 & Under	8 lbs
	124 – 148	10 lbs
	149+	12 lbs
Junior (20-23)	123 & Under	10 lbs
	124 – 165	12 lbs
	166+	14 lbs
Open (Any Age)	123 & Under	12 lbs
	124 – 181	14 lbs
	182+	16 lbs
Sub Masters (35-39)	123 & Under	10 lbs
	124 – 165	12 lbs
	166+	14 lbs
Masters (40-49)	123 & Under	10 lbs
	124 – 181	12 lbs
	182+	14 lbs
Masters (50-59)	123 & Under	10 lbs
	124 – 165	12 lbs
	166+	14 lbs
Masters (60-69)	123 & Under	8 lbs
	124 – 165	10 lbs
	166+	12 lbs
Wheelchair Division	All Weight Classes	12 lbs
Wounded Warrior Adaptive	All Weight Classes	12 lbs

Grip & Hand Placement

• Athletes must grip the bottom of the handle (one hand only, no sliding up).
• The non-lifting hand must remain behind the back or at the athlete’s side.
• Chalk is allowed, but straps, gloves, tacky, or adhesives are prohibited.

Competition Surface & Positioning

• Athletes must stand upright throughout the attempt—no seated position allowed.
• The sledgehammer must start in a vertical position, held upright in front of the athlete.

Lift Execution & Judging Standards

✅ Successful Repetition Criteria

1. The athlete must start with the hammer upright in a controlled position.
2. The sledgehammer is lowered under control until the hammerhead is approximately 1 inch from the athlete’s nose.
3. The athlete must pause briefly at the bottom (no bouncing or touch-and-go reps).
4. The hammer is then raised back to a full upright position with control.
5. No excessive body movement, leaning, or bracing against the body is allowed.

❌ No-Rep Criteria (Disqualifications)

🚫 The hammer does not reach within 1 inch of the nose.
🚫 The hammer is dropped or loses control at any point.
🚫 The non-lifting hand touches the body or hammer.
🚫 Any excessive leaning or forward bending occurs.
🚫 The athlete fails to return to an upright position at the top.
🚫 The hammer is bounced or jerked rather than controlled.

Competition Format & Scoring

Time Limit & Repetition Counting

• Athletes have 60 seconds to complete as many valid repetitions as possible.
• Judges will count only strict, controlled reps that meet all movement standards.

Tiebreakers

If two or more athletes complete the same number of reps, ties will be broken by the lightest athlete.

Equipment Rules & Fair Play

✅ Allowed:

• Chalk (liquid or powder).
• Elbow sleeves (non-supportive).
• Weightlifting belt (must not assist grip).

🚫 Not Allowed:

• Lifting straps, hooks, or gloves.
• Tacky, adhesives, or grip-enhancing substances.
• Modified or cut-down handles.
• Seated or knee-supported position.

Judging Process & Online Submission Rules

For In-Person Competitions

• One judge is required and three judges are optional to observe each lift from different angles.
• Reps are counted live by the head judge.
• Final rep count is announced at the end of the attempt.

For Online Competitions

• Full-body video required, showing the athlete from the side or front.
• The video must include:
  1. Athlete stating their name, body weight, and weight of the sledgehammer.
  2. A clear weigh-in of the hammer before the attempt.
  3. An uninterrupted recording of the entire attempt.
• Video submissions must be uploaded to youtube by the submission deadline of the challenge.

Training Considerations for Competitors

• Grip endurance is key—train with heavy lever lifts and static holds.
• Wrist control drills like plate pinches, reverse curls, and rotational work will improve performance.
• Practice controlled eccentric lowering to strengthen wrist flexors and extensors.
• Avoid bouncing reps—strict form will be enforced in competition.

Final Thoughts

The Sledgehammer Nose Lever Challenge is a remarkable test of grip, wrist, and forearm endurance that rewards control, precision, and muscular resilience. With no shortcuts or grip aids allowed, this event highlights true functional strength in a way that few other challenges do.

CHALLENGES

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