What is the perfect amount of Stage Two clears?

After taking a closer look at Stage One of the National Finals earlier this week, we’re now turning our attention to Stage Two.

Stage Two ups the ante for the competition. As the Ninjas step up to this course, there is only one thing on their minds: Getting that $1 million. Stage one had the competitors sprinting and flying. Stage Two generally takes them up in the air and begins the upper-body challenge that will only get worse on Stage Three. Add in the time limit of Stage Two and what you have is a Ninja culling. The field of competitors quickly diminishes.

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of conversation and feedback around the number of competitors who make it through this stage. Historically, only a few survive, which has launched a chorus of “Too few!” Then, season 11 had a historic 21 clears, bringing on a shout of “Too many!”

So, what is the perfect amount of Stage Two clears?

Here are all the Stage Two course completions since season four, when the National Finals first set up their home in Las Vegas.

• Season 11 - 21 course completions
• Season 10 - Two course completions
• Season nine - Three course completions
• Season eight - Two course completions
• Season seven - Eight course completions
• Season six - Two course completions
• Season five - Seven course completions
• Season four - One course completion

What do you think? Did any season have the perfect amount of Stage Two finishers? What makes that the right amount? If not, what would be the right number of competitors heading to Stage Three. Share your thoughts in the comments below!