Wheel of Death (Space Wheel)

The "wheel" is actually a large space frame beam with hooped tracks at either end, within which the performers can stand.

Some early versions were performed by a single artist and incorporated a counterbalance on the other end.

Following fatal accidents, the apparatus fell out of favour for a time until it was re-introduced in the 1970s under the name Wheel of Death.

[1] For its 2007 touring edition, Ringling Bros. started using the name Wheel of Steel, as the word death was not seen as "family-friendly" from a public relations perspective.

[2] Noted artists who have performed on the wheel include Nik Wallenda, Elvin Bale and Bello Nock.