If it is E7, then Dave Macs dropping of the Walk to E9 is consistent 3 grade drop,
James writes that when he was inspecting the route (the walk) he was pulling holds off left right and centre, this would put no faith in the gear as well as delicate holds.
While Dave said the moves were secure and gear bomber (marginal to begin and then good pieces every other metre) he apparantly placed 25 pieces in 50 metres, twice as much as James did. Its all about the Mind games. James also took a big whipper.
Brolga is harder than 16 to me, and I almost cryed after trying the 3rd pitch of wall of the Afternoon sun (grade17) My footwork is sloppy and I hate running it out on slab so I know were James is coming from.
Its also interesting to read that James graded the Walk on his feelings on Rhapsody (which he worked but never links the moves nor attempted to lead) and a conversation he had with Dave Mac on Echo Wall (which he hasnt even seen) so it was pure conjecture to begin with. (as is all gradeing on the cutting edge really, as there isnt much to compare it too, E9 is still regarded as cutting edge)
anyway, it doenst matter to me much whether it is E12 or E9, E10 or E7, they are both still bloody hard, way harder than I woud ever be able to climb. So well done James on two awesome routes |