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Panzer ... 12 ... NOT! 1-Aug-2006 At 1:02:32 PM MichaelOR

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Yeah, I climbed it many years ago ... when I was starting climbing and leading around that grade. I had a basic rack of chounard wires and hexes! Once I sorted out 'the path of least resistance' (based on the route description in Kim's Guide), it seemed OK at the grade. I found the last long pitch up the turret to be stunning and memorable. Really steep and juggy - but with straight forward moves. My seconds found the slabby sections, the traverse section and getting over the bulge down low, as the cruxes. I'd already led Salamander (13) and Bard (12), and I thought the grades were about right at that time.
Simeys comments about it being a slab, and not a gym climb, are very true. Also, being an Araps slab (and wet), as opposed to frictional granite, make it seem more committing when leading.
Over the years I've recommended the route to several climbers, who have all come back raving about it.
Michael