i don't think trad ratings are the best place to look for guidence, there are several 5.8 and 5.9 routes that don't play out as casual as there ratings suggest
Hey lemon head, most people do not think the Red's ratings are over rated. The Red has seen thousands of climbers from all over the country and world: the rating system is a consensus built over time. I climbed in Rifle (the standard of quality and rating) for three years and the systems are about the same.
The routes in the Red are easier to onsight once you acheive the fitness level, but the grades are fine. The climbing is technically easier, yet usally more pyhsical and pumpy then most areas.
I agree with you, Spoonman. I haven't climbed in as many places as many of the people here, but I did notice stuff at the Obed to seem more technique-y and boulder-y (but with good rests if you could find them) than a lot of the stuff at the Red. I came back to the Red and was reminded of its high pump factor. I think every area has its own personality, which is what makes it so much fun to travel around and climb!
"I snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." --Paul
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