Mettle Detector

This is another case of "reading between the lines", tackling a thin crack and flake system in between the ancient trad standards "

Chimney Route

" and "

Handcrack

". The crux is the initial corner, protected by as much metal as you can stuff into the thin fissure in the back. The "S" rating comes from the mid-section, where the rock and pro aren't as good, even as the moves stepping left aren't as difficult. The upper flake is a straightforward hike to the anchor rings (shared with "

Handcrack

"). As a lead it will test your placement skills, as a toprope it is just plain fun.

Tiny wires to medium cams to a two bolt anchor with rings (shared with "

Handcrack

").