This is a fun yet highly contrived line and is a little scary at the end. Begin at consideration, and move down to a pod three feet off the ground, from here move under a bulge into two vertically oriented crimps, from here bust left to a mono digit and match the right hand in a shallow two finger below it. Move left into the crux of the normal variation without using the good hueco on Williams Pull. From here follow the normal traverse up to the sloping ramp system, now finish on the scary v2 ramp. This traverse is long sequential and pumpy, tweaky, and fun.
While this is a fun variation, there is no way its V7. This is easier than both face out traverse and first overhang traverse and those both check in at V6/7. I would call this a mid-grade V6 at most.
Without discussing specific grades and in contrast to Adam's opinion, I believe this variation is much harder than King Conquer Traverse w/the Face Out finish and a little harder than First Overhang Traverse from the sds on the far right. Read the description closely as this problem eliminates almost every good hold on CST and uses microedges until you reach the mono just b/4 Hand Traverse. I'm aware grades seem different for different folks, so I figured I'd add my two cents.
I appreciate your input and agree that grades are very subjective. I based my comments on my feeling that both face out traverse and first overhang traverse have sections that are solidly V5 (the endings) where as nothing on this low traverse felt near that grade. It felt more like several V4s stacked on top of each other, but that's just how it felt to me. Every problem is a different grade for every person.
Instead of exiting the ramp with a mantle, continue left another 10ft to finish on the holds on top of Hagan's. This low traverse through the middle (without any of the larger huecos) and the harder finish seems to be V7. I believe that you are probably using a different (better) set of hold through the middle if it seems easier.
In any case, this is one of the best traverses at Flag. Good rock, great moves, and good landings (except for one big move towards the end).
Cloud Shadow
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