Add M12-M16 to Mixed Grades

The mixed grade dropdown lists in both the route finder and profile "Leads / Follows" sections only go up to M11, but you can add routes up to M16+ to the database. I can't search for routes harder than M11 right now, even though they exist.

I've heard that routes harder than M11 don't actually exist and are simply given higher grades by sponsored climbers looking for clout.   

I have also asked for D grades to be added twice now.  I learned that most people don’t even know what they are. 

Double J wrote:

I have also asked for D grades to be added twice now.  I learned that most people don’t even know what they are. 

I wish they would just add them. People don’t need to know what they are to enter the coding.

It’s not like most people “know” what A4 is either. 

Okay, we added M12-M16 to Route Finder, Partner Finder, and Profile.  Also android and ios (next version).  Check it out and let us know if we missed anything.

NateC, adding D grades would be more work, because it's a new type.  Are the currently used grades similar to M like D1, D1+, D1-2, D2-, D2 ... D16+ ?

Jason Anderson wrote:

Okay, we added M12-M16 to Route Finder, Partner Finder, and Profile.  Also android and ios (next version).  Check it out and let us know if we missed anything.

NateC, adding D grades would be more work, because it's a new type.  Are the currently used grades similar to M like D1, D1+, D1-2, D2-, D2 ... D16+ ?

They work exactly the same as M grades but denote that the route is intended as a drytool route and does not require ice for it to be climbable. (Amongst other things.)

John (above my comment) is the one who is requesting them and does a lot of drytool route development. It would be good if he could chime in with any clarification needed to what I’ve said. 

Jason Anderson wrote:

Okay, we added M12-M16 to Route Finder, Partner Finder, and Profile.  Also android and ios (next version).  Check it out and let us know if we missed anything.

NateC, adding D grades would be more work, because it's a new type.  Are the currently used grades similar to M like D1, D1+, D1-2, D2-, D2 ... D16+ ?

Thanks Jason!

I would suggest to dump the slash grades (D1-2, ect and just do + & - grades to keep it easier and cleaner. D1, D1+, D2-,D2,D2+,D3-,D3 ect…

Appreciate it from the fringe community of climbing. ;) 

Is not mixed climbing ice climbing without the requirement of ice?  Its been around for a really, really long time.  Beauty lies in simplicity, man.  Good ol Twight wrote an article about wanting his own grading scale, too.  

Stiles wrote:

Is not mixed climbing ice climbing without the requirement of ice?  Its been around for a really, really long time.  Beauty lies in simplicity, man.  Good ol Twight wrote an article about wanting his own grading scale, too.  

The D scale already exists and is in use world wide. No one is asking to create their own, but those of us who focus on these styles of climbing understand and appreciate the differences. 

Stiles wrote:

Is not mixed climbing ice climbing without the requirement of ice?  Its been around for a really, really long time.  Beauty lies in simplicity, man.  Good ol Twight wrote an article about wanting his own grading scale, too.  

It’s not my scale, I didn’t come up with it.  D grades have been around for a long time. It helps the user know that the route was developed or can be climbed totally dry, whereas mixed lines you may or not need ice to climb the line (safely or completely) that day.  

Stiles wrote:

Is not mixed climbing ice climbing without the requirement of ice?  

Mixed to me is climbed routes with both(various % of ice depending on the day/season).  D routes is climbing routes with no ice 100% of the time. 

J W wrote:

Can that distinction not be made clear in the route description?

I’m very new to this style of climbing, so I’m asking because I genuinely don’t know.

What does a D designation add that an M designation that says, “goes dry” does not?

If I'm looking for routes I can climb in September, looking up D scale grades lets me know right away. If I have to sit and read descriptions it gets time consuming to plan my day. Especially if I'm trying to pick 7-8 routes that I want to be D4 or D5. That's a lot of description reading to narrow down and plan out a day. 

Does having a D scale added to the options hinder people's experience in some way that I'm not seeing?

So I see. Rock on with gusto!!