Steel Reserve

Kent...killa go!...you definitely have nerves and steel reserve!
i got some great video of you flying!!! and will eventually post it somewheres...the pics are all right...

FYI: while i certainly agree Dave/Kent have the most likely FA based on gumption, balls, cleaning, etc...i know i am not the only one to have tr'd this before...after all, you rap down the exact route when rapping off of Gregorio's and LD's 'Conflict' .10d 5/28/04 (the bolted line to the left)

so maybe there is another...

IT IS A PROUD AND HEADY TRAD LINE w/ awesome sporty moves!!! Aug 11, 2007

Dave & Co,
Really nice work. Historically it would have been cool if there was still a pin or two left from when you did this back in the day. Looks like you did not need them as protection though. Ballsy ascent and much respect for not retroing your climb. What a sick trad line!
Congrats,
Luke Aug 18, 2007

Its a great route, now much cleaner and totally climbable. Too bad someone took the pin out, would've been a nice piece of history. If people aren't going to send something, there's no point in removing a pin, it is our history, it tells a story. Aug 21, 2007

This was originally done as the second pitch to Total Ramon in '83. Hank Armantrout and I put in one pin near the top, which was there until the new routes and anchors to climber's left made pin stealing easier. We told Les Elison not to include it in the guide simply because the rock was too gritty. Funny how a few years in AF change your perspective. Glad it's seeing some traffic. Mar 31, 2008

This is a very good route, but the start should be the sport route below, which adds some variation. It still has some suspect rock, otherwise it would be spectacular. A couple of key (for me, anyway) large holds are grainy and a tad hollow. Plenty of pro but a heady lead nonetheless. Sep 16, 2008

Steel Reserve is a spectacular line. Do yourself a favor dust off the trad rack and jump on this gem next time you're in the canyon, you will not be disappointed. Aug 2, 2009

Great line. The gear is all there, the moves are solid, and the pump ain't that bad. Best .11 in Fergy. Jul 27, 2010

Starting on Grommet is totally logical as Steel Reserve is a natural continuation of the same line. I found the pro leading up over the initial bulge past the dirty section to be a bit insecure, a flarey #1 camalot, but once you're up and over into the next crack the gear drops in well. Definitely save that purple TCU for the top before the thrilling runout to the chains though its mostly big ledgy holds. Try to fight the urge to bail left to the 10d sport routes' bolts. Quality climbing. Sep 19, 2011

This is definitely my new favorite route up Ferguson. The gear is great, and the climbing is even better. Its an absolute classic in my mind. Aug 17, 2015