[Hide Comment] Where does Diamond In The Rough, aka The Hobbit problem start? There seems to be some debate and I'm wondering if someone might be able to clarify. I've seen people start with both hands low on the two shelves and kick their feet out left forcing a lock-off and press move to the first two crimps and then to the jugs. I've seen others start with one hand low on the shelf and one hand high on the crimp, making the fits move right to the jugs. The reason I ask, the high hand feels like I'm cheating the boulder and rates it more like a V4. The two low hands adds a couple moves to the problem, making the start tough, but ultimately feels more in line with a V5. I want to send the problem the right way so I want to know which way to start. Thoughts?? Sep 21, 2015

[Hide Comment] We started left hand on the left crimp and right hand way down low. After consulting the guidebook, this seemed reasonable although the description for the start is vague. This felt consistent with V5 at Rocktown to me, especially since I felt the crux was the top of the boulder. Jan 31, 2018

[Hide Comment] To me, seems no doubt you start down low left hand crimp, right hand wrapped behind the little spike, both at the same level. You cheat yourself out of a real move by starting on the higher crimp. Mar 18, 2026