V scale to yds Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. There are other ones, like the B-Scale, the P-Scale, the Joshua Tree Scale, and a few others, but you don’t really need to know those as they are not really used. 8 in the gym or a 5. Cargo Pants Qu. Grade V: Typically requires an overnight on the route. 13) editorial comments on the standard YDS classes Nov 3, 2023 · 9a Boulder to V Scale: For climbers inquiring about the "9a to V scale" correlation, here's the succinct response: 9a in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system corresponds approximately to V17 in the V scale. V-scale: The V-scale is a bouldering grading system used primarily in the United In 2016, Alex sent me a link to his page on Bouldering Grades, which he compares with the Yosemite Decimal System and sport climbing. This is largely a result of differences in grading philosophy and the lack of a clear, consistent approach. 9/easy jugs in many areas (joe's valley, red rocks, etc. The V-scale ranges from V0 (the easiest) to V16 (the hardest), with each grade marking a step up in difficulty. [1] It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems from the 1930s, [ 2 ] and quickly spread throughout North America. 13/b/c *Note that this chart simply provides an estimate. As of recent I have noticed writers including +s and -s when describing route difficulty. Rockfax Colour Codes. Many gyms use a coloured V-grade range system, wherein the colour of the tape or holds on a problem correspond to a range of V-grades. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal System for climbing. Apr 29, 2024 · It might just be fate that ‘V’ is 5 in roman numerals and therefore corresponds to the 5. Likewise, the V Scale, created in the United States, is just as indicative of the bouldering climb challenge. While a V0 is commonly identified as a "5. Developed by the U. Class 5 is used for rock climbing and bouldering. com When I started climbing, there were two rating options for bouldering: doing your best to apply the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to boulder problems or using the Gill System, neither of which was entirely satisfactory. ‘Vermin’, as his friends called him, realized that a consistent system for grading boulder problems would help new climbers and veterans alike, and the V scale was first published in his guidebook to bouldering in Hueco Tanks. 10d. 5 for beginner-friendly climbs and goes up to 5. This is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). As the dominant scale for bouldering. I cover the meaning be 1 Yard (yd) = 1 Gaj, 3 ft, 36 in, 0. Sep 16, 2021 · Bouldering Grades Conversion Chart: V Scale to Font Scale. May 16, 2022 · 1. Master of the Mountain: Climbing Grades and Bouldering Ratings | Pelican Free shipping on orders over $99. Mar 30, 2023 · For bouldering, on the other hand, there are varying systems in place. The document has moved here. 12. As climbers and their gear got better, even harder climbs were being sent, and the need arose to open the scale. First published in 1994, the book contained the infamous V-Scale (V for Vermin) made its debut. It's a bit like the Richter scale for earthquakes—the higher the number, the more challenging the climb. Grades 1 to 4 refer to walks of increasing difficulty, by the time you reach 5 you are assumed to be scrambling over rocks which equates to about 5. ) presumably so that bouldering areas have more of a lower end as opposed to having YDS grades in the guide like Jtree and Bishop have. A route with 20 5. a the Vermin Scale) The V-Scale is as follows: V0-V3: Beginner; V4-V6: Intermediate Nov 1, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading scale that evaluates the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes, especially for mountaineering and rock climbing. Feb 14, 2024 · V Scale & Font Scale: Two Prominent Grading Systems. As a beginner rock climber or foreign climber trying to climb in America, you'll want to become familiar with the Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS. While these grading systems are widely used, they are subjective and have even evolved over time, so we often hear about the inconsistency climbers see between different climbing May 31, 2020 · Grading happens both indoors and outdoors. The V-scale, widely used in the United States, ranks problems from V0 (easiest) to V16 (most difficult). US: Boulder: S4-Bouldering Smith Rocks S-Scale. Some gyms use the classic V-grade system, marking each boulder problem with a V-grade on a tag or piece of tape at its start. 400 yds. Nov 13, 2023 · Australian Grading System: The Australian Grading System is similar to the YDS, but uses a different scale. g. Within that same 5. Bouldering grade systems in wide use include the Hueco “V” grades (known as the V-scale), Fontainebleau technical grades, and more. Scroll down, or click here to view: the basic YDS: Class 1-5 for rock climbing (not ice) YDS fifth class subdivisions (5. Feb 2, 2025 · The "YDS" scale is used to measure the difficulty of top-rope climbs, which range from 5. The V-Scale is a bouldering grading system used in the United States, while the Fontainebleau system is used in France. 10 grade applying the YDS system there are 4 grades, 5. 5 I G, it is an easy-to-moderate climb that is nearly vertical with many footholds and handholds. The YDS scale has five classes – classes 1 and 2 are reserved for walking and hiking, respectively. x scale of the YDS. com. Getting to know both grading systems makes it easier for climbers to read guidebooks, plan trips to other areas, and better communicate with others in different climbing communities. At the end of the day, the problems in the gym aren't real; they'll be gone and replaced by new ones in a month or two. Jun 28, 2024 · In 1937, the United States adopted a version of the Welzenbach scale from the Sierra Club, which evolved into the YDS (Yosemite Decimal Scale) in the 1950s. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. V8: 5. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) In the U. Oct 20, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System is the dominant free climbing grading system in the U. descubre la nueva colección de pantalones cargo para hombre de bershka españa. The "old-school" scale started at 5. A YDS grade is split into two numbers separated by a period and looks like this: Class. 10c & 5. 0 to 5. 3 days ago · Wait, V scale and YDS are not the same? I thought some people were just using roman numerals; V=5 so V3=5. Grades in bouldering. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 8a+ V12 8b V13 8b+ V14 (Note: Remember that grading is subjective a Mar 7, 2021 · Understand the standard scale systems of climbing grades and bouldering ratings with Pelican's ultimate guide. Is V-Scale the most widely used system (world-wide) for rating problems? I've found lots of information on how to compare V-scale to YDS, but i can't find any information as to what EXACTLY the V-Scale climbs consist Jul 8, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System. 12a. Mar 4, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. Mar 2, 2016 · V grades are used for boulder problems and YDS grades for routes without any cross over. Mar 7, 2021 · But if you are serious about this amazing, adventurous sport, you’ll need to know all about climbing grades and bouldering ratings. In bouldering, the V-Scale stands out. As a way to remember the general progression of these classes, you can think of each class as the number of limbs or support points needed to scale the given terrain. Nov 3, 2023 · 7b Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "7b to V scale" conversion, here it is: 7b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V8 in the V scale. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. The French is used in Europe and other regions. Sherman does, however, have a very famous guidebook to his name—Stone Crusade: A Historical Guide to Bouldering in America. YDS. 10b, 5. To my surprise V5 converts to 7b and V6 to 7c in the french scale. There are some issues when attempting to convert an 8c+ Font grade to the V scale. It's fairly easy to understand, and it's great because it encompasses things outside of pure rock climbing Class 1: Walking Class 2: Hiking (no hand use, or 2-points of contact i. :P Thanks for posting this, was looking for some such scale, yours was one of the first hits. The Bouldering V Scale (a. The rock climbing portion was added by the Los Angeles chapter of the club in the 1950s. 10 & 5. 14a in sport climbing grades Just like the V-scale, this grade system is open-ended. ? Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 15 for pros who apparently have no fear of heights or pain. V-Scale to YDS Conversion and Difficulty Scale I hesitated in including this conversion because the skill-set, strength and endurance needed to rock climb is so different from bouldering and isn’t easily comparable. When we look at the V-Scale (Vermin Scale) that rates boulder problems in terms of a progression of difficulty similar to the YDS, a V0 (the bottom of the scale) roughly should encompass all grades below about 5. Mar 17, 2012 · Thomas Graf, notice that the page you listed has no V to YDS conversion, only bouldering scales to bouldering scales, and rope scales to rope scales. So now im confused. Jan 27, 2023 · Originally, the YDS scale started at 5. Most climbing gyms offer a range of V0 to V10/V11. So making three +/- grades fit into the same space as four YDS grades means that you'll end up with slashed YDS grades when you compare them. Like the Yosemite Decimal System, it takes into account the difficulty of the holds, foot placements and muscular moves, not the danger of the route. 10 grade there are only 3 grades with the +/- system, 5. In the United States, V scale is the most commonly used bouldering grade. e. Oct 23, 2023 · The V-scale, used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), used for route climbing, represent two distinct grading systems tailored to their specific forms of climbing. There are a number of different grading systems and here in the US there are two main In 2016, Alex sent me a link to his page on Bouldering Grades, which he compares with the Yosemite Decimal System and sport climbing. In France and much of Europe, climbers rate boulder problems on the 6a+ to V scale. In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Dec 8, 2011 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. It starts from V0 (easier) and goes up with additional letters for nuances in difficulty (e. Nicht zu verwechseln mit dem Klassensystem, das unter dem Yosemite Decimal System beschrieben wird, misst die NCCS Climbing Grade Scale, was Kletterer oft als „Commitment Grade“ bezeichnen. The chart below shows the progression of the current V scale, with an approximately equivalent YDS rating for comparison: This more or less agrees with the rule I use: V1 corresponds to 5. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. Saxon, Fontainebleau), mostly countries (South African, Brazilian, French, etc. [2] The V scale. Wikipedia, my first resource, failed me here. 3 V14=5. When it comes to indoor climbing grades, two popular grading systems are the V-Scale and the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 8c+ V16 9a V17 (Note: Remember that climbing The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a five-part grading system used for rating the difficulty of rock climbing routes in the United States and Canada. The V-scale doesn't consider risk and is purely focused on the technical difficulty of the movements. Grade VI: Two or more days of hard technical climbing. In North America, bouldering problems use a different scale than climbing routes. Many systems exist worldwide, though the most common are the Yosemite system and the French system — we’ll talk more about the various systems in a moment. And also just like the V-scale, a plus or minus sign may be put in front of the grade to more specifically determine it's level, for example: 5b- is an easier problem than simply 5b. 15d (hardest), with sub Apr 27, 2025 · Created by prolific American climber John “Vermin” Sherman in the 1980s, the V Scale was developed because he didn’t like the Yosemite Decimal System that climbers used to grade boulder problems. The French scale is usually prefixed with an (f) to distinguish it from the Fontainbleau scale. Grade conversion between the two scales isn’t easy—the Font Scale has more grade options than the V Scale, and both scales are subject to regional differences and individual climbers’ body types, opinions, and skill sets—but in general, here’s how the two scales Jan 6, 2024 · The V-Scale. Some problems, especially short cracks, feel more like trad climbs than boulder problems, and the V scale just doesn't fit the character of the problem. * We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. v-scale-screen是一个Vue大屏自适应组件，旨在帮助开发者轻松实现大屏应用的自适应布局。 Mar 31, 2016 · I'm pretty sure bouldering grades are predicated on the same basic ideas behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which sets the rating of the route as the single hardest move on that route. 9" in reality! Check out the table below[1] for a general comparison of the V and YDS scales. 15c, though only a handful of such routes exist in the world. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada . 13) editorial comments on the standard YDS classes So my country uses the french scale for indoor sports climbing. In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). CF 500 Centerfire Rifles APPENDIX A: FOR MODELS WITH THE CF500 RETICLE 200 yds. 0. US: Boulder: B5. The V scale was developed by pioneering American boulderer John Sherman. 0 and topped out at 5. TL;DR V0 is supposed to be hard. The V Scale. 4,” “5. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) This is the most widely used rating in the U. Overall, the YDS and the French Scale are fairly easy to convert between, but since they are used in different regions, you are likely to see large regional differences Mar 25, 2024 · Sport climbing grades are typically denoted using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the United States, ranging from 5. Within the YDS there are five classes, 1-5. 11c/d, and so on. k. With MOA dots as the long-range aiming points, the CF 500 offers a higher level of precision than competing extended-yardage reticles. Apr 27, 2025 · A 7c on the French scale is about a V9 on the V scale. YDS or Yosemite can alos be referred to as the American system or USA grade. 15d in difficulty. 10d on the Yosemite Decimal System. , we use the Yosemite Decimal System ( known as the YDS scale) to grade climbing routes. 0 was capped at 5. This scale added a decimal to the class 5 grade, resulting in grades like “5. Sub-Grade (Yosemite Decimal System) “S” notation for “Scrambling” to distinguish them from the closely related but not identical YDS ratings. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. and its equivalents can be seen below in the chart. The V-scale, which was created solely for bouldering, offers a cleanly linear grade. From the Yosemite Decimal System that offers a glimpse at the rockface’s difficulty level and degree of challenge to the V Scale, which gives an idea of the bouldering rating, it’s essential to understand each so you know precisely what you’re in for. 5,” or “5. Key Climbing Grade Systems. The system is primarily used in Australia and New Zealand. Jun 5, 2023 · The two most popular grading systems are the V-Scale and the Font-Scale. At higher grades, the Font Scale and V Scale become almost directly translatable. The Sierra Club initially developed the system in the 1930s to grade hikes and climbs in California’s Sierra Nevada. Scales are used by boulderers, Font and V scale are mostly used. Rock climbing is Class 5. YDS is the dominant classification system in the United States and parts of Canada. On the other hand, the YDS is used for roped climbing, with ratings like 5. As an example, a 7a route in the French system is approximately a V6 on the Vermin scale. 10+. We need your love! Like, Share and Rate this The difficulty of a rock climbing grade is typically classified using one of three different systems: the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the French Adjectival System, or the British Technical Grade (TG) system. YDS CLASS General terrain difficulty grading system (U. , you can find YDS grades all around the world. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. 10a, 5. Follow topic: Email Notify on site Post Reply. 9. The YDS scale has now been pushed to 5. Note that actual conversions may vary because of local grading customs and the nature of each boulder problem. In the USA, both indoor and outdoor routes are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System. 10+, V2 would be 5. May 4, 2020 · American Bouldering is graded on its own scale, known as the Hueco System (also known as the V Scale). feet ony) Class 3: Technical Hiking (3-points of contact) Class 4: Scrambling (4 points of contact) We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The V-Scale is used for bouldering, ranging from V0 (easiest) to V16 (most difficult). , V2, V5, V8). In contrast, bouldering grades use the V-scale or Fontainebleau scale, as mentioned earlier. Exactly what I wanted. Even today, many grade systems are confined to certain geographical areas, sometimes climbing areas (e. A typical French grade would therefore be written as f6c+. 11a, etc. 10b. Apr 27, 2025 · For reference, a V0 on the V Scale translates to about a 5. However, like the YDS Scale, it is still increasing as climbers send more challenging problems. Orphaned · Nov 4, 2009 · The French scale makes use of numbers, letters and plus (+) grades to further refine the grading process, giving it more intermediate steps than the UIAA scale. How does a 6a on the Font scale compare to the V-Scale? Font 6a definitely translates to about a V3 on the V-Scale. Dec 29, 2020 · It prevailed internationally and was renamed in 1968 as the UIAA scale. AU: Boulder: V0+ But really the bouldering V-Scale is Oct 15, 2021 · The two bouldering grading systems are the V Scale (used in the United States) and the Font Scale (used outside the US). He thought that system was confusing and arbitrary. The V scale was developed in the USA and is a system that currently starts with VB for the simplest bouldering problems and goes all the way up to V17 for super experienced professionals. 14 NO? With our diverse range of routes and boulders graded using the YDS system (modified with +/-) and the V-scale, you’ll find the perfect challenges to push your limits and reach new heights. Aug 23, 2024 · Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. We use the term 'current upper bound' because elite outdoor climbers continue to establish and send increasingly difficult climbs. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a rating system used by rock climbers to choose appropriate climbs that are challenging, within their abilities, and to bring proper gear. YDS CLASS 1 - Hiking on trails and easy cross-country travel with little risk. S. 6. The system has three parts. To begin the grade discussion, we first have to define just what a grade is. Outside, that same V0 could be more difficult or easier depending on things like the sun, rock quality, or how the problem is graded. Each grade reflects the perceived difficulty of completing a boulder problem, considering factors such as holds, movement complexity, and the height of the climb. 300 yds. The V-scale’s spectrum is expansive. Oct 15, 2021 · The YDS grading of a given trail or climb will typically contain three elements: the class, the grade, and the protection level. In the 1970's as shoe design and rubber improved and technique changed, climbers were able to send above 5. Comparing these scales is somewhat akin to comparing sprinting to a marathon; while both are running, the skills and attributes required are quite different. The V-Scale has been adopted widely at American gyms and crags. with 9A(equal to V17) being the maximum level reached thus far. V scale equivalents that establish performance standards for elite climbers on US soil. 7c+ on the Fontainebleau Scale generally equates to a V10 on the V Scale. Oct 27, 2017 · So for example within the 5. The grades in the tables are assigned a colour code that spans the various grading systems. Note: In the 1950s, the Class 5 portion of this ranking system was expanded to include a decimal at the end of the ranking to further define the difficulties of rock climbing. 15 (most difficult). This system ranges from V0 to V16, with V0 considered to be easy and V16 saved for the elite. The average American gym and crag uses the V-scale, starting at V0. Skip to content This is for an announcement and can be turned on to display and off to not display. The V Scale goes from 0 to 17 and may have a + or – for further Mar 17, 2023 · For starters, North American sport climbing uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which is entirely different from the V-scale system. 11a, and above that there are three V grades for every four YDS letter grades (V4 = 12a, V7 = 13a, V10 = 14a, ). Two of the most widely used systems are the V-scale in North America and the Fontainebleau scale in Europe. Feb 19, 2021 · Like the YDS, the V scale is completely open-ended, and the highest grade on the scale will continue to increase as the sport progresses. Here's the link if you're interested. This scale aligns nicely with the V-scale popularized in the United States. 6 (easiest) to 5. The V scale is an open-ended grading scale, meaning there is no top level of difficulty. Here is a chart showing the bouldering rating conversions between the V Scale and Font Scale. S-1. 10 and a sub scale of A-D. We recommend Instantprint where an A1 poster costs around £16 (+VAT and delivery). 12 move is 5. Nov 3, 2023 · 6b Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "6b to V scale" conversion, here it is: 6b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V4 in the V scale. US: Boulder: C+: Bouldering Joshua Tree Scale. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. US: Boulder: B2-And another B-Scale. Nov 3, 2023 · 8a Boulder to V Scale: For climbers looking to understand the "8a to V scale" conversion, 8a in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is generally considered equivalent to a V11 in the V scale. ): Moved Permanently. V0 has changed to become more synonymous with 5. I was reading and watching a lot about the V5/V6 plateau that most intermediate climbers hit, and I was expecting this to be around the 6b on the french scale. Yosemite Decimal System. Based on a 100-yard zero and the ballistics of the most common magnum loads. United States – Yosemite Decimal System(YDS) is a grading system commonly found in the United States, starts with a 5. See full list on rei. 6: The little more obscure Expanded Gill B-Scale for bouldering. This is the class. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 6a+ V3 / V4 6b V4 6b+ V4 / V5 (Note: As always, grading See relevant content for every-last-rock. 13) editorial comments on the standard YDS classes Yosemite Decimal System - Grades: The Yosemite Decimal System also includes an optional Grade rating. Other similarly priced services are available. All climbing grades begin with the number five. Jun 23, 2024 · V-Scale vs. Understanding how to compare these allows climbers to choose routes appropriate to their skill level. The lower bound of the scale is V0, and the current upper bound is V17. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how the Fontainebleau (or “Font”) system—like 9A—converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s a quick answer: 9A in the Font scale equals about V17; That’s also roughly 5. . 1 of 6 Original Post. Aug 31, 2008 · Hi there, i'm new to bouldering and i have some questions to get me going. When I first saw this I thought the YDS grades were too high. 91444 m: Over to You. Nov 3, 2023 · 8b Boulder to V Scale: For those looking to quickly understand the "8b to V scale" conversion, 8b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is typically equivalent to V13 in the V scale. Starting simply, a grade is difficulty assigned to a climb. 9 and the YDS scale introduced 5. Grade VII: Remote big walls climbed in alpine style. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with vertical pitches ranking at a 5-level difficulty with a decimal addition. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine . feet ony) Class 3: Technical Hiking (3-points of contact) Class 4: Scrambling (4 points of contact) Jan 24, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The Yosemite Decimal System is a sports climbing grading system used primarily in United States and countries that follow the US grading system. There are 3 parts to a YDS grade. Vermin V-Scale for bouldering. are graded using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Dec 9, 2024 · The V-scale was invented in the 1980s by John Sherman, nicknamed “Vermin,” hence the V. 15 (hardest). V1 would be similar to crux moves on a 5. See relevant content for outdoorrackbuilder. 12 moves is 5. It goes from V0, the easiest, to V17, the hardest, and is distinct from the French sport climbing rating system, which employs ratings such as 6c+. Apr 27, 2025 · The Fontainebleau Scale, developed in France, is the most widely used system for grading the difficulty of bouldering problems. Instead, the highest grade will increase as the sport of bouldering progresses. See relevant content for every-last-rock. Bouldering, unlike sport climbing with its myriad grading systems, simplifies things with two main grading scales – the V Scale and Font Scale. Desde el algodón clásico al cómodo material. Originally a 6-grade scale, it has been officially open-ended since 1979. This scale is more straightforward than the YDS Scale and ranges in difficulty from V0-V17. Currently, the scale starts at V0 and goes up to V17. 95* Apr 27, 2025 · The 6a+ rating translates to the French bouldering system. 10-, 5. The YDS does not apply to bouldering routes; instead, either the French Scale (usually referred to by its other name, the Fontainebleau Scale or Font Scale for short) or the Hueco V Scale is used. Exact comparison is impossible. 6, 5. Para un look más cómodo, te. But unlike the Richter scale, the YDS isn't linear. Apr 21, 2023 · Over the next few weeks, we are talking all about grades in The Approach. There are a number of different grading systems and here in the US there are two main Apr 27, 2025 · At the same time, the “V scale,” or “Vermin scale,” has taken hold in the U. Nov 4, 2009 · v-scale vs. It goes from V0 for the simplest routes all the way up as it gets harder. Let’s break it down the grade 5. 500 yds. 0 Hands-in-pockets walking on well-maintained trails from start to finish, with minimal risk aside from mountain weather and the effects of altitude. something. ) or even continents (Ewbanks, YDS) and sometimes they got exported to and established themselves in different areas making some grade systems more ubiquitous Oct 12, 2020 · The French Scale is much more convertible between its top-rope and bouldering equivalents, while the YDS and American bouldering scale, the V scale, are not as convertible. To use a YDS rating I have to call the problem a trad climb with a TR which is not accurate either. Now, the V grades are just about the only bouldering grading system one encounters in the United States. For Roped Climbing (longer, taller climbs), we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): It starts around 5. V5, V6, V7), and was at V17 in 2023 with Burden of Dreams. May 2, 2023 · More on the Yosemite Decimal System. 15c on the YDS scale Apr 27, 2025 · The French scale, or algo-1, is the standard for the sport climbing in Europe. For example, if you are on a trail that is 5. A 6a+ grade would usually correspond with about V3 on the V Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. Apr 27, 2025 · The V-Scale, known as the Hueco scale, is primarily used in the United States. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. For instance, a V11 on the V-scale would roughly equal an 8a on the French scale. It's the Yosemite Decimal System. ” The Yosemite Decimal System (which is the one that's mostly used in the US, and the one you'll see around here most often - it's the 5. While it is primarily used in the U. The scale starts at 5. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 7c+ V10 8a V11 8a+ V12 (Note: Keep in mind that grading is Apr 21, 2023 · Over the next few weeks, we are talking all about grades in The Approach. Originally known as the Southern California or Wilts-Sierra system, it eventually became cemented as the Yosemite Decimal System, despite its inception outside of Yosemite. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how 8A in the Fontainebleau grading system compares to the V Scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s your quick answer: 8A on the Fontainebleau scale equals V11 on the V Scale; 8A also translates to about 5. For instance, a 7a+ on the French scale can actually climb like a 5. and parts of Canada. The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. A route with one 5. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 7a+ V7 7b V8 7b+ V8 / V9 (Note: As always, grading rema Apr 27, 2025 · In the United States climbing community, the V scale is prevalent. In 2016, Alex sent me a link to his page on Bouldering Grades, which he compares with the Yosemite Decimal System and sport climbing. No conversion chart is perfect 5. See, John Sherman—bouldering legend and co-inventor of the V-system—had a nickname; Verm or Vermin. 0 (easiest) to 5. At lower grades, a single V grade often translates to being ‘wider’ than a single grade on the Font Scale. What Is a Climbing Difficulty Ranking? A climbing difficulty ranking is a standardized scale used to assess the technical challenge, physical demand, and risk associated with a climbing route. Because of the way bouldering began, beginners see 16 grades on the V-scale and get frustrated not even being able to do the lowest one, not realizing the lowest grade encompasses by far the largest spectrum of difficulty. Download Bouldering Grade PDF – Comparison between Font, V and UK tech grades. Apr 13, 2025 · From the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to the Fontainebleau grades, this article will serve as your go-to reference for decoding climbing difficulty. Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways. The British and Fontainebleau Systems: These are also used in climbing, but if you’re new, we’ll leave that joy for later. The Yosemite Decimal System is a grading system for hiking and climbing. Please turn off your ad blocker. “Dieses System kategorisiert im Wesentlichen die Zeit, die ein durchschnittliches Kletterteam investieren muss, um eine Route erfolgreich abzuschließen. The grades, annotated with roman numerals, indicate the length of the climb, and are intended to help climbers properly prepare for their ascent. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous climbing grade systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. The V Scale spread like wildfire, adopted in meccas such as Yosemite Valley, California. Unlike other systems, the V-Scale is consistent globally, making it easier for boulderers to communicate. YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) USA, Canada, Mexico: UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) Germany, Austria: Ewbank system: Australia, South Africa: Brazilian grades: Brazil: British grades: United Kingdom The climbing involves the use of rope and belaying. 11a/b, V3 5. 0 (class + difficulty) and currently goes up to 5. Feb 9, 2023 · the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) An additional system comes into play to more finely describe the difficulty of fifth class routes. While there are other scales like the B-Scale, P-Scale, Joshua Tree Scale, and others, they don’t command the same prominence. Address 2280 NW 41st Street Miami Florida 33142 Feb 4, 2015 · Skala: Länder: Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary: East German Rating System (GDR (Saxon)) Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing style and route characteristics have a significant influence on these conversions. Jun 5, 2023 · The Yosemite climbing scale was developed by Royal Robbins, Don Wilson, and Chuck Wilts in Southern California in the early 1950s. It ranges from 1 to 34, with additional letters (a, b, c) used to further refine the difficulty. Most rock climbs over 20 feet tall in the U. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. These rating systems have since been supplanted by the V-Scale and the Font Scale. Hueco to French grade and French grade to Hueco or VScale to French and French to VScale is the most common conversion climbers are looking for. 15. 0," it's actually considerably closer to a "5. The YDS Grades are listed below: Grade I: 1-2 hours Grade II: < half day Grade III: Half Day The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System , also known as YDS, is used to determine hiking difficulty and sport climbing routes based in North America. US: Boulder: P10: Bouldering Phoenix P-Scale. Aug 30, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. com Jan 28, 2022 · When bouldering problems are considered easier than the V0 rating in the V scale, they may be shown with a “VB” rating. Then I realized it's telling me I need to practice/rehearse routes more if I'm going to climb at my limit. 11d on the Yosemite Decimal System. are rated. Mar 14, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS, is the most widely used grading system for roped climbing in the United States. Feb 28, 2023 · V-Scale The V-Scale was developed by John “Vermin” Sherman and is how boulder problems in the U. climbing scale. The V-scale is an open-ended scale that starts at V0 (although a slightly easier "VB" has been used for beginners), and increases in single-digit steps (i. Confusingly though, European sport climbers use the French sport climbing system which, just like Font Bouldering Grades, ranges from 1 – 9 and uses a,b and c as well as ‘+’ to signify a slight increase Aug 18, 2017 · YDS stands for the Yosemite Decimal System and it is a grading system for hiking, scrambling, and climbing. pbimbjkwfebzbzqrgnfyjslbkkalcxqdidweeythmxidqmefnygqkzm