In reply to remus:
> Alex Hubers Open Air was climbed in 1996 and initially given 9a but was later upgraded by Ondra (who made the second ascent), so if Mutation is 9a+ it'd be the second after Open Air. Biographie is another early contender, first done by Chris Sharma in 2001.
> First 9b is commonly taken to be Chris Sharmas Jumbo Love, first done in 2008. There's also Chilam Ballam which was claimed at 9b in 2003, though there's some doubt about the FA and some repeat ascentionists have suggested 9a+.
Good knowledge. Do you know who else had had serious time on it?
> I think what's clear is that Mutation was absolutely cutting edge at the time and has stood the test of time. Pretty remarkable given Steve had only been climbing a handful of years when he put it up.
As you say even at 'just' 9a+ * it's a stellar effort both by Steve and now Will. I'm not much of a sport climber and rarely get excited about the biggest numbers, but the history and the timescale really got my attention for once.
* I guess Will's grading of it is at least informed within the context of him having punched above that grade by some margin, but I really wish he'd said 9b! 😂