Depends where you live. Here in France, 5.12 is a pretty normal range to be operating in as a reasonably fit, motivated climber. On the crags here, 6th grade (s

Depends where you live. Here in France, 5.12 is a pretty normal range to be operating in as a reasonably fit, motivated climber. On the crags here, 6th grade (sub-5.11d) sport routes are generally considered warm ups by regular climber folk. I remember Colorado feeling similar. And Spain being the same, but with the level set to 5.13 In the Basque Country. Here in Fontainebleau, it’s rare to see a group of road tripping euros rock up who aren’t all projecting at least 7a (V6). I’ve also lived in Trad communities in the states where 5.10 is something you work up to over years of never falling, so I understand where you’re coming from and how it could seem strange to encounter the Other World where 5.12 is No Big Deal for the first time.