A redpoint and an onsight are both clean ascents but differ in practice. An onsight is climbing a route cleanly on the first try with no prior knowledge; a redpoint is climbing it cleanly after practicing the moves. Onsighting is the higher-prestige style at the same grade.
| Aspect | Redpoint | Onsight |
|---|---|---|
| Prior practice | Rehearsed over attempts | None |
| Attempts | Many | First try |
| Prior info | Full beta | None at all |
| Prestige | Standard hard-send benchmark | Highest |
| Tests | Execution after rehearsal | Real-time problem solving |
It's a redpoint if…
- You climbed it clean after practicing it
- You worked the moves over attempts
- You used beta to refine it
It's an onsight if…
- You sent it clean, first try
- You had no prior knowledge
- You didn't watch anyone on it
Verdict
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a redpoint and an onsight?
An onsight is a clean first-try ascent with zero prior information; a redpoint is a clean ascent after practicing the route over multiple attempts. The onsight's lack of foreknowledge makes it the higher achievement.
Which is harder, redpoint or onsight?
Onsighting is harder at the same grade because you must read and solve every move with no rehearsal. Redpointing lets you rehearse, so climbers can redpoint routes well above their onsight level.
Can you onsight a project?
By definition, no — once you've worked or fallen on a route, an onsight is no longer possible; your best remaining clean style becomes a redpoint. A project is something you redpoint after working it.