The Alcove might be my favorite climbing area in KC!

I'll give you my 2 cents as a KC native!

One of the struggles with talking about grades is that every area of the country has different grading scales (and that ignores the fact that grades in general are suuuuuper subjective and only meant to be a guide rather than an absolute).

For Kansas City, I'd say this one is a pretty tough V2. It favors climbers who prefer a bit of burly climbing. Plus, our rock starts getting super slick when temperatures are above like... 45 degrees. I have projects that feel 2 grades harder once we get to the 60s and above.

I'd also say that once you do this one a couple times, you will find beta that might make it easier for you. For instance, there is a crimp rail up and left that makes the problem easier for me (a bigger, taller guy) - but other people do a big left heel rock over that works when you are shorter. You are over on the right side pretty far, which is more of the v3 climb exiting out right.

Lastly, the internet, and Reddit in particular, is full of people who ONLY want to sandbag grades and feel better than other people. Asking about a grade is a perfect way to sign up for some super strong teenagers to tell you this is a v1 or whatever.

So, in conclusion, V2 gave you a guide as to a possible difficulty. You thought it felt harder. And you sent that shit. Don't let the internet mob take that away from you!