Slippin' into Darkness 

I thought this was much easier and there is a second pitch that takes you to the big ledge. The actual crux (about 5.6) is right off the belay ledge.

All gear, except for the belays.

I might be thinking of a different route....I think this one is also called Slipping Into Darkness? Or at least the one I tried to add to the database. It's only one pitch; are you familiar, Chris?

Yes, there are three "Helmet Buttress" routes. I believe the standard is a 5.6 that starts in a right-facing corner on the left side of the helmet feature. "Helmet Variation" takes a runout 5.8 line more or less up the middle of the helmet, and "Slippin' Into Darkness" goes up the classic right-facing corner on the right side of the helmet. This one sounds like the one that's described in the description.

I did the 5.6 flake and continued to the big ledge. Didn't do any of the other variations.

I find Slippin' to be quite easy for the grade - I think it's more like 5.8. Still, good fun for a few moves.

Leaving the belay ledge to start the second pitch can be rather intimidating. It's only rated 5.6, but protection is minimal and unseen. Look straight up and slightly left to spot a rusted piton. That's your first good protection.

Was told that there were two variations and that I kept following the harder one. There's an easy escape to the face that is the soft 9 version, but was told that continuing to the very top of the crack to the crystal hold was more like 9+/10a

Great route! Finished the last few moves in the rain.

Excellent crack climbing, as far as it goes here in NC! Quality climbing with superb gear! A must do at Table Rock!

The upper part of this climb is killer and felt like great 5.9 moves to me. I saw no pitons not sure what people are talking about it being 5.6