Gear Review: Black Crows Camox Birdie Skis
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Timberline Ski Resort
Duration of Test: 5 hours of skiing
Product Name: Camox Birdie
Product Brand: Black Crows
Best Use: SKIING OBVIOUSLY!
Sizes: 97 mm waist with dual rocker profile
Available in 156, 165, 174
The Full Review:
Due to the way the year has been going, I took these out for a blue cruiser kind of day. I was mostly curious if this ski would impress, or if the hype was primarily graphics based. Black Crows are a relatively new brand on the scene and they have some of the sleekest, designer-friendly graphics. The first few runs of the day they took a little getting used to.
Being an East Coaster by nature, the Camox had intrigued me because it still has a pretty solid camber profile. A lot of skis have such a huge looking tip rocker that it can be a bit overwhelming. I am used to a pretty traditional shaped ski and this ski handled well for my harsh edge to edge skiing.
It's certainly a poppy ski that, on steeper terrain and at higher speeds, might feel a bit noodle-y (not sure how technical that is but you all know what I mean). That being said, it was hands down the right ski for the day. The ski carves well, while also handling the heavier afternoon snow well. With enough play to catch some kickers and some air the ski doesn't feel so rigid that you have to work hard for it.
It’s a casual cruisers dream, that can still play in the big leagues as well. The ski didn't chatter at all and is light enough that I could see it making a good touring ski for those of us who don't always find powder and sometimes end up in the icier stuff.
The Good
Light
Fast
Poppy and playful
Like the top sheet texture (sheds snow well)
The Bad:
Ride shorter than I prefer
Not super floaty in the heavier snow
Medium turn radius
The Bottom Line:
Super fun all around skis and would work for someone who wants to explore lots of terrain, but also wants a playful ski / doesn't take themselves too seriously or need the most hardcore, gnarly skis.
The Full Review:
Due to the way the year has been going, I took these out for a blue cruiser kind of day. I was mostly curious if this ski would impress, or if the hype was primarily graphics based. Black Crows are a relatively new brand on the scene and they have some of the sleekest, designer-friendly graphics. The first few runs of the day they took a little getting used to.
Being an East Coaster by nature, the Camox had intrigued me because it still has a pretty solid camber profile. A lot of skis have such a huge looking tip rocker that it can be a bit overwhelming. I am used to a pretty traditional shaped ski and this ski handled well for my harsh edge to edge skiing.
It's certainly a poppy ski that, on steeper terrain and at higher speeds, might feel a bit noodle-y (not sure how technical that is but you all know what I mean). That being said, it was hands down the right ski for the day. The ski carves well, while also handling the heavier afternoon snow well. With enough play to catch some kickers and some air the ski doesn't feel so rigid that you have to work hard for it.
It’s a casual cruisers dream, that can still play in the big leagues as well. The ski didn't chatter at all and is light enough that I could see it making a good touring ski for those of us who don't always find powder and sometimes end up in the icier stuff.
The Good
Light
Fast
Poppy and playful
Like the top sheet texture (sheds snow well)
The Bad:
Ride shorter than I prefer
Not super floaty in the heavier snow
Medium turn radius
The Bottom Line:
Super fun all around skis and would work for someone who wants to explore lots of terrain, but also wants a playful ski / doesn't take themselves too seriously or need the most hardcore, gnarly skis.