Industry News
The French freeski brand, Black Crows, just released their 2021 ski lineup, and boy, does it look good. The Chamonix based company has been making standout skis since 2006 and their 2021 lineup is looking better than ever.
With some totally new skis in their lineup as well as some revamped classics, Black Crows has done an excellent job in creating an ideal collection to suit a variety of skiers and conditions. Out of the 19 skis featured for this upcoming season, here a handful of highlights:
The Nocta: When it comes to big mountain lines and deep pow, the Nocta is the ideal choice. With 122mm underfoot, this ski will float, slash, and charge anything so long as it’s steep and deep.
“Great flotation and good handling, the Nocta is the ultimate toy for big conditions. The association of great float, full reverse camber and straight edges allow the Nocta to accumulate big flotation in powder, good stability on the edges and great handling.”
– Black Crows
Ferrox Freebird: While the Nocta is a great powder ski, it undoubtedly will have its drawbacks- particularly when it comes to weight and ability to perform in variable conditions. The solution to the Nocta’s limitations is the Ferrox Freebird. At 110mm underfoot, the ski is designed to float well in the deep, yet also hold an edge well in the variable conditions of the backcountry.
“The Ferox was born from the necessity of offering a bi-tip, double rocker, powder type touring ski which is still efficient on the edges. So, the objective is the powder and the sensation of floating on the snow. But the soul remains alpine to adapt to all conditions encountered while touring. Equipped with a tail tip and a double rocker, this is a ski which offers great sensations in powder with its planing and immediate pivot, but which still sits well on hard snow due to its progressive side-lines.”
– Black Crows
Corvus Freebird: If you’re looking for a touring ski that will truly hold its own in every condition that Mother Nature throws at you, then look no further. This jack-of-all-trades ski would be a great quiver-killer option. For a touring ski, the Corvus Freebird is a bit beefy and certainly should not be compared to ultra-light setups. That being said, the burliness of the ski translates to a little more work on the climb, but ultimately, downhill performance will not be compromised. I think it also goes without saying, the hot pink will increase your style points ten-fold…
“Ski chosen by all the great ski-touring enthusiasts, the new corvus freebird benefits from a new, less pronounced rise of the rocker, a more dynamic heel and elongated sidecuts. The result is a more aggressive ski with better precision on the entry and exit of turns and which braces better. It is also fitted with a titanal plate underfoot which increases the drill depth so as to adapt to the new hybrid bindings. Life is always in pink.”
– Black Crows
Justis: Do you have the need… the need for speed? If so, the Justis is an excellent choice for those who are looking to grip it and rip it. At 100mm underfoot, the Justis is one of the stiffer skis in Black Crows’ lineup this year. With that in mind, this is an excellent freeride ski that wants to charge fast and hard. The ski is quite maneuverable and will pivot well, but it truly shines when put on edge.
“A new all terrain ski aimed at the wilder adventures. The Justis has a waist surface sufficient for going far and wide, a double titanal plate for committed skiing and a good dose of rocker for perfect control. A ski for those evolving in the ski areas who want a ski which can safely take them further away.”
– Black Crows
Orb Freeride: This is the kind of ski that is the perfect choice for the masochist that loves big climbs and huge peak-to-peak linkups. The Orb Freeride is a light-weight maneuverable ski that excels on the ascent. At 90mm underfoot, this is a great option for guides or anyone who enjoys big days out in the mountains. While the Orb Freeride can hold its own on the descent, it definitely is held back by a bit of a speed limit.
“A breath of modernity has arrived to enrich the orb freebird, a ski which shouldn’t be missed. Without demeaning its safe and versatile character on which its reputation has been built, it benefits from a general reduction in weight while maintaining an excellent skiability. Weight gain due to redressing the ABS and the refinement of the rocker lift offering it a better base and even better hold. It is also fitted with a titanal plate underfoot which increases the drill depth so as to adapt to the new hybrid bindings.”
– Black Crows
Orb: For those who live for high speed carving on corduroy, the Orb should be your go-to. At 88mm underfoot, the Orb is an energetic ripper that rebounds out of turns. It will really start to shine once you get up to speed. The Orb is undoubtedly a specialized ski for those who spend the vast majority of their time on-piste.
“The orb is a success thanks to its versatility and accessibility. The ski has an extended radius, its front rocker is progressive and has an early rise. Energetic ski with rebound that likes to go fast, these advantages give the ski a strong grip thanks to its edge length and good behavior in powder with this progressive flex. With its double titanal plate shaped in H, the orb keeps its own foundation. The plate concentrates the energy of the titanal and allows the ski to be airy while being well placed on the ground. A beast of slopes and sides.”
– Black Crows
