The Black Crows thread

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Originally Posted by tonyp

Hi all,

I need advice. Been riding the Corvus Freebird for the past 7-8 years (183 and then 188, i'm 6'2 and 200lbs) on the Tecnica ZGTP. Fantastic ski. Coming from racing in my youth, I'm a big fan of one directional. However, past two-three years I have been experimenting with a lighter setup for some steeper skiing/ couloir skiing, later in winter and earlier in spring. Borrowed the Camox Freebird but didn't like it's two rocker profile and then got myself the Orb freebird in 184 with a superlightweight binding. However, I found out that the Orb has issues for me in anything deeper (90mm after all for a big guy like me) and especially in shit snow (crud or windpack), it has trouble pushing through tough conditions. I tend to ski aggressive, but obviously not when it goes super steep, that's when I need more stability (and Orb + ATK Trofeo binding doesn't make me confident, although I've seen people in Cham doing crazy things on this combo - maybe I'm just not there yet)

I started looking more closely at the Solis - I know it's not too lightweight, but looking at it in 180cm, I'm thinking it could be a great ski for me for whenever the plan is to go steeper or when I know conditions won't be super favorable (otherwise Corvus Freebird 188 would be my go-to ski).

Any thoughts on using Solis for steep spring objectives and icy couloirs and and late-winter to spring conditions where I know snow will be tricky?

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I have Solis and Corvus FB and had the Camox FB for years. Got rid of the Camox because I couldn’t figure out when I’d ski the Camox rather than Solis or Corvus. Solis is much more maneuverable than the numbers indicate. A Skimo style binding helps bring those setups into reasonable weight.


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Originally Posted by alpinevibes

Tim at Ptex up in Billings was selling the 181 for $575 as part of his close out sale in GS a few weeks back. Worth an ask

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I asked and he said he didn’t have anything about 180 for Draco, Nocta or Corvus :(

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Originally Posted by Samski360

I have Solis and Corvus FB and had the Camox FB for years. Got rid of the Camox because I couldn’t figure out when I’d ski the Camox rather than Solis or Corvus. Solis is much more maneuverable than the numbers indicate. A Skimo style binding helps bring those setups into reasonable weight.


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Hi! Thanks for the response.

I'm looking at 188 for corvus and 180 for Solis - the sheer difference in widths + lengths between the two should be enough for me to know when to use which (and my objective for the day). I wish Solis was a bit lighter - but then I know it would be a different ski in the crud or on icy terrain. And I need a ski that gives me stability in those conditions..

So what length do you have both in? And what bindings if you don't mind me asking? And boot?

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Originally Posted by tonyp

Hi! Thanks for the response.

I'm looking at 188 for corvus and 180 for Solis - the sheer difference in widths + lengths between the two should be enough for me to know when to use which (and my objective for the day). I wish Solis was a bit lighter - but then I know it would be a different ski in the crud or on icy terrain. And I need a ski that gives me stability in those conditions..

So what length do you have both in? And what bindings if you don't mind me asking? And boot?

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I’m 5’9 and ski the 176 Corvus and 173 Solis with F1 XTs and Trab Gara Titans. If I were skiing those skis with something like a ZGTP, I’d likely size up to the 183cm Corvus. Also, I have the Corvus mounted at +1cm which makes them a little less locked in, but still plenty directional for me (YMMV). I think this is an excellent quiver. You may eventually sand to add a more progressive powder ski for midwinter tree skiing, if you have that in your area.

I’ve spent some more time on the new Corvus. My opinion of them has been all over the place. I first skied them and loved them. Then skied them with a boot with lots of ramp and forward lean and hated them. They felt way too centre mounted and twitchy. Far too hooky in the tip and I could relax and ski them. I figured this was because of the boots though.

Yesterday I took them for a hill lap and a hike to slack country lap in my touring boots that have much less ramp and forward lean. I need to experiment with them more. It’s much better with the touring boots and I love them on soft chop. However, they still feel a little too forward and a little hooky. I don’t believe they were detuned well. Going to try detuning them and moving them back one cm.

They are so close to being really really good but there’s always a run that makes me question it.

With my old corvus I mounted back 1.5 and really like them there. Did not get along with them at recommended… I don’t like carving on my heels. Curious if you’ve tried fiddling with mount point?

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Originally Posted by GoldenBC

I’ve spent some more time on the new Corvus. My opinion of them has been all over the place. I first skied them and loved them. Then skied them with a boot with lots of ramp and forward lean and hated them. They felt way too centre mounted and twitchy. Far too hooky in the tip and I could relax and ski them. I figured this was because of the boots though.

Yesterday I took them for a hill lap and a hike to slack country lap in my touring boots that have much less ramp and forward lean. I need to experiment with them more. It’s much better with the touring boots and I love them on soft chop. However, they still feel a little too forward and a little hooky. I don’t believe they were detuned well. Going to try detuning them and moving them back one cm.

They are so close to being really really good but there’s always a run that makes me question it.

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I initially felt that with center mounted with the Animas, but I found when I skied lower with a more cross-under race style transitions, I could stay centered and use dolphin turn techniques to shift weight fore-aft. I’m currently using Lange RX 130s with a big calf shim, for what it’s worth. Once I realized the more forward mount isn’t that much different than a traditional mount race ski once you account for the rocker and twin tip in the tail, I’ve become more comfortable skiing them like I would a race ski. I’ve even had fun doing hand drag carves on the Animas on the groomers. I feel like I just have to consider a 182 Anima is more like a 176 GS ski in terms of length or a 194 like a 188. If I ski them too tall with the forward boots, I will over pressure the tips. IMO, if you ski with a race or race-inspired boot, ski more like a ski racer, ie more knee flex at mid-point in the transition, as that will move your weight back over your feet. If you watch Mikaela, her knees are at about 90 degrees at transition. Sorry to geek out over technique, just habits from coaching.

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Originally Posted by whambat

I initially felt that with center mounted with the Animas, but I found when I skied lower with a more cross-under race style transitions, I could stay centered and use dolphin turn techniques to shift weight fore-aft. I’m currently using Lange RX 130s with a big calf shim, for what it’s worth. Once I realized the more forward mount isn’t that much different than a traditional mount race ski once you account for the rocker and twin tip in the tail, I’ve become more comfortable skiing them like I would a race ski. I’ve even had fun doing hand drag carves on the Animas on the groomers. I feel like I just have to consider a 182 Anima is more like a 176 GS ski in terms of length or a 194 like a 188. If I ski them too tall with the forward boots, I will over pressure the tips. IMO, if you ski with a race or race-inspired boot, ski more like a ski racer, ie more knee flex at mid-point in the transition, as that will move your weight back over your feet. If you watch Mikaela, her knees are at about 90 degrees at transition. Sorry to geek out over technique, just habits from coaching.

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I completely agree with this correlation and style needed to ski this ski. This is probably the reason why it is so highly loved by some and hated by so many. I guess it might be the ski that separates skiers from beaters. All of the guys I ski with love it. I’ve lent a pair to a couple people that I don’t/won’t ski with, and they hated them.

I see the new Corvus with the rockered tail and 3mm of camber will have a mount of -6cm (per Blister).

A 181cm (prolly 179.5cm straight pull) Corvus @ -6cm is pretty interesting to me.


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Originally Posted by kc_7777

I see the new Corvus with the rockered tail and 3mm of camber will have a mount of -6cm (per Blister).

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Could see the 186 length being a good contender for some pin bindings. With a similar weight to the 189 Draco I would be interested to A/B them.

One of the two would probably slot in nicely between my 184 Atris and 190 Nocta

I’m going to buy a 186. I kinda hope it’s an Atris like ski with more backbone.

Anyone ever jump on the Ferox Freebird? I know it was kind of replaced by the Draco, but the Ferox is on sale in a few places so I am intrigued by it. All my skis are more progressively mounted (-5/-6 MP) with tip and tail rocker. I have found some glowing and some meh reviews of it.

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Originally Posted by MNazWIcoWA

Anyone ever jump on the Ferox Freebird? I know it was kind of replaced by the Draco, but the Ferox is on sale in a few places so I am intrigued by it. All my skis are more progressively mounted (-5/-6 MP) with tip and tail rocker. I have found some glowing and some meh reviews of it.

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if you are skiing untracked light powder it’s amazing. Anything else leaves you yearning for more. It folds in chop that is even a little dense. I’d buy a Corvus FB over a ferox and you get more bang for you buck.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

if you are skiing untracked light powder it’s amazing. Anything else leaves you yearning for more. It folds in chop that is even a little dense. I’d buy a Corvus FB over a ferox and you get more bang for you buck.

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I figured as much. I actually bought some Corvus Freebirds in the 183 length, because they were on sale for $500 brand new. At 5'9" 174 I was concerned they'd be on the longer side for my liking in a touring ski (all my resort skis are that length or longer) and it being a more locked in and directional ski than I like. I have heard the Corvus can be somewhat loose and fun if you are able to stay forward though.

Has anyone played around with the mount point on the Navis FB? I was forced to go +2 on a remount and don't -love- it. Wondering if moving back would be better or just pass them along and pick up a replacement in this year's layup.

On that note, any updates in the past 5 years? Before the remount I was perfectly happy with the ski. The perils of mucking with a good thing...

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Originally Posted by whambat

I initially felt that with center mounted with the Animas, but I found when I skied lower with a more cross-under race style transitions, I could stay centered and use dolphin turn techniques to shift weight fore-aft. I’m currently using Lange RX 130s with a big calf shim, for what it’s worth. Once I realized the more forward mount isn’t that much different than a traditional mount race ski once you account for the rocker and twin tip in the tail, I’ve become more comfortable skiing them like I would a race ski. I’ve even had fun doing hand drag carves on the Animas on the groomers. I feel like I just have to consider a 182 Anima is more like a 176 GS ski in terms of length or a 194 like a 188. If I ski them too tall with the forward boots, I will over pressure the tips. IMO, if you ski with a race or race-inspired boot, ski more like a ski racer, ie more knee flex at mid-point in the transition, as that will move your weight back over your feet. If you watch Mikaela, her knees are at about 90 degrees at transition. Sorry to geek out over technique, just habits from coaching.

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So good that you brought this up - it doesn't get discussed much, but is key in thinking about mount points.

Seems paradoxical, but absolutely true that the technique used by ski racers is optimal, if not necessary, for skiing more progressively mounted skis. Made a huge difference for me, too, and now I love much more progressive mounted skis.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

I’m going to buy a 186. I kinda hope it’s an Atris like ski with more backbone.

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I think it is, but you feel the 110 waist and the longer radius+torsional stiffness compared to the Atris. Wasn’t totally my jam, coming from
a few hundred days on the Atris, but it wasn’t that much of a deviation compared to how I remember the older Corvus skiing

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Originally Posted by alpinevibes

I think it is, but you feel the 110 waist and the longer radius+torsional stiffness compared to the Atris. Wasn’t totally my jam, coming from
a few hundred days on the Atris, but it wasn’t that much of a deviation compared to how I remember the older Corvus skiing

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that’s very good sounding to me. The Atris felt too soft and no composed enough at high speeds. I ski powerfully and the Atris didn’t allow that for me, my buddy who skis with less power loves them. He’s a great skier, we just have two different techniques. Sledge hammer vs framing hammer.

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Originally Posted by MNazWIcoWA

I figured as much. I actually bought some Corvus Freebirds in the 183 length, because they were on sale for $500 brand new. At 5'9" 174 I was concerned they'd be on the longer side for my liking in a touring ski (all my resort skis are that length or longer) and it being a more locked in and directional ski than I like. I have heard the Corvus can be somewhat loose and fun if you are able to stay forward though.

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What boot are you using? I’ve skied the old Corvus FB in 183 and new Corvus FB in 176. Very different skis IMO. The old Corvus was all business and needed a stiff boot. It didn’t not like to pivot. The new Corvus pivots much better and IMO a much more versatile ski, but still prefers bigger turns and high speed. At your size whether 183 is the right length depends on the boot. If you’re skiing ZGTP or similar, 183 should be awesome. If you ski a lighter/less powerful boot, I doubt the 183 will feel very loose or playful, regardless of your stance.

I have not skied the Ferox, but my understanding is it’s kind of the opposite of the Corvus in that it pivots very easily but generally prefers shorter turns and slower speeds. If I’m skiing powder trees (which I usually am midwinter) the Corvus FB is not my first choice (old Anima FB is great for that, Ferox is probably great too). Soft snow in the alpine is where the Corvus FB shines.

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Originally Posted by Samski360

What boot are you using? I’ve skied the old Corvus FB in 183 and new Corvus FB in 176. Very different skis IMO. The old Corvus was all business and needed a stiff boot. It didn’t not like to pivot. The new Corvus pivots much better and IMO a much more versatile ski, but still prefers bigger turns and high speed. At your size whether 183 is the right length depends on the boot. If you’re skiing ZGTP or similar, 183 should be awesome. If you ski a lighter/less powerful boot, I doubt the 183 will feel very loose or playful, regardless of your stance.

I have not skied the Ferox, but my understanding is it’s kind of the opposite of the Corvus in that it pivots very easily but generally prefers shorter turns and slower speeds. If I’m skiing powder trees (which I usually am midwinter) the Corvus FB is not my first choice (old Anima FB is great for that, Ferox is probably great too). Soft snow in the alpine is where the Corvus FB shines.

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Yeah the Corvus FB was an impulse buy from a local shop due to how cheap it was and, well, the pink top sheet. I would have mounted it if it had the smaller size, but I just wasn't sure about going more directional for my touring ski. My use case would have been steeper open lines vs powder tree skiing. My interest in the Ferox is due to it being on sale and it matches my style of skiing better. I really want the Draco, but don't want to pay 900+ for it.

Looking a good deal on the Atris Birdie from last year. Think it might be the answer for my next touring ski. I've read the mens vs womens skis are just different top sheets, but the Atris Birdie is about 200g+ lighter than the Atris. Is it comprising in stiffness or in other ways? Or does it feel pretty similar to the Atris?

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Originally Posted by MNazWIcoWA

Looking a good deal on the Atris Birdie from last year. Think it might be the answer for my next touring ski. I've read the mens vs womens skis are just different top sheets, but the Atris Birdie is about 200g+ lighter than the Atris. Is it comprising in stiffness or in other ways? Or does it feel pretty similar to the Atris?

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My wife went from a 21/22 178cm Atris Birdie to the 22/23 178 Atris and besides the new shape, doesn't seem to feel a difference. Those two are slightly different skis, but prior to the 22/23 "new" Atris I don't think there was actually a weight difference. Evo lists 150g more for the 178 Atris over the Atris Birdie.

Anyone have experience on the Draco and can compare it to the old Anima FB?

My expectation is the Draco skis a little stronger, but haven’t skied it personally. My Anima FBs are getting long in tooth and might need an update. I love the Anima FB for soul skiing pow in the trees on light boots (f1 xt), and want the next pow touring ski to be similar, but wouldn’t mind something a little less noodly that I could also pair with a more powerful boot in bigger terrain. Draco seems like it should fit the bill but not seen a ton of good reviews on it yet.


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Agree re:Anima Freebird. I think if it had a more supportive tail it would be a true goldilocks ski, for me at least. Was hoping the Draco addressed that but seems to deviate a bit based on the feedback I’ve heard. Interested to hear opinions from people who’ve been in both.

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Originally Posted by Roberto

Agree re:Anima Freebird. I think if it had a more supportive tail it would be a true goldilocks ski, for me at least. Was hoping the Draco addressed that but seems to deviate a bit based on the feedback I’ve heard. Interested to hear opinions from people who’ve been in both.

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Fwiw, have you tried mounting +1-2cm? I found +1.5cm that improved tail support without negatively affecting tip float.