Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis Review
The Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis are designed to make the backcountry more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of skiers. These skis offer an exceptional blend of lightweight construction for efficient touring and a smooth, forgiving feel for the descent. With a versatile 95mm waist width and a moderate flex, they are nimble and responsive, making them an excellent choice for navigating the varied and often unpredictable conditions found outside of the resort boundaries. For intermediate to advanced riders looking to expand their skills and explore the backcountry, the Camox Freebird is a phenomenal tool that won’t disappoint.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
- Terrain: Alpine Touring
- Rocker Type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
- Core/Laminates: Carbon, Metal, Wood
- Tail Type: Partial Twin Tip
See the Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis
Lightweight and Nimble for the Uphill
The Camox Freebird’s primary strength lies in its ultralight construction, which makes touring easier than almost any other ski on the market. The Paulownia wood core, combined with a mixed glass and carbon fiber laminate, keeps the weight to a minimum without compromising on performance. This lightness is a game-changer for long days on the skin track, reducing fatigue and allowing you to cover more ground with less effort. As one reviewer noted, the skis are the “perfect weight point” for long days in variable snow conditions, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest.
Versatility for All Backcountry Conditions
While designed for touring, the Camox Freebird is surprisingly versatile on the descent. Its 95mm waist is an ideal all-around width for the backcountry, offering a perfect balance of floatation in powder and quickness from edge-to-edge on firm snow. The ski’s progressive front rocker provides excellent float and maneuverability, while the classic medium camber underfoot ensures a stable and reliable feel. This combination allows you to navigate everything from fresh powder to crusty windslab with confidence, making it a reliable tool for unpredictable alpine conditions.
Forgiving yet Fun
The Camox Freebird features a forgiving, intermediate flex that runs the entire length of the ski. This makes it a great choice for skiers who want a ski that is easy to handle and won’t punish them for small mistakes. Despite this moderate flex, the ski still feels lively and fun, with a poppy feel that makes turns feel energetic. The partial semi-cap construction further contributes to its forgiving nature, providing a blend of lightness, durability, and a smooth feel on the snow. It’s a ski that allows you to be playful without feeling out of control.
A Natural Progression for Resort Skiers
For those who ski a Black Crows model in-bounds, such as the Camox, the Freebird feels like a very natural and intuitive step into the backcountry. The similar feel and flex profile make the transition seamless, allowing you to focus on the new challenges of touring rather than adjusting to a completely different ski. The addition of a Titanal binding reinforcement plate underfoot also makes it compatible with new hybrid bindings, allowing for a versatile setup that can handle both the resort and the backcountry.
The Perfect Backcountry Quiver
While the Camox Freebird is a great all-around touring ski, reviewers have noted that it’s best suited as a dedicated backcountry tool rather than a 50/50 resort/touring ski. Its lightweight construction, while perfect for the uphill, lacks the heft and dampness needed for hard-charging resort skiing. However, if you’re comfortable with your resort setup and are looking for a specific ski to get into touring, the Camox Freebird is a fantastic option. It’s a forgiving, durable, and fun ski that will make your backcountry adventures more enjoyable and accessible.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight for efficient touring
- Versatile 95mm waist for a variety of conditions
- Forgiving and easy to handle
- Durable and well-built for backcountry use
- Poppy and fun feel on the descent
Cons:
- Not a great option for resort skiing
- Lacks the weight and dampness for high-speed, hard-charging downhill performance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rocker Type | Progressive Front Rocker and Light Rear Rocker: Provides pivot control, maneuverability, and floatation. |
| Core | Paulownia: A lightweight wood core that is ideal for touring. |
| Laminates | Mixed Glass / Carbon Fiber: Combines lightness with performance. |
| Binding Reinforcement | Titanal Binding Reinforcement: A titanal plate underfoot for improved binding retention and strength. |
| Sidewalls | Partial Semi Cap Construction with ABS Sidewalls: A hybrid construction for a balance of weight savings, lightness, and durability. |
Where to Buy
The Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis are available for purchase from trusted online retailers like Evo.com. Evo is a popular destination for outdoor gear, offering a wide range of products for skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures. They provide detailed product information, customer reviews, and expert advice to help you find the perfect gear for your needs. When you buy from Evo.com, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality product backed by excellent customer service and a commitment to the outdoor community.
See the Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis
Final Verdict
The Black Crows Camox Freebird is an exceptional backcountry ski that successfully combines lightweight construction with a fun and forgiving feel. It’s the perfect ski for those making the jump into touring, offering easier handling and a nimble feel that will build confidence on the uphill and downhill. While it may not be the ski for a 50/50 resort/backcountry setup, its dedicated design for touring makes it a best-in-class option for anyone looking for a playful and versatile ski to explore beyond the ropes. This is a ski that will truly make the backcountry more accessible.
