Black Crows Anima — Big‑mountain freeride review

Overview

The Black Crows Anima is a playful yet composed big‑mountain/freeride ski built for deep snow, straight‑line confidence, and real resort versatility for its width. With a 115 mm waist and double rocker, it surfs pow effortlessly, while classic camber underfoot and full sidewalls keep it calm and grippy when you have to get back to the lift.

Who is it for?

• Advanced to expert skiers who want a surfy, twin‑tail pow tool that can still lay arcs on firm snow.
• Riders who like to smear, pivot, and jump but also charge through chop without being punished.
• Less ideal as a daily driver in low‑snow regions or for beginners seeking a light, forgiving carver.

On‑snow performance

• Powder and soft snow: The 115 mm platform plus tip/tail rocker deliver easy float and playful slashes. The progressive flex resists tip dive and feels lively without being nervous.
• Chop and variable: The moderate‑to‑hefty weight and carbon/kevlar reinforcement add welcome damping. The Anima stays composed as speeds rise and prefers to smooth out rough snow rather than get deflected.
• Groomers and grip: For a 115, edge hold is very respectable. Camber underfoot, ABS sidewalls, and the ≈19 m sidecut allow confident medium‑to‑long turns without feeling locked in.
• Trees and bumps: Double rocker helps the ski pivot and release quickly. You’ll feel the mass in tight spots, but it remains balanced and predictable.
• Jumps and switch: The raised/twin tail supports switch landings and playful terrain. Mounting near the recommended −6 cm keeps landings solid without dulling stability.

Construction and specs (what they mean)

• Rocker profile: Double rocker with short/classic camber underfoot (rocker/camber/rocker). Enhances float, easy turn initiation, and retains camber pop and edge hold on hardpack.
• Dimensions: Tip/tail widen with length; 115 mm waist across sizes. Wide waist = float and stability, slower edge‑to‑edge than narrower all‑mountain skis.
• Radius: ≈19 m. Favors stable, longer arcs yet remains pivot‑friendly thanks to rocker.
• Weight (per ski): About 2150–2450 g depending on length. Heavier build improves damping and high‑speed calm; less ideal for long tours.
• Core and build: Poplar + fiberglass with carbon/kevlar strips in a semi‑cap with ABS sidewalls. A proven recipe for durability, grip, and vibration control.
• Mounting point: −6 cm. Directional yet playful stance; move +1–2 cm for more freestyle feel, −0.5 to −1 cm for max fall‑line stability.

Sizing guidance

• 176–182 cm: Lighter/smaller riders, trees, and a more playful feel.
• 189 cm: The sweet spot for many >175 cm skiers who ski fast.
• 194 cm: Maximum stability for open faces and big lines. Size up for speed and open terrain; size down for tighter spaces or lighter riders.

Comparisons

• Atomic Bent Chetler 120: Looser and surfier in deep snow but less composed on hardpack. Anima offers stronger grip and damping for resort use.
• Moment Wildcat 118: Wildcat is stiffer and more charger‑biased; Anima is a touch more forgiving and pivots more easily in tight zones.
• K2 Mindbender 116C: Lighter and nimbler in trees, but less damp in chop. Anima feels calmer when conditions get rough.

Key takeaways

• Powder prowess: 115 mm + double rocker = standout float and easy slashes.
• Speed composure: Damped, ≈19 m sidecut keeps it stable when you open it up.
• Versatility for width: Surprisingly capable on groomers, still not a carver.
• Weight tradeoff: Great for damping; not ideal for big touring days.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Anima handle groomers?
A: Impressively well for 115 mm underfoot. The camber and sidewalls give solid bite for medium‑to‑long arcs, though it won’t replace a frontside carver.

Q: Which bindings pair best?
A: For resort freeride, a stout alpine binding is perfect. If you want sidecountry laps, hybrid options (Shift/Cast) work; just note the ski’s weight on the skin track.

Q: Where should I mount them?
A: Start at the recommended −6 cm. Go +1–2 cm for a more freestyle/switch feel, or −0.5 to −1 cm if you prioritize stability in the fall line.

Q: Can it be a one‑ski quiver?
A: In snowy regions, yes. Elsewhere, 115 mm is wide for daily use; a 104–108 mm ski may be a better all‑rounder.