Black Crows Captis Review

The Black Crows Captis is a playful, accessible all‑mountain ski with freestyle DNA. At 90 mm underfoot, a double rocker profile, and a friendly flex, it’s quick to pivot in bumps and trees while classic camber keeps carving confidence on groomers. It shines as a daily driver for intermediate to advanced skiers who value fun and versatility more than outright damp, hard‑snow power.

On‑snow performance

Groomers & carving: The medium camber and 18 m radius deliver predictable, round turns. It’s happy making medium arcs and holds an edge well unless conditions are very icy, where heavier, more directional skis feel grippier and calmer.
Bumps & trees: The 90 mm waist and moderate weight make it nimble. Rockered tips reduce hookiness; the flex is forgiving, so it won’t punish imprecise timing.
Soft snow: At 90 mm, float is adequate for a few inches of fresh. In deeper powder, you’ll want something wider for sustained surfy lift.
Park & switch: Partial twin‑tip, -6 cm mount, and a lively feel make side‑hits and switch skiing fun. It’s not a comp park ski, but it’s very capable for all‑mountain freestyle.
Speed & stability: Feels composed up to moderate speeds. At higher speeds or in cut‑up snow you’ll notice some tip flap and chatter versus damper skis.

Who it’s for (and not for)

For: Intermediates to advanced riders seeking a one‑ski quiver for the resort—playful, maneuverable, and versatile across groomers, trees, and bumps.
Not for: Hard‑snow carvers wanting max edge hold and damping, aggressive chargers, or riders who frequently chase deep powder days.

Comparisons

Salomon QST 92: A touch damper and burlier in chop; less switch/park‑friendly than the Captis.
Atomic Bent 90: Lighter and more playful in the park; Captis offers a bit more support on edge on‑piste.
Elan Ripstick 88: Quicker edge‑to‑edge and very light; Captis is more park‑ready and surfier in feel.
Nordica Unleashed 90: Stiffer and better for blasting crud; Captis is more accessible and nimble.

Key takeaways

Playful and forgiving: Easy to ski without being dull.
True all‑mountain range: Carves groomers, slashes side‑hits, and threads trees with confidence.
Limits on ice and top speed: Not the dampest or grippiest tool on boilerplate.

Construction and what it means

Poplar wood core + fiberglass: Lively, moderate weight, with good rebound; less inherent damping than metal‑laminated skis.
ABS sidewalls (semi‑cap): Solid edge grip and durability with a slightly lighter, smoother feel at the topsheet.
Double rocker + classic camber: Rocker aids pivoting and float; camber boosts edge hold and energy on firm snow.
Mount point at -6 cm: Balanced between all‑mountain and freestyle, with usable switch performance.

Specs (explained)

Tip/waist/tail (128/90/114 mm @178.4 cm): Sidecut that blends easy turn initiation (tip) and quick release (tail) with an all‑round 90 mm platform.
Radius (18 m): Versatile turn shape—stable in medium turns without feeling sluggish.
Weight (~1800 g per ski @178.4): Light enough for agility; less mass means a bit less damping in chop.
Lengths (172.1 / 178.4 / 184.3 cm): Shorter = easier and more playful; longer = more stability and support.

Sizing and binding recommendations

Sizing: Around your height for all‑round use; size down a few cm for max agility in tight spaces, or size up for more stability and float.
Bindings: All‑mountain/freestyle options like Marker Griffon 13, Look Pivot 12/14, or Tyrolia Attack 14 complement its personality.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What level is the Black Crows Captis for?
A: Best for intermediate to advanced skiers. Skilled beginners can grow into it; hard‑charging experts may prefer a stiffer, damper chassis.

Q: How does the Captis handle ice?
A: Classic camber provides decent grip, but on boilerplate, heavier, more damp skis hold better. Keep edges sharp to maximize performance.

Q: Which length should I choose?
A: Prioritize maneuverability in trees/bumps? Go near your height or a few cm shorter. Want more stability at speed? Choose at or a few cm above your height.

Q: Is the Captis good for park and switch?
A: Yes. The partial twin‑tip, -6 cm mount, and lively flex make side‑hits and switch laps enjoyable. It’s not a pure park comp ski but is very capable.