Black Crows Camox Birdie — Review

The Black Crows Camox Birdie is a playful 97‑mm all‑mountain ski with double rocker and a medium, progressive flex. It’s built for progressing intermediates through advanced skiers who want one resort ski to carve groomers, slip through bumps and trees, and float light powder—prioritizing agility and fun over bulldozer dampness.

What it is and who it’s for

• Profile: double rocker (tip + tail) with classic medium camber underfoot
• Personality: lively, tolerant, freestyle‑influenced without being a park specialist
• Best for: riders who like a nimble, forgiving daily driver and don’t need metal‑laminate stability at race speeds

Construction & specs

• Semi‑cap construction with full ABS sidewalls; poplar wood core with fiberglass (ash reinforcement underfoot on some listings)
• Recommended mount: −6 cm; partial twin tip
• Long effective edge with medium sidecut for stability across turn shapes

Specs (quick look)

• Rocker profile: double rocker + medium camber
• Dimensions (168 cm): 128‑97‑116 mm; radius 19 m; ~1700 g per ski
• Available lengths: 156.1, 162.3, 168.1, 174.2 cm

Specs explained — why they matter

• Rocker profile: tip/tail splay promotes easy pivoting and soft‑snow float; camber underfoot provides edge hold and rebound on firm snow.
• Tip/waist/tail widths: 97 mm underfoot balances quick edge changes with enough platform for variable snow; wider tip helps in soft snow; the subtle twin tail adds playfulness and forgiveness.
• Turning radius (18–20 m): a medium sidecut that supports both short, directional turns in trees/moguls and relaxed, longer arcs on groomers.
• Weight (≈1475–1725 g/ski): light enough to feel lively and all‑day friendly; not ultralight, so it retains some composure in chop.
• Lengths: size shorter for maneuverability; go longer for more stability and edge hold at speed.

On‑snow performance

Groomers & carving

For a 97‑mm double‑rocker ski, grip is impressive. It prefers medium‑radius turns and rewards a centered‑to‑slightly‑forward stance. Not a trench‑laying charger, but confident up to typical resort speeds with clear, predictable feedback.

Moguls & trees

This is where it shines: quick to pivot, smooth‑flexing, and forgiving in the tail so mistakes don’t buck you. You can ski it more centered without the tips feeling hooky.

Powder & soft snow

Up to about 8–10 in (20–25 cm), the splayed tip/tail and 97‑mm waist keep you on top. For true snorkel days, step up to something wider like the Atris Birdie.

Chop & crud

Stable enough if you stay active, but without metal it won’t erase afternoon piles. It feels lively and agile rather than bulldozer‑damp. Compared to a Nordica Santa Ana 98, it’s looser and more playful; the Santa Ana is calmer but heavier.

Switch & playful skiing

The partial twin and −6 cm mount make switch landings and side‑hits fun. Not a dedicated park ski, yet happily dabbles in freestyle across the hill.

Edge hold & ice

Edge hold is respectable for the width and rocker. On true boilerplate, a stiffer, metal‑reinforced option (e.g., Volkl Secret 96, Santa Ana 98) will grip better.

Sizing & mount

• Go true‑to‑size for playfulness and maneuverability; size up 3–5 cm if you ski fast or want extra composure.
• Mount: the −6 cm factory line is the sweet spot. Moving +1 cm forward increases freestyle feel without overly compromising stability.

Comparisons

• Blizzard Sheeva 9 (96 mm): quicker edge‑to‑edge and very light; Camox Birdie is a touch more stable and carves with more intent.
• Nordica Santa Ana 98: damper and better on ice/high speed; Camox Birdie is lighter, more pivoty, and easier in bumps/trees.
• Salomon QST Lumen 98: similarly versatile; Lumen is smoother in chop, Camox is livelier and more pivot‑happy.
• Volkl Secret 96: precision and stronger tails; Camox is more forgiving and friendlier in tight trees.
• Atomic Maven 95 C: lighter and looser; Camox offers stronger edge hold and an all‑mountain backbone.

Pros and cons

• Pros: playful and nimble; forgiving flex; solid grip for 97 mm; excels in bumps/trees; versatile daily driver.
• Cons: not the calmest in heavy crud; average performance on true ice; not a deep‑pow specialist.

Key takeaways

• Playful all‑mountain: double rocker fun with real edge hold.
• Bumps/trees star: tolerant flex and easy pivoting.
• Limits: high‑speed crud and boilerplate aren’t its forte.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who should buy the Black Crows Camox Birdie?
A: Progressing intermediates to advanced skiers who want a playful, versatile all‑mountain ski. The 97‑mm waist and double rocker balance agility with stability for mixed conditions.

Q: What size should I get?
A: Choose near your height for a nimble feel, or size up 3–5 cm for more stability and edge hold. Lighter or less aggressive skiers can size down for easier handling.

Q: How does it differ from the unisex Camox?
A: The Camox Birdie shares the shape and spirit of the unisex Camox, but is tuned for lighter riders with a more accessible flex and women‑focused sizing/graphics.

Q: What bindings pair well?
A: For resort duty, look at Marker Griffon or Look Pivot 12. For 50/50 resort‑tour setups, a hybrid tech binding like the Salomon/Atomic Shift suits the ski’s weight and intent.

Q: Is it suitable for touring?
A: At roughly 1.5–1.7 kg per ski, it works for short tours or 50/50 setups. For big vert, a lighter, tour‑specific ski will be more efficient.