Picture of the review author

By Olivia Bennett

Overview

The Black Crows Camox Birdie Jr is a playful, confidence‑building all‑terrain ski for juniors/teens. Its double rocker (rocker‑camber‑rocker), 90 mm waist, and forgiving flex make it quick to pivot in trees and bumps, yet the camber and ABS sidewalls still provide trustworthy edge hold on groomers. A poplar core with fiberglass and a sintered base add durability, snap, and glide.

Who is it for?

  • Ambitious juniors (~14–18) who ski the whole mountain and want a lively, easy‑to‑steer platform.
  • Riders who value a forgiving flex and fast edge‑to‑edge response over locked‑in, race‑level power.
  • Less ideal for very aggressive high‑speed carving or frequent boilerplate conditions.

On‑snow performance

  • Groomers: Quick turn initiation and easy edge engagement. Camber keeps it composed at moderate speeds; at very high speeds the tip can flap a bit.
  • Bumps & trees: Low swing weight and double rocker make short turns and pivots effortless. Friendly flex smooths out mistakes.
  • Soft snow & powder: For youth weights, 90 mm with rocker gives respectable float; in truly deep days or for heavier teens, a wider option offers more buoyancy.
  • Park: The -6 cm mount and stable platform handle small‑to‑medium jumps; not a pure park ski, but happy on side‑hits and basic rails.

Specs and what they mean

  • Double rocker (rocker‑camber‑rocker): Easier turn initiation, pivoting, and soft‑snow float; camber underfoot preserves stability and edge hold on hardpack.
  • Tip/waist/tail (≈118/90/≈105–108 mm): 90 mm waist = quick transitions; supportive tip aids planing and turn start; slightly narrower tail releases cleanly.
  • Radius ≈16–17 m: Versatile, medium‑turn sidecut that balances maneuverability and stability.
  • Weight ≈1,375 g per ski (157 cm): Light enough for agility and reduced fatigue while remaining composed for its class.
  • Construction: Semi‑cap with ABS sidewalls for grip/durability; poplar+fiberglass for lively rebound; sintered base for speed and wax retention.
  • Mount point −6 cm: A balanced, all‑mountain stance that stays playful without feeling too centered.
  • Lengths: 139/149/157/164 cm (some retailers list 171 cm) to suit growing skiers.

Comparisons

  • Atomic Bent Chetler Mini 90: Softer and surfier; the Camox Birdie Jr offers stronger edge hold and directional stability on groomers.
  • Blizzard Sheeva Team: A touch stiffer and more directional; superior at speed, less loose and playful in tight spaces.
  • Faction Prodigy 1.0X Jr: More park‑oriented; the Camox Birdie Jr is the broader all‑mountain choice.

Mounting & setup

Ride the factory line (−6 cm) for balanced all‑terrain performance. Pair with a light junior/teen all‑mountain binding (DIN ~3–10) and an all‑temp or medium‑hard wax for mixed conditions.

Sizing advice

  • Aim between nose and forehead for all‑mountain use. Confident or heavier skiers: forehead/longer. Lighter or developing riders: nose/shorter.

Key takeaways

  • Playful and forgiving: Easy to steer, quick to progress, fun everywhere.
  • Reliable grip: Camber and sidewalls keep groomer performance honest within moderate speeds.
  • True junior all‑mountain: Versatile across piste, bumps, trees, and soft snow.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Black Crows Camox Birdie Jr a good first freeride ski?
A: Yes. Double rocker boosts maneuverability and float, while camber underfoot maintains stability on piste. It’s a strong gateway into all‑terrain skiing for juniors.

Q: How does it handle icy mornings?
A: Edge hold is solid for a 90 mm junior all‑mountain ski thanks to camber and ABS sidewalls. On true boilerplate, sharp edges and good tune help, though a race carver will grip better.

Loading images...

Community Opinions

    Recommended Product
    Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?

    Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?

    A friend of mine created Clipstic, the easy way to attach your poles to your skis! Using this link you get 10% off as well as support for Pick-a-ski!

    Check it out!