I'm 5'11", 180 lbs. with a pack, and an intermediate skier. I'm looking at this ski for my first touring ski, for my first touring experience. I currently ski Zag H-86 in 170cm.
I had originally thought to get the 171.1 for this ski, but Black Crows' sizing guide says I should get a 183.4 for a relaxed ski! That's a huge jump, especially to learn kick turns with, etc. I'm NOT a fast skier.
What size would you recommend for me?
Black Crows Camox Freebird Ski
If you've spent much time on the skin track recently, you've likely seen a pair (or two) of these bright red skis making their way uphill. And for good reason -- with the Camox Freebird, Black Crows created an icon of a touring ski that can serve as an all-around touring ski for nearly any skier in any environment. Equally happy billy-goating around steep terrain or making playful wiggles in powder, the Camox Freebird is a fun and versatile daily driver. Recently made not too heavy, the ski still has a damp construction and progressive flex that makes it a pleasure to ski in all sorts of conditions. Glass and carbon stringers add torsional stiffness and when combined with ABS sidewalls underfoot, mutes out vibration and increase confidence on firm snow. A titanal mounting plate reinforces the binding area while a versatile 95mm width and rockered shovel provide ample float in powder without sacrificing hard snow performance. A slight early rise will help the tails release easily while the overall tail profile remains flat for easy kick turns and security in steep terrain. Finally, the aggressively red coloring will make it easily findable should it go astray. Whether you're doing resort uphill laps or steep ski mountaineering lines, the Camox Freebird will be a reliable and rewarding companion.
- Semi-cap construction in the tip and tail keeps the weight down while ABS sidewalls underfoot provide precision and durability.
- Carbon and glass stringers provide torsional stiffness for security in firm conditions.
- Progressive flex isn't overpowering, allowing you to confidently navigate tricky snow conditions.
- Titanal binding reinforcement keeps the binding securely attached to your ski.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 157.1, 164.3, 171.1, 178.4, 183.4, 188.2 |
|
Weight |
1325g [157.1] 1390g [164.3] 1445g [171.1] 1530g [178.4] 1595g [183.4] 1680g [188.2] |
| Weight (pair) | 2650g [157.1] 2780g [164.3] 2890g [171.1] 3060g [178.4] 3190g [183.4] 3360g [188.2] |
|
|
132-95-111 [157.1] 134-95-112 [164.3] 134-95-113 [171.1] 136-95-114 [178.4] 136-95-115 [183.4] 136-95-116 [188.2] |
|
Turn |
17m |
|
Skin |
Traditional tip, tail notch |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Tip rocker, camber underfoot, early rise tail |
|
|
Wide round tip, shorter radius, flat tail with slight early rise |
|
|
Semi-cap construction, ABS sidewalls underfoot, glass and carbon stringers |
|
|
Paulownia |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday touring |
| Notes | Progressive flex and damp construction for a smooth, enjoyable descent |
| Bottom Line | A friendly ski to tackle all conditions |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
1/5/2025
1/6/2025
Hi Adam!
Although 183cm may be an appropriate size from a general perspective, sizing guides are typically just a starting point; thereafter, preference and application take precedence. Although not necessary, sizing a ski slightly short is common to take advantage of the uphill efficiencies gained. As mentioned, easier kick turns are an example of such efficiencies. With a potential preference developed for ~170cm skis and the application in mind, the 171cm is certainly suitable! Thanks!
Although 183cm may be an appropriate size from a general perspective, sizing guides are typically just a starting point; thereafter, preference and application take precedence. Although not necessary, sizing a ski slightly short is common to take advantage of the uphill efficiencies gained. As mentioned, easier kick turns are an example of such efficiencies. With a potential preference developed for ~170cm skis and the application in mind, the 171cm is certainly suitable! Thanks!
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12/2/2024
Eric N
(downright abused product)
I'm currently on my third pair of these, and am now living in a black crow induced state of bliss. The previous generation of these had two problems. First, they would flex unevenly at the front of the ski when put under too much pressure, then give an unpleasant rebound. Secondly, I delaminated the top sheet on 2 separate pairs... which ended up being a good thing. A good thing because with my second delamination I was sent the updated pair of camoxs.
These newly updated crows are quickly becoming my favorite skis. They manage to be light enough to carry on any multiday trip, morning corn ski, or windboard expedition. I've rocked these things on everything from ice, to corn, to late season alpine pow, and even some relatively deep days (although they're not really meant for that). These skis are amazingly dependable. I find them to be my go to pair when its not so deep out, or for any spring skiing from April couloirs in the Rockies to corn in June. The early rise tail makes them effortless to initiate any range of turning styles, but their construction lets you open them up and ski with speed when conditions allow. This new model also mange to be significantly damper then expected, while maintaining a stiff and powerful platform. I think these are an amazing go to ski for any day that doesn't involve too much fresh snow, but still some, or when you have no idea what conditions you're going to encounter.
These newly updated crows are quickly becoming my favorite skis. They manage to be light enough to carry on any multiday trip, morning corn ski, or windboard expedition. I've rocked these things on everything from ice, to corn, to late season alpine pow, and even some relatively deep days (although they're not really meant for that). These skis are amazingly dependable. I find them to be my go to pair when its not so deep out, or for any spring skiing from April couloirs in the Rockies to corn in June. The early rise tail makes them effortless to initiate any range of turning styles, but their construction lets you open them up and ski with speed when conditions allow. This new model also mange to be significantly damper then expected, while maintaining a stiff and powerful platform. I think these are an amazing go to ski for any day that doesn't involve too much fresh snow, but still some, or when you have no idea what conditions you're going to encounter.
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This is one of the least impressive skis in the Freebird lineup. It skis like a dead plank and lacks the liviness of other skis with similar shapes and camber. My MTN Explore 95s, and Waybacks were way more fun than this ski.
The Navis is my winter daily and has a ton more life, and is a much better ski. I think the Camox Freebird suffered when they pulled the weight out of it.
The appeal of the Freebird line up comes from their downhill capability and fun, and this one doesn't have "it". I rarely ski skis in the 90s underfoot anymore (I opt for 80s and 100s) but there has to be a better choice than these. Sure, they'll do the job, and they aren't BAD, but I think they are a bit disappointing relative to the other Freebirds, and relative to what I've skied from other brands.
The Navis is my winter daily and has a ton more life, and is a much better ski. I think the Camox Freebird suffered when they pulled the weight out of it.
The appeal of the Freebird line up comes from their downhill capability and fun, and this one doesn't have "it". I rarely ski skis in the 90s underfoot anymore (I opt for 80s and 100s) but there has to be a better choice than these. Sure, they'll do the job, and they aren't BAD, but I think they are a bit disappointing relative to the other Freebirds, and relative to what I've skied from other brands.
10/22/2024
Hi Kyle, thanks for the input! Obviously, we have a different opinion as the updated Camox Freebird finally enticed us to carry Black Crows.
Other popular skis in the Freebird line, such as the Corvus, are obviously much heavier; they weigh as much as many alpine skis. In fact, you could ski a Bent Chetler 110 and carry less weight uphill. Other fair comparisons might be to a DPS Carbon Wailer or a Head Kore.
On the other hand, we are a backcountry-specific shop and thus prefer skis on which we can comfortably tour all day and still have a great downhill experience, even with tired legs. The updated Camox Freebird is the first Black Crows ski that is competitive with others in that market. We also added the Draco for funsies, specifically warning it's a bear to carry.
Other popular skis in the Freebird line, such as the Corvus, are obviously much heavier; they weigh as much as many alpine skis. In fact, you could ski a Bent Chetler 110 and carry less weight uphill. Other fair comparisons might be to a DPS Carbon Wailer or a Head Kore.
On the other hand, we are a backcountry-specific shop and thus prefer skis on which we can comfortably tour all day and still have a great downhill experience, even with tired legs. The updated Camox Freebird is the first Black Crows ski that is competitive with others in that market. We also added the Draco for funsies, specifically warning it's a bear to carry.
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