2024 Black Crows Camox On Snow Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@MarkARebuck]

excellent review format: literal chairlift chat and majority of video is footage from the slopes. i enjoy your studio footage/chat too, but this is better! feel free to use this comment as an excuse with your boss: “sorry, boss. the youtube viewers really prefer it if we’re out skiing rather than here in the shop. so we’re gonna go do some laps!”

[@SkiEssentials]

Much appreciated!

[@tommarrero8822]

I loved the format, I would love a jeff and bob youtube chanel. Where they made videos like this, they don’t even need to be reviews. Maybe things like, “ bring your best bump ski” “ What’s our favourite frontside ski “. Great video

[@priselac]

For east coast skiers, Camox is best used as part of two ski quiver. Camox is great in every condition except powder, so you'll need a powder ski. For me, that's the Atris, which is 106 underfoot now (mine are 108...they narrowed the ski a couple of years ago). I pull them out if we get 6 or more inches; otherwise, the Camox has enough float to get by and has more agility in tight bumps and trees than the Atris does. I use the Camox in pretty much every other situation and I love it. I agree with the guys assessment of the ski. It's very good at just about everything but not the best at anything, which makes for a really flexible, and playful, ski. Given the variability of the conditions in the northeast, it's a great pick because you can choose how to drive this ski as opposed to the ski forcing you to ski it a certain way.

[@Rakingclaw4]

I am so excited to get on the pair I bought at the end of last season and even more excited to hear how they perform in the mid-late day conditions. Carving in the AM, whatever else in the PM.

[@martinbergeron389]

About the mics : just record the sound over once you are back at the studio for the worse sections. Great video.

[@BeanGargler]

Gotta say you guys are tremendous skiers

[@jacobtyler7546]

Just bought a pair of these, super excited to test them out next week. Hoping that they’ll be capable of handling the powder days that are forecasted. I remember trying the 2023 captis last season and it was not great in powder or off-piste conditions. Seems like the camox will be a nice upgrade in that department.

[@rmnley]

I used them a lot last season, almost entirely off piste. Never on the deep days but they were great for all the average snow days. Honestly my favorite "all mountain ski" so far that I've used

[@jacobtyler7546]

@@rmnley good to know! I get that they’re not a backcountry ski, but I’d be happy if I can take them to the freeride spots on the resort. Feels like they got just enough rocker and width to make that happen, for example.

[@jehjay2600]

great video and would definitely like to see more like this -- too bad I'm not ski shopping this year - sounds like this ski would be a contender vs QST 98...

[@SkiEssentials]

You can always shop for ski gear! Don't let the year limit what you can get. And yes, a great contender to QST 98.

[@josephstratemeier8619]

Damn you guys in Vermont are getting all the goods. It's still pretty much the white ribbon of death out west so far.

[@SkiEssentials]

Surely the tables will turn at some point!

[@geezer653]

Camox vs Justis if you like carving, a little park jump once in a while, beginning with a little bit of riding switch, 180’s, side hits.

[@SkiEssentials]

Justis is pretty stiff for this application. Camox is a more playful ski for sure, and while it's not the top end carver that the Justis is, it's still pretty good. For your stated application, I'd go with the Camox.

[@MilkBottleOvO]

I am 170 with 72kg, 174 is a good choice for me for vacation riding. (for the unknown condition: from icy to pow, riding all-terrain with a little park(only jump) ) intermedia level to advanced level

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, I'd take this Camox out pretty much any day of the year regardless of conditions or terrain--that's the type of versatility you need for unknown.

[@robertvilter9196]

Quite revealing to hear your thoughts on being reacquainted with the Camox in these varying early season conditions. Would like to hear your thoughts on how the Captis would have skied these conditions. Thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

As much as I like the Camox and its well-versed character, I personally gravitate to the narrower Captis as I prefer more quickness and agility in my skis. Maybe not as good at digging into the softer snow like the Camox, but overall, I generally like the 90 vs. the 97 for non fresh snow conditions and mainly on-piste terrain. We did a similar Captis video last season about this time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4qpnoWFltqCoMk

[@MegaMikeaI]

Literally going demoing these tomorrow, so great timing! :D Also gonna demo the Mirus Cor, and I will have to decide if I want to buy the all rounder Camox, or focus on the lower angle groomers and lower speeds with the Mirus Cor. I am about Bob's size, and would also use these for skiing slower with my family. Good to hear that Bob also enjoyed the Camox with the kids! But most likely the Mirus Cor will still win for that use case.

[@Rakingclaw4]

I'd be interested to hear how your demo goes! Enjoy!

[@MegaMikeaI]

@@Rakingclaw4 After the demo I am sold on the Mirus Cor. Fun in every way imaginable. The groomer performance is no joke, and the fact that they make slower speeds and lower angles so fun was the main deciding factor. I was a bit worried choosing the Mirus Cor since I am 6'3 and 220lbs, but they felt great. So agile and quick, and both carvy and slarvy at the same time. They definitely prefer the short radius turn, but you can still make many different turn shapes and styles. The groomers were also in good condition, so I will have to see how they handle my weight in rougher conditions. But I can't imagine a better ski for my tiny local hill and early season days. Mirus Cor also handled the park and skiing switch as well as I could ask for, and weirdly enough I preferred them off-piste too since they were much slarvier and quicker than Camox with all the camber. But as a disclaimer I am used to very rockered and slarvy skis, so I believe it's a matter of getting used to. And obviously the Camox would win in true float if the snow was properly deep. Admittedly it wasn't a very fair contest for the Camox, since the height difference at my local ski center is a whopping 160ft... The Camox is definitely stronger and holds an edge well, but prefers more speed than the Mirus Cor, and by the time I got into a nice carving rhytm on the Camox I was already back at the lift.

[@Rakingclaw4]

@@MegaMikeaI nice one! You’re certainly going to turn heads on those skis. A fabulous choice if your hill has limited runway too. Your feedback on the Camox has reminded me I need to put a hurry on getting mine mounted!!! Have an amazing winter pal!

[@Colllieo]

Hey guys first time buyer here. Looking for a one ski quiver. 6’1” 180 pounds I ski mostly on the east coast and I’m an athletic intermediate at the moment but progress quickly. Ski mostly on piste but given the opportunity I’d love to switch that up. I like to experiment with different styles charging/carving/playful and like messing around in the park a bit (minor jumps/boxes/rails). Was looking at a few different options - Camox, Captis, Serpo, or even Justis? I’ve found myself idolizing Black Crows but I’d be open to other options too. Any advice is appreciated!

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the Captis--there's a lot of versatility here, from park to trees and bumps to groomers. It's fun and engaging, and while you won't get the same response or top-end performance as the Serpo or Justis, it's still a fantastic ski.

[@NNthn]

Could we get an on snow for the justis?

[@SkiEssentials]

One of our big goals this season is a much higher frequency of these on snow reviews, so there's a good chance the answer is yes. We've got another planned for next week, although not from Black Crows.

[@JBSCZ]

I would also love to see this video

[@eddieed9178]

Really love your videos about all the different skies, you really make great content! After watching your review on the fisher ranger FR 94 in 177cm (i am 184 95kg) begginer skier it was a perfect choice, easy to turn and very fun. Now 2-3 years after i am looking for something more stable like the Black crows justice 100mm. Maybe 180 cm + because i like to ski fast (ranger fr is really scary at high speed) but my concern is are the black crows is are they to stiff hard to turn and do I lose the playfulness? Really can't deceide. Thankfull for any input and info !

[@SkiEssentials]

Justis is pretty stiff but is one of the best skis out there for stability in a carved turn. I'd say the 183 is the way to go in that ski.

[@eddieed9178]

Thank you :)@@SkiEssentials

[@Triple7vn]

Thanks for another great review! What I would love to know is what are the main on snow differences between the Camox and the Atris. And I do not mean basics such as what they are underfoot, , their turn radius. Etc. Black Crows states that if you get 1 ski from them its the Artis. Your review seems to either add the Camox as a top all arounder, or even place it higher than the Atris. Also, for a 185lb 5' 11" advanced skier, what sizes would you recommend for either? I am out West and scored both early season, but I have yet to mount them and am only keeping one. Which one should I keep?

[@SkiEssentials]

Camox is more poppy and energetic while the Atris is smoother and more stable, especially through softer snow, crud, and powder. For us here in VT, the Camox makes more sense than the Atris, but if you're in a zone where it snows more, I can see the appeal of the wider ski for sure. I'd go 180 in the Camox and 184 in the Atris.

[@priselac]

I own both and I agree with this. I ski in VT and use the Camox in all situations except powder days, and in those cases I pull out the Atris. If I skied out west, Atris would probably be my daily driver.@@SkiEssentials

[@scottnagle1373]

Love watching your videos. I ski on Camox in the PNW. I prefer off-piste/ canyon skiing. I do a few laps at high speed (think about slowing down speed) medium sized turns were I think a Justis or Serpo might fair better than my Camox. Fell hard for Black Crows several years ago with my Artis (108) after being a long time Volkl skier. I use my Camox for no new snow days, Atris for any time it snows, and my Noctas as my "wishful thinking ski" (10 days on them awesome fun). Would the Justis do better than the Camox on high speed groomed slopes as well as better the Camox off-piste?

[@Triple7vn]

@scottnagle1373 I am literally in the same predicament. I am in Seattle in the PNW, I have the Justis for all around bomber days, and am deciding whether to add the Atris or the Camox (or both) to the quiver. Given your writeup, is the Atris even the right ski for the PNW? Or should I stick to 100mm and lower? I would hate to have a ski (Atris) which is only skied several times per year.

[@scottnagle1373]

If I already had the Justis I might look the Atris or Anima to have a more of a powder choice in the quiver.

[@SkiEssentials]

Justis certainly takes the cake when it comes to groomed slopes and high speeds. When it comes to off-piste, it kind of gets more subjective. While the Justis has more rocker than the Camox, it's also got a lot more metal, so there's a give and take. Camox is easier to turn, but doesn't have the stability and power in crud and chop. That said, I'd rather ski the quicker Camox in bumps and tighter trees, but that's about it and that's just me.

[@lilseatbelt4539]

I already have Maverick 88tis and was wondering if I should go with the Bent 100s or the Camoxs. Im East Coast but travel out west every season. I want a playful freeride ski but i was debating between these two.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Bent is more flexible and playful while the Camox has a bit more weight and pop to it. If you are looking at one of these, and desire something on the slightly firmer side of the spectrum, I'd roll with the Camox.

[@DeLaSpeed]

Allo, total beginner here, but found a pair of used Camox for pretty much half the MSRP price. You guys think that’s a steal? And would any of you consider this ski a good one to grow with as a beginner? I’m also open to other ski options as well too!

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a great deal but it's a pretty wide and stiff ski for a total beginner. I'd look to something easier to learn on like a Salomon Stance 80 and then go from there--there are good prices on those skis as well!

[@DeLaSpeed]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you for the input!! What other skis would you also recommend that are similar to the Stance 80?

Great video i wonder if the look pivot 15 can be good on this ski?

[@SkiEssentials]

Certainly--the 95 brake would fit great and I think the raw or gold would be sweet graphically.

[@stevek9943]

Camox or Justis as a soft snow compliment to the Serpo?

[@SkiEssentials]

Oooh, good one! Between those two, I suppose I'd go with the Camox, as the overall character of Serpo and Justis is more similar. That said, have you considered going a bit wider to Atris for the soft snow complement? At 105 underfoot and with a similar footprint to the Camox, you're getting more of a distance between your skis. Just a thought!

[@stevek9943]

@@SkiEssentials Good point with the Atris. I am looking for this ski to be my east coast pow ski and the ski I bring out west.

[@kistenxd]

Hey, I am 197cm tall and 130kg heavy guy skiing in the alps. I am an intermediate/advanced skier, but I only ski on groomers. However, I want to get more into riding off piste and powder. Any recommendations for skis that will work both on and off piste for me? Have been watching a lot of reviews and I am currently thinking about maybe getting skiis from the QST line. Up till now I have only used carving skiis that are 176cm long and I think they are too short me, I also really suck on moguls with them. Help would be much appreciated 😅

[@patrion6028]

I've been in your spot a couple years ago, and i'd highly recommend to demo a bunch skis in different width ranges and with different profiles, just to get an idea on what you're setting yourself up for. The QST might top out too short for your size (given the rocker profile), things like Enforcers, KORE series, a Justis, Rustler 9 or 10, Armada Declivity come to my mind that might hit interesting middle grounds for you. Not sure if a Ripstick Black is out of bound with your size, but i'd guess so. Definitely try out some skis in the mid 80s and 90s before you settle for one .. or two 😉

[@SkiEssentials]

The QST 98 comes in a 189, which would probably be a nice spot for you--great mix of on and off-trail capabilities. If you're looking for more on-trail, check out Atomic Maverick 95 and Nordica Enforcer 94--those come in 188 and 186/191 respectively.

[@bpb5593]

Hey Guys - I'm thinking about an end of season purchase. Can you give me a quick compare and contrast between the Camox and the QST 98? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

The turn shape is the main difference here--both have pretty similar weights and feels, but the Camox has a longer arc while the dramatic rocker profile and taper shape of the 98 makes it a lot shorter. This makes the 98 more floaty and mobile in tighter spots, but it's not as easy to smear or skid turns as the Camox. I also think there's more of a freestyle and creative aspect to the Camox, so if park is anywhere near your scope, that's a big check mark. If you're not trick-oriented, the QST 98 offers a whole lot of versatility and capabilities.

[@bpb5593]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks!!!

[@ck_defender]

Camox is more flexible than the Captis correct? Captis is slightly stiff. Wish they would notch down the 90 underfoot.

[@SkiEssentials]

Captis is slightly more flexible. I like the stiffer 90, especially that it comes in a 184--not much else out there like it.

[@swedishburrito5073]

👍

[@JasonD-yc3oy]

Good ski action. This is why we don't need Warren Miller. Hoping to see these guys skiing in the west like the cascades sierras rockies etc instead of these bunny hills

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Complete noodles! 😮

[@aqualone1465]

What sizes did you guys test? I'm considering getting this ski, but I'm 5-10/178cm tall, and debating between the 174 and 180 lengths.

[@SkiEssentials]

We've mainly been on the 180 but have spent some time on both the 174 and the 186. I think your stats call for the 180 unless you're looking for vastly increased mobility and agility.

[@jonstubb7893]

How would you compare the QST 92 and the Camox?

[@Nico--]

I ask myself the same :D

[@SkiEssentials]

There's more pop and energy in the QST 92--it just feels like a grippier ski that's more eager to turn. That is clearly a function of the shorter arc in the Salomon versus the longer one in the Crows. When engaged, they feel about the same, but from an initiation perspective, the QST is a lot crisper. I'd also say the QST is a bit floatier and driftier as well as it has less camber underfoot.

[@alanhohendorf6102]

Serpos or camox??? Which one your rather ride?

[@SkiEssentials]

If I had to choose one for my ski life here in Stowe, I think I'd take the Serpo. While the versatility of the Camox is outstanding, I think I'd just rather have the carving capabilities of the Serpo and then just work a bit harder to get the well-roundedness.

[@jonstubb1913]

Any thoughts on the Camox as compared to the QST 92?

[@SkiEssentials]

The QST has more pop and pep, especially in firmer conditions. The Camox has nice camber for that energy, but it's offset by a longer turn shape. The QST feels more natural and easy to ski while the Camox requires some more input to make it reach the top end of its ceiling.

[@BikeandSkiGeoff]

Those skis look too short for Bob. Is that a demo thing or is there another reason for shorter skis (assuming demo since Bob mentioned he'd go for longer size)?

[@SkiEssentials]

They're short--180 vs. desired 186. It's an availability issue is all.

[@johnklaus9111]

was that powder at stowe....

[@SkiEssentials]

Ha! Basically yes although we did get an additional 8" that night so we missed it by a day

[@johnklaus9111]

@@SkiEssentials Clearly saturday is going to be my first ski day of the season. Great Videos as always!!! Gotta break out those new Enforcer 104s and get some laps in. I don't think I've ever been skiing in November before. Saw 40 trails open this morning....

[@MrPoppshot]

New skis is like the new iPhone. Nothing changed.

[@JaredBradshaw-si1lj]

K2 Poacher or Camox?

[@SkiEssentials]

I prefer the Camox, but it's pretty close. I just think the overall snow feel and energy of that ski is superior to the Poacher.

[@fabiandolcean7122]

Can you use it for touring? With hibrid bindings?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sure!