2025 Black Crows Atris - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test Review

[@kitlogan1081]

Thanks guys! I’m looking for a mid 100 ski, with a plan to put a hybrid binding on it for some climbing to better soft snow. In reality I’ll be 90% downhill, and no multi-day tours in the diary yet, but I want a skinning set up. Sad reality is I don’t get many pure powder days, so I’d want something that works in chop and bumps too, but floats on a good day. I bought Mirus Cors last year for piste and was thrilled about how fun and playful they are compared to my previous traditional piste ski (redster s9). I wondering if I’d also enjoy something more playful like Atris or similar in the soft snow too? I’ve been using an all mountain Mantra (98 underfoot, 2013!), so pretty stiff. I’ve also been looking at your reviews for mindbender 106c and 108ti. I’d appreciate any steers toward one or the other, or another ski that you think I should consider! I’m an expert skier, 5 11 and 154lb. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Atris is a nice choice here as it's relatively light but also very versatile. I'd throw the Atomic Maverick 105 CTi and the Blizzard Rustler 10 into the mix as well as those also have a good mix of weight and performance.

[@Cumbregearreviews]

The 3 skis @skiessentials mentioned above are great options. I’d like to add the Salomon QST 106 as a worthy contender. More on the playful side, yet still very responsive and able to manage variable snow conditions and carving on piste. Cheers!

[@arczenk0]

Thanks for review! After changing to longer skis, did they gain more agility and stability and were they better at taking edges? I currently have Black Crows Anima skis, and I really like them as powder skis-they’re energetic and playful. However, I find it challenging to ski groomers and carve on them because they’re so wide. I’m looking for something with similar energy but better carving performance. I’d also like to improve my freestyle skills. I tried the Salomon QST 106 briefly-they’re great carving skis but felt 'planted' to me. I’m 5’11” tall and weigh 160 lbs. I was considering the Line Blade Optic 104, but I think they might be too strong for me, maybe something else? Cheers, Arek.

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't find the Atris all that convincing in a carving format, especially vs. Optic and QST. Head Kore 105 is something to check out here as it has a lot of energy and pep but also great off-trail capacity.

[@egorjanegorjan6248]

thanx for the reviews. what would you choose dynastar m-free 108 or atris? what is the difference between them?

[@SkiEssentials]

I personally prefer the M-Free 108 as it has a sturdier feel with more cambered energy. The Atris is a surfier and floatier ski but I don't find it has the same speed limit or aggressive potential as the M-Free, although most skiers won't quite touch the top end of either ski.

[@cloudbasealex]

Thanks for the review. What is your insight versus the ARV106 in terms of behavior or a Declivity 108? I currently have an Armada TST 2014 which I love but it's delaminating so I need to change.

[@SkiEssentials]

The new Declivity X 108 is a more substantial ski than either Atris or ARV 106 when it comes to fall line performance and overall smoothness. The ARV and the Atris are very similar in their playful flotation, although the ARV is more peppy and energetic in an on-piste situation. Personally, I had an absolute blast on the Declivity this past season and that's a top pick for me in the 106-108 range.

[@cloudbasealex]

@@SkiEssentials last question declivity or Corvus? It’s personal but I’d like to know.

[@SkiEssentials]

@@cloudbasealex I'm a Declivity fan, but that's just me--more consistent from tip to tail and better when encountering variable conditions and terrain in my experience.

[@buddabri]

What length would you recommend for a 6'1 200lb skier?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the 184 is the sweet spot although if you know you like longer skis with a lot of smoothness, the 190 isn't out of the question.

[@wonyy11]

Thank you for a great review. How do you compare this 2025 to the 2024 Atris? Are they basically identical or is there any change?

[@SkiEssentials]

Same ski, much better graphic for 2025, in my view!

[@armanddd]

What length would you recommend for 5'11" 175 lbs? Was thinking 178 but heard they ski short so might go 184.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think it's okay to go longer in these skis due to the rocker profile and the intended application. They are smoother in longer lengths, so if you're looking to go faster and be more assertive, the 184 sounds good.

[@alexwipe]

Could you put a touring binding on this for the odd time you need them?

[@SkiEssentials]

Personally I would not put a touring binding on any ski for an odd time that you need them. I would put the appropriate binding on the ski for the type of skiing that you do the most. But yes, you COULD put a touring binding on the Atris as the ski is on the lighter and more mobile side for skis in the 105 mm range.

[@alexwipe]

@@SkiEssentials I’m in Europe and we don’t get as much snow as you guys over there. We sometimes have to ‘earn our turns’. As someone who usually skis off piste we need to have something that crosses over from backcountry to on piste!! Thanks for all your help and content!!

[@nicholaswoolsey461]

Did you mount factory recommended?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup!

[@chriswhitney1651]

What length would you recommend for 5’10 180?

[@SkiEssentials]

You most likely align well with the 178, but if you know you prefer longer skis, you could do 184 here.

[@chriswhitney1651]

Thanks for the input!

[@dejansavic52]

Hi, how do these compare to the QST106?

[@SkiEssentials]

The QST is a more substantial and confident ski in anything other than fresh powder. The Atris is more playful, creative, and drifty but the QST has a higher overall performance ceiling for both on and off-trail applications.

[@dejansavic52]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks, love your reviews. Keep it up👍

[@ThomasZborowski-t1e]

How can they call this a 20 meter ski with all that rocker and virtually no camber?

[@SkiEssentials]

Does the 20 seem long or short to you? We've always felt that the Atris feels like a longer arc and prefers a straight/sideways behavior over an S-Shaped carved turn.