2025 Black Crows Corvus Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@StartCodonUST]

Given the history of this ski, I went into this thinking, "Ah, here a ski I probably have no use for." But I'm now convinced that at least for the role of a proper deep powder day ski, this totally makes sense, or at least as much sense as other 110 powder skis."

[@Randomposter132]

Looking forward to all the new skireviews. Hope you guys cover the Reckoner KF. Coolest ski made the last 5 years.

[@SkiEssentials]

It will be involved in our ski test and related video. We got some time on that ski in fresh snow, but not a ton. Very interesting concept with the carbon-powered twin!

[@onecutmedia]

I am adding these to my quiver with the Cast system, I had the original but found them too stiff plus I skied them too long

[@johnklaus9111]

I'm looking for a third ski to round out my quiver (not loving that term). I currently have these skis for these purposes: 1) Nordic 104 Free 180 (everyday driver, mostly). 2) Rossi Hero master LT (for racing and icy days) ... technically I still own a set of fischer Ti's, but they are old and turned into noodles. So, we can probably ignore that.... What hole am I looking to fill: 1) I have bad feet 2) I have a very bad right ankle So, I am looking for a ski that meets these needs: 1) Touring build (so probably a conversion binding) 2) Light weight 3) Damp as possible (see bad foot and ankle) 3) Good in NE powder (read slush) 4) Good on piste and in trees 5) not looking to charge... from my perspective.... trees and light bumps, but EZ, not hard.

[@johnklaus9111]

Side note: I do not do park and I do not choose to ride switch much if at all...

[@SkiEssentials]

I assume you're looking for a wider set as you're commenting on a 110. Check out Blizzard Hustle 11 and Volkl Blaze 114.

[@johnklaus9111]

@@SkiEssentials I'll give em a look. Does your place in Stowe rent/demo those skis?

[@johnklaus9111]

@@SkiEssentials Side question: How does the Armada Declivity 108 compare? They looked pretty smooth and damp as well.

[@xLovecoil]

Great review guys! I was wondering how you thought it compares to the Justis, particularly for chopped powder/crud? I’m thinking about getting something a bit burlier for next season to complement my Mirus Cors for days when the snow gets heavy/chunky.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Justis is a superior crud and chop ski and makes some of the best turns out there--a great complement to the Mirus Cor as a more powerful option, but it's not nearly as floaty or drifty as the new Corvus. I think the Corvus works best in untracked snow while the Justis fares great in more types of snow conditions.

[@NibbleSnarph]

If I wanted a more powder oriented Justis like experience, something to float on these deep days here in Denver, where the Justis can still get bogged down if it’s more than a foot, but still be able to charge mainly for that afternoon ski session post a powder morning, and in general support my weight at 225 and aggressive ski style, would I be looking at the Corvus or the Draco?

[@AndyM-m7n]

Hey guys, great review which has added to my shortlist, would be great to get your thoughts if you have the time. I've been on an original Mindbender 108Ti 186cm with Shifts for a while now, amazing ski and I love that it rips in open terrain, however, I'm not getting younger and feel like I want something that can still get moving in those scenarios but I'm happy to sacrifice some performance here to gain ease of wiggle in the trees where I find the Mindbender can be pretty challenging. Looking at staying around 108 underfoot the Rossignol Sender 110 Bacon 108 and QST 106 were on my radar and now this Corvus too. Given the K2 as the bench mark, the extra maneuverability I'm looking for and that I've tried Atomic Bents and found them to be a bit too noodley what's your thoughts between these skis? Thanks for the review and all the reviews, you guys do an amazing job!

[@SkiEssentials]

Not to add to your shortlist, but have you checked out the Mindbender 106 C? It's basically the same idea as the 108 Ti but more mobile and amazing in the trees. Nothing wrong with the other skis on your list, as the QST 106 is a perennial favorite in our experience. I loved the Bacon 108 last year--so incredibly surfy and fun. Sender 110 takes the weight and performance up a notch and the Corvus is the best pure floater here. The 2025 MB 106 C is the same build as the 2024 with a different graphic--we have a full review if you're interested: www.skiessentials.com/Chairlift-Chat/2024-k2-mindbender-106c-ski-review

[@AndyM-m7n]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the reply, the 106C probably should have already been on the list and as I love the 108 makes a lot of sense! Not a terrible problem to have, I’m sure all the skis mentioned would be fantastic. Worst case scenario I stay on the 108s.

[@nicklucas7552]

I’m looking at this ski to replace my 108 atris as my pow ski would you say they are fairly analogous in feel?

[@SkiEssentials]

They're closer than they used to be! The Atris is still a bit more flexible especially underfoot, and with more consistent rocker in the tips and tails, the Atris is a bit more peppy and energetic than the more grounded Corvus.

[@Henrihalle]

Thanks!

[@antoinecebelieu5019]

Hello, how does it compare to the optic 114 overall but more prisely in variable condition and buttery/gibby application. Thanks great review again!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Optic 114 is considerably burlier and more powerful while the Corvus is butterier. Both have long turn radii, allowing for some good slashing and smearing, but the weight and stiffer flex of the Optic keeps it on a different level than the Corvus when it comes to mobility and agility.

[@raminshami]

What length should I get? 6'1" and normally use skis around my height (185cm) so 186 seems like a good choice but Black Crows suggests sizing up to 191.. Aggressive expert skier looking for a powder ski but not sure, having never gone that long. Thanks in advance.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think if you're in powder a lot then the 191 is fine, but I would say at 6/1 the 186 is more proper.

[@tomstanton4459]

How does the new Corvus compare to the QST 106? I have the 106 in a 181 and had the old Corvus birdie a while back. Now in my mid 40s, straight and stout has been replaced with slarvy and fun as preferred characteristics. Looking for an east coast powder ski, and I don’t want a noodle, but something quick in the woods.

[@SkiEssentials]

The new Corvus is more flexible than the QST . In pure powder, the Corvus is more playful and floaty, but the QST is a better overall option when it comes to versatility--especially in mixing soft snow, powder, trees, and groomer performance.

[@carljosefsson]

@@SkiEssentials interesting, how would you rate the Corvus in relation to the Atris with the QST in mind?

[@scottnagle1373]

It's time to replace my beloved 108 Atris. I was half tempted to just by another 105 Artis. Now the new Corvus and your review. Is the new Corvus the better choice for PNW variable snow?

[@SkiEssentials]

Great question, and an interesting observation about the older Atris! I am not sure that the Corvus is a better variable snow ski. I always felt that the Atris was uncommonly smooth in those types of conditions. The move here with Corvus is one closer to the deep and fresh due to the flex and radius. If you're not worried about width, I'd definitely check out the Anima at 115.

[@TopsY8KretS]

Whilst not entirely similar, how does the new Corvus compare to the Rossi Sender Free 110? Would you find the Rossi a little better in suspension in variable conditions? Or are they about that same...?

[@SkiEssentials]

I would agree that in variable conditions, especially at higher speeds, that the Sender Free 110 will hold up better than the Corvus. In pure powder, I'd rather the Corvus, but if conditions alter, or even on groomers, I like the Rossignol as it has a lot of smoothness, power, and consistency. That's where the Corvus is interesting--it's very flexible in the tips, stiffer underfoot, and then back to flexy in the tails.

[@Adywebb123]

Would love to see reviews on “down skis”. Not a brand I’m very familiar with. They look awesome

[@SkiEssentials]

It's amazing how many smaller brands there are out there. I've never heard of them before just now.

[@33akkey82]

I would like to get advice on sizing. I am 169cm tall and use anima 182cm and 23-24 corvus 183cm. I am considering purchasing the new corvus and am not sure whether to go with the 181cm or 186cm. I have 185cm and 186cm powder skis, so I am not too concerned about the length.I am not sure about the length because the Radius is not as short as the ANIMA.I would appreciate it if you could tell me about the new corvus, as I was not able to test ride it at the test ride event, as it is not the only one.The video shows that it is less stiff and has a softer top and tail than the previous corvus, but does that reduce its ability to break through in rough conditions? I would be happy to know this as well!

[@SkiEssentials]

If you know you prefer longer skis, even with the longer turn shape here, the Corvus is a pretty manageable ski. It's more meant to be used in a pure powder flotation aspect rather than the old Corvus that could blast through crud and chop. I do not find that this ski is superior to the old one in that regard, but it is considerably easier to use and a whole lot more fun.

[@SnowsailorB]

Did you have the chance to weight the 181? How softer are the shovels vs the tails?

[@SkiEssentials]

We didn't take the bindings off to weigh it, but the BC catalog states a 2000 gram weight in the 181 and that seems about right to us. The shovels are a bit softer than the tails, but both are quite a bit more flexible than they used to be in older Corvus models.

[@aleugen6045]

Please, coould you put them side by side with a Navis freebird? The camber with long tip/tail rocker looks like a wider and heavier Navis...

[@SkiEssentials]

Corvus is still more rockered and tapered. With the extra width of the 110, it makes sense as they're trying to appeal to the strictly soft snow crowd.

[@choski76]

Shape is so different than a dps. Is there a version of this with narrower waist, around 100?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not within Black Crows, since the Justis and Camox are pretty different. I'd check out the Salomon QST 98, Fischer Ranger 102, and the Rossignol Soul 102 for similar shape/character.

[@choski76]

@@SkiEssentials thank you.

[@bertrandverlhac9388]

Would it be relevant to add this ski in a quiver where I have a Justis and an Anima?

[@SkiEssentials]

We'll never say no to these types of questions. To reinforce, the Corvus is a more playful floater than the Anima, even though it's narrower. It's considerably more flexible than the other two skis, so it'd make a great "off day" option for when you're looking for a bit more casual of a day.

[@darinsmith2458]

I know they have metal but how do they compare to the Wailer 112 or JJ 116 or even the Bent 110?

[@bearclaw5115]

Those skis are all on the more playful side with shorter turn radii softer flexes I think and generally suited to lower speeds.

[@SkiEssentials]

The metal is not a defining characteristic in the Corvus, especially not how it used to be. As such, the new model compares favorably to the Bent 110 in terms of being mobile, shifty, and responsive in the camber. The big difference is the radius, and that goes for the Wailer as well. Corvus feels very straight so it's easy to throw sideways.

[@jeffbooth6962]

How stiff is it. Can you compare it to something?

[@SkiEssentials]

Underfoot it's pretty stiff but is relatively flexible in the shovels and tails. I'd say it's like the Fischer Ranger 108 or Blizzard Rustler 11.

[@jonmyklebust5272]

What is Matt's height and weight as he is discussing 186 vs 192?

[@SkiEssentials]

Matt is 6/2 200

[@SnowsailorB]

Hi guys, how does this compare to the Declivity 108?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Declivity isn't quite as flexible or playful, but it does hold up better in crud and chop vs. fresh and deeper snow. There's more heft to the Armada and it makes good sense when you think about it as the wider of the all-mountain Declivity line. As a larger and more aggressive skier, I'd take the Declivity especially since I'm not skiing fresh or deep snow quite as often.

[@luiswoerrlein]

Do you guys know the new motto of the anima ?

[@SkiEssentials]

can we just talk?