The Corvus is one of the skis that started it all for Black Crows, and for 2020 we get the latest makeover. This ski features a 107 mm waist width with a reverse camber shape that has a flat spot underfoot. That’s right, no camber, but it’s also not exactly full rocker considering that flat section. You also get a poplar wood core that’s sandwiched between two 120 cm length sheets of Titanal and the sidecut provides a 21 mm turn radius; not short, but also not crazy-long. The Corvus is designed to be strong, powerful, and confidence-inspiring even in the gnarliest of terrain. This newest version has better performance in soft snow than ever before according to Black Crows, and we were eager to get our testers to click in and put it to the test.
Mike Thomas tested the 183.4 cm length in the Corvus and was impressed by its power. Mike did admit that “it took a few turns to come to terms with this ski,” and that’s not that surprising. Simply put, there just aren’t many skis that use a reverse camber shape and that flat section underfoot like the Corvus. A short adjustment period is to be expected. “Lack of camber and metal feels odd at first, but it made sense after half a run. Steer into the turn then let them rail, or just let them rail.” According to Mike, it’s a little easier to skid and steer this ski than a similarly heavy, powerful ski with camber. You can slarve, smear, skid them, then lock them into a turn. Or, if you’re up for it, you can just lock them into that turn right away and go for a ride. Either way, Mike “really enjoyed these,” which was reflected in his scores: 5 out of 5 for flotation, stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression.
Connor Gorham also tested the 183.4 cm length. Connor is quite a bit smaller than Mike and it was interesting to look at how their feedback differed due to their size differences. High scores from Connor too, with versatility being the only characteristic dropping below 4 out of 5. “This hog is a whole lot of ski. THICC waist was tough to get side to side, but when they rolled at higher speeds, they cut ruts 2,000 leagues under the sea.” Hey, great reference, Connor. We know what he’s saying, too. When you have them on edge and you’re riding a carving turn, the Corvus will leave trenches in the snow. “I think a bigger dude (like Mike) could move these well, but I’d be hesitant to take these between the trees. It’s got length and strength, but not build for everyday use.” Really it would only be a daily driver for someone who skis fast, hard, and aggressively and is often skiing off-piste, demanding terrain.
Marcus Shakun also tested that 183.4 cm length. We’re guessing someone Marcus’ size could move up to a longer length, although he did say the 183.4 cm length felt good, which is a testament to their stability. “Big mountain slayer. If you need a ski to charge through the slop, power, and chunder at any speed, this is it. If you can get this monster on edge, it will hold.” Marcus did mention he was “able to wiggle through the tight woods and slushy bumps,” which confirmed Connor’s thoughts about bigger testers, but Marcus also added that it’s an “expert-only ski.”
The Corvus is a big, powerful, super-stable ski. If your idea of a good time is mimicking the skiing you see on the Freeride World Tour and/or you like to test your speed limits through un-groomed, off-piste terrain, you’ll love it. Less aggressive skiers will likely be better off on some of Black Crows’ lighter skis without metal. Beginners and intermediates need not apply. Advanced skiers should be wary. Aggressive experts can rejoice, your ski is here.
