2021 Black Crows Anima

The Black Crows Anima is back for 2021 with a slightly new shape and revised flex pattern and the result is superb. The Anima is plenty capable in deep powder with its 115 mm waist width and tip and tail rocker, while the changes for 2021 have increased its capabilities and given it an improved feel for firmer snow conditions. With a poplar core supported by carbon and Kevlar struts, the Anima is a little stiffer than the wider, more rockered Nocta. It's also a little heavier too at 2250 g per ski at the 182.1 cm length. The rockered tips and tails retain a playful feel in soft snow and some subtle changes to the shape of the tips and tails have increased maneuverability at slow speed. Classic camber underfoot and the fact that this new version uses less early taper than before means you get really good stability and edge grip, too. It's not as surfy as the Nocta, but it's more precise and handles firmer, more variable snow conditions a little better. While we got some of our staff and testers on it this season, we reached out to some Black Crows athletes and ambassadors who were really able to test this new ski in its intended terrain.

Callum Pettit spends a lot of time in the backcountry and splits his time between this ski and the wider Nocta. While the Nocta is his choice for pure, deep powder days, the Anima fills a slightly different role. "The ski to bring if you're going into a mixed bag of conditions. From powder to side hit runs, this ski can handle it all. Perfect balance of big mountain and freestyle in one ski." The Anima is a little more versatile than the Nocta in the sense that it can handle that mixed bag of conditions that Callum is referring to. Backcountry or any off-piste conditions aren't always perfect powder, and that's where the versatility of a ski like the Anima is really beneficial. Michelle Parker spoke highly of the Nocta on those super deep days, but it sounds like she likely spends more time on the Anima. "My go-to big mountain ski built for charging lines with confidence." Michelle rips, so if she feels like she can charge on it, chances are that anyone can. That application is where the extended sidecut, camber, and those carbon and Kevlar struts really shine, ensuring the ski feels stable and also that it tracks well through variable conditions.

Doug Workman spoke highly of the versatility of the Anima, especially for those who live in places that get a lot of snow. "An amazing everyday ski for those places that are blessed with copious amounts of snow on a typical year. A lot of surface area and twin tips give this ski its playfulness. A lot of camber gives this ski its power. Great ski for a hard charger on a big mountain." The blend of performance that Black Crows achieves in the Anima is downright impressive. Whenever a manufacturer can mix playfulness and power into a single ski, we take notice. Mike Henitiuk focused his feedback on that powerful aspect and its versatility, which is exceptionally impressive considering the width of the Anima. "A ski that likes to go fast. Glides through a range of snow conditions from deep powder to hard pack."

The Anima is a fantastic choice for skiers looking for a mix of playfulness, maneuverability, stability, and power, specifically for off-piste terrain. Black Crows is well-known for their powder and big mountain skis, and the Anima is a big reason why. This new version is even better than ever before, upping the stability factor while retaining a fun, playful feel when you want it. Despite that power and edge grip, you don't really ever feel locked in to a turn on the Anima. It's also more appropriate for most skiers than something like the Nocta, although I suppose that depends on how many skis you have in your quiver. Skiers looking for the ultimate float will certainly love the Nocta, and its playfulness is off the charts, but the Anima allows you to ski a wider variety of terrain and conditions, while still retaining really good powder performance, too.