2022 Black Crows Camox Birdie

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but wider twin tip skis are a whole lot of fun. The Black Crows Camox Birdie is one of the best of the best, and for ladies who are looking for a light, fun, energetic, and smooth ski that will handle all the mountain can throw at you, you’re in luck with the Camox Birdie. Simply built, with a poplar wood core and a fiberglass laminate, the Camox Birdie is unassuming in its construction, but that simplicity goes a long way for performance’s sake, especially in the realm of intuitiveness and fun. From steeps and trees to bumps and the park, this smooth operator loves to be put to the test. From a shaping standpoint, the 97 mm underfoot waist allows for proper flotation in fresh and soft snow, but the high camber underfoot combined with the minimal taper shape makes for a longer effective edge and an energetic feel to the turn. Lots of rebound makes for happy skiers, and when it’s not too difficult to get that energy, it’s a whole lot of fun.

Alli Ruschp skied both the 162 Birdie and the 168 men’s version (same ski, different sizes and graphics), and noted that the 162cm length worked better for her. Unsurprisingly, she scored the ski all 4’s straight down the line, showing the well-versed strength and unique versatility of the Camox Birdie. When a ski has consistently high scores like this, it’s a good sign for an all-mountain ski, and one with a playful feel like this will satisfy the needs and wants of a huge number of skiers. Alli notes that she “thought I would like 168 better but actually liked the 162, more playful and fun, easier to turn. 97 underfoot is great for slushy snow or a little powder. Approachable ski for someone looking for a wider ski to do all the conditions.” I think that last part says the most, insofar as “all conditions” is something that a lot of skiers are looking to ski, and most of the time, if you’re looking for one ski, it’s very helpful that it’s capable in variable conditions and terrain.

On the 174, Danielle Nichols found the length to be right on target, and like Alli, scored the ski all 4’s, from flotation to torsional stiffness, and from forgiveness to overall impression. All 4’s from two testers is a pretty cool way to start a review of the Camox Birdie for sure. She notes that the Camox Birdie is a “Really great ski. This is totally my style. Fun and playful in all conditions but when you really want to stand on it, it totally responds. Love it.” Again, similar to the all 4’s from both Alli and Danielle, we also see the term “all conditions” used, showing the true nature of the ski, and we’re all for it. Lexi Hildreth skied the 162 and noted it was true to size. Similarly to Alli and Danielle, Lexi scored the ski all 4’s but with an exception for a 5 for flotation. Lexi’s scores highlight the versatility of the ski, and while she had high scores, she also noted that it was perhaps not the right choice for her, and that’s a big part of the fun of this test, that we get to see different skiers and their experience on the same skis. Lexi notes that the Camox Birdie is “not a great ski for me, but it was fun to test. On the wider end, but definitely an all-mountain ski. Would recommend for an intermediate to advanced skier who wants something lightweight and playful.”

We rarely see such consistent scores and feedback on a ski, and at this high of a level, it makes the Camox Birdie really seem like a fantastic choice for the true all-mountain skier who’s looking for the ultimate in versatility and fun. As far as one-ski quivers are concerned, you could do a whole lot worse than the Camox Birdie, and Black Crows is really on to something here with this ski.