2022 Black Crows Nocta

The Black Crows Nocta is the big one. This thing cannot be sunk, and if you do sink it, it likely won’t come un-sunk. These skis are built and shaped to handle the deepest snow and the toughest terrain that you can find, and perform in a playful and fun-loving manner the whole way through. As with most powder skis, it all starts and ends with a full-rocker shape that leads to smoothness and smeariness in the fluff. It’s pretty cool when you put these skis back-to-back and see just how dramatic that rocker profile looks like, and you can imagine and visualize exactly what’s going to happen when the skis hit the snow. Built with a blend of paulownia and poplar wood, the skis consist of a semi-cap construction for maneuverability and a bit lighter of a weight, although in the 185 cm length, they do tip the scales at 2000 g per ski. But that’s okay, especially given the rocker profile and the twin-tip style of ski. Pretty darn straight in the cut, too, that 185 generates a 26-meter “arc” which makes it a lot easier to straight-line when you have to—or want to—and leave nothing but clean lines in your wake. There’ll be some kind of rooster tail as well behind you, as these skis like to lean on the skier’s artistic view of the mountain, leading you to the steepest and burliest terrain that you can find.

Matt McGinnis was on that 185, and he noted that it was true to size. Top scores of 5 out of 5 were given for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, and forgiveness jump right out, as do 4’s for playfulness and overall impression. For a ski at 122 mm underfoot to get a 5 for quickness, Black Crows must be doing something right, or different, and in this case it’s that full rocker profile. Matt notes that given the test day, “Let’s be honest, these skis aren’t getting a fair shot from anyone today. Featuring the most rocker I’ve seen in years, these skis are mad to surf, not rip down nosedive at 2:15 after a day of hot snow. So, rather than talk about how these skis really weren’t up for the task of tearing through an ice, slush, and bump trifecta, let’s talk about how these skis would ski if they were where they wanted to be: in the powder. Even after just surfing through a few slushy mogul berms, these ski’s true desire was obvious: they want to surf the soft. Noting that, I honestly spent the second half of my run day dreaming about their powdery potential. I’ve skied similar skis in the last, and have to imagine that slashing wind drifts, landing switch in powder, or simply throwing up a snow cloud after a quick slide wash is where these would truly excel. Alas, those were not the conditions today. Which brings us to my recommendations: 0/10, would not recommend as a daily driver for any ice coast skier. But, 10/10, would absolutely recommend for a powder ski quiver builder, East or west coast. In regards to ability, let’s create a term called “beginner powder skier,” and say these would be suitable for them, right up through advanced powder skiers who take a freestyle approach to the mountain rather than a steep, technical approach.” As with most skis that are one-dimensional like this, we do see that 0/10 to 10/10 range pop up accordingly.

Phil McGrory was also on the 185, and it was fine, “but for a dedicated powder ski, I’d probably go up to the 190.” Phil, like Matt, also scored a 5 out of 5 for flotation, with 4’s for playfulness and overall impression. All other scores were 3’s, and these are some pretty impressive scores overall from Phil for a 122 mm underfoot ski. “The Nocta is an awesome powder ski that would be awesome to have in your quiver of skis for the days when the snow is bottomless. The 122-waist width paired with the reverse camber profile allows that ski to stay on top of deep snow or water during spring days and end of season pond skimming!” We’d definitely like to see these skis over open water for sure!

Yes, the Nocta is pretty locked in to what it does best. Yes, the Nocta is a truly rockered ski in pretty much every sense of the shape. Yes, it’s probably the ski I’d take to Japan. No, it’s probably not a good choice for most ski resorts. Yes, when you get it into deep snow, you’re not going to want anything else. Have fun!