Returning unchanged for 2024, the Black Crows Navis Freebird is an iconic adventure ski that balances both ski-ability and a lightweight construction. With hybrid skis being one of the most popular genres of skis these days, it is hard to stand out, but the green machine is one of the few that does separate itself from the rest. Separating itself with a construction and shape that permits a wide range of applications for a variety of skier types, the Navis Freebird is for the people that want a strong ski that can be taken to the far reaches of the backcountry. Whether that be a powder mission, a big mountain line, or an extensive hut trip, the Navis Freebird excels in all the conditions that you may encounter along the way. For skiers seeking a truly unique hybrid alpine/touring ski that balances both uphill and downhill performance, it is hard to go without something other than the 2024 Black Crows Navis Freebird.

The 2024 Black Crows Navis Freebird’s unique construction provides generous stability and performance while remaining relatively light. 3400 grams at the 179cm length, it is neither the lightest nor the heaviest ski in the vast hybrid touring/alpine discipline. The core is made up of both paulownia and poplar which is then reinforced with carbon stringers and fiberglass laminates resulting in a robust yet comprehensive flex pattern. Paulownia and poplar contribute to the ski’s energy and responsiveness without adding a bunch of overall weight. Carbon stringers that run the length of the ski add to longitudinal stiffness and edge retention on firm snow. Fiberglass laminates add torsional stiffness to maximum edge grip on firm snow and in steep terrain. Rounding out the construction, the Navis Freebird also has a titanal plate underfoot for binding retention and vibration dampening. Combined, this construction is balanced between weight saving and high performance, which makes this ski the perfect choice for aggressive skiers who are looking for a powerful adventure ski that will not easily be pushed beyond its capabilities.

When it comes to shape, there is not too much that is out of the ordinary. A tried and true freeride shape makes for a ski that likes to be in various conditions and terrain. Starting with profile, the Navis Freebird has a rocker/camber/rocker profile which is both maneuverable yet stable. There is about 20% tip rocker, 65% camber, and 15% tail rocker which is an ideal profile for soft snow conditions. With tip and tail rocker like this, there is a high degree of floatation and pivot. Camber underfoot allows the skis to grip onto firm snow as well as provide energy to the ski when in softer snow. The Navis Freebird is certainly the most versatile of the Black Crows Freebird series due to its shape and sidecut, which makes it the choice of many skiers. 138mm in the forebody, 102mm underfoot, and 119mm in the tail make the Navis Freebird a ski that will perform in all snow conditions, no matter how firm the snow is or how deep it is. This sidecut generates a turning radius of 19 meters, which is relatively long but well suited for the terrain for which it is designed for. 102mm underfoot is ideal for all conditions that can be found in the backcountry, which is why the Navis Freebird is such a popular ski for hybrid applications.

For skiers who are looking for the ultimate hybrid alpine/touring ski that is incredibly high performing while remaining lightweight, look no further than the 2024 Black Crows Navis Freebird. The green machine is neither the lightest nor the heaviest, but it's extremely well-rounded and versatile. Its energetic yet stable construction and multifaceted shape make it the way to go for many backcountry skiers.