Introducing the 2025 Black Crows Octo with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings, a cutting-edge carving combination that combines elements from the Mirus Cor with a fresh, newschool twist. Designed for pure on-piste carving performance, this ski offers a modern take on traditional carving with its nimble and agile handling with a playful attitude. The Octo excels in short turns, delivering a thrilling experience with its robust tail and stiff underfoot flex, allowing skiers to experiment with various turn shapes and edge angles. We paired the Octo with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The Octo stands out by offering intermediate and expert skiers access to high-end performance through its thoughtful design and engineering. Its resemblance to the Mirus Cor adds a familiar touch, enhancing its appeal for those who appreciate precise frontside carving.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to advanced skiers who love carving and enjoy exploring different turn shapes and styles.

Highlights:

Featuring a core of poplar and fiberglass laminates, the Octo delivers impressive pop and energy while effectively damping vibrations. The inclusion of an aluminum tail insert enhances stability and provides a strong platform for turn release. The ABS sidewalls tapering to cap construction at the tips and tails increase stiffness and edge grip underfoot while reducing weight at the ski’s extremities. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

The 2025 Black Crows Octo incorporates a small amount of aluminum in the tail for improved turn release but does not have additional metal throughout the ski for extreme skier manipulation. This may result in slightly less edge grip and power for advanced skiers seeking maximum performance. However, the Octo’s agility and creative potential make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lively, versatile ski over heavier, more rigid options.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis are true to size, but since the Octo is designed for frontside carving, sizing down slightly is a common choice.