Time to feel free.
Editor’s Note: This Black Crows Navis Freebird review was originally published in February 2020. The 2022-2023 Black Crows Navis Freebird is the same ski as the previous version (2020-2021).
By Cara Redalen
With most types of skiing, you are guaranteed to run into a whole host of conditions depending on the time of day, day of the week, terrain or slope you find yourself on. Conditions can switch from sunny and warm to a whiteout in an instant. This is especially true in the backcountry, where you need a ski that can handle anything. Enter the Black Crows Navis Freebird. If you are looking for a one-ski backcountry quiver for variable conditions, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with the 102mm-waist Navis Freebirds. Unisex, versatile, light, responsive, powerful, quick—what else could you want?
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Black Crows Navis Freebird Review: Field Notes
The Freebird line takes Black Crows’ standard construction and lightens it up by utilizing innovative materials to cut weight while maintaining strong downhill performance. The Navis Freebirds use paulownia/poplar wood for the core with fiberglass and carbon reinforcements to keep the skis light and responsive but still stiff. Shape-wise they have a more traditional feel with a good amount of camber underfoot, a flat tail, and a more subtle rocker at the tip than their wider siblings like the Corvus Freebird or Ferox. The shape gives them great edge hold and responsiveness while boosting surface contact with the snow to help your skins grab. However, they are not quite as powder oriented or surfy as some other options out there.
I’ve been riding on the Navis Freebirds for two seasons now and have gotten to take them out all over Colorado from early November tours to April spring adventures. This means they’ve seen blower powder days, skied-out toboggan runs through the trees, sun baked crust, and most things in between.
Uphill
Wow. I decided to pair these with the G3 Ion and man are they light. They cruise uphill without burning out my legs too much, meaning they can go forever (or at least as far as my legs can go). They also have great maneuverability which is nice when going up a tighter skin track or making a kick turn on a steep slope. Honestly I think I may like going uphill on these puppies as much as downhill. I know, crazy.
Downhill
Given how light these skis are, I was shocked by how well they ski downhill, equally matching if not surpassing my experience uphill. They are quick edge to edge, responsive, and stable alongside being easy to maneuver through tight spaces and powerful enough to cut into less-than-ideal snow. Because they do not have the most substantial rocker, I wouldn’t say they float as well as a wider ski or a ski with more rocker. They also do not have a surfy or particularly playful feel to them, but still definitely have some pop and personality. So if you are looking for something that has a more traditional feel and can handle darn near everything you throw at them, then this is a great option.
Inbounds
One of the million-dollar questions with all backcountry skis is, “Can I ski this in bounds?” My answer: yes. I have brought these skis to the resorts (Copper Mountain, Loveland, Eldora) a couple times to put them to the test, and I can confirm they are a hoot to ski downhill. No, they do not have the power or crud busting abilities of a heavier, resort focused ski. But they do still carve and float and weave their way through the trees with joy. The sturdy sidewalls really cut into hard snow, and the skis pack enough power to be driven when they need to be without getting squirrely or beat around too much.
Downside
As much as I enjoy the Navis Freebird in-bounds, I register as a fairly dainty individual compared to some other skiers out there. Hard-charging and/or bigger male or female skiers may need more ski for day-to-day resort use. That also has a lot to do with personal preference and ski style. Conservative and finesse-oriented skiers may be just fine with the Navis Freebird. Speed demons will want to keep it in the backcountry. Considering that’s what it’s made for, though, that downside isn’t much of a knock.
Bottom Line
If you want a lightweight backcountry ski that’s still super fun to ski downhill, then it’s pretty hard to beat the Black Crows Freebird Line. And if you want something for nearly any condition out there (save perhaps the deepest of days), then keep the Navis Freebird on your radar. I genuinely feel that I could take these skis anywhere, anytime, and have a riot doing so.
Check out the other offerings from Black Crows for this upcoming 2023 season here.
