Black Crows Camox Freebird for Ski Touring — Review

Post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry, quiz them about Camox.

Editor’s note: In the annoying fashion that’s all to common these days, Black Crows is retaining the “Camox Freebird” moniker for an entirely different ski (2018-2019 version) than that reviewed here (2017-2018). The new version appears to be nice, lighter weight, same color. It’s built with more carbon. Julia gave the original version high marks as an all-around touring ski. That doesn’t surprise me given the Black Crows reputation. Thus, I’d venture that either “model” is excellent, and perhaps the originals can be found deeply discounted.

Camox and me, Glacier Peak.

The temps are decreasing, it finally smells like fall. Though winter is still a few months away, I embrace denial by watching last year’s ski films on repeat, while dreaming about pow hitting me in the face.

Camox and me , Eldorado.

As a distraction from winter fantasy (or tease?), I’m here to tell you more about the Black Crows Camox Freebird. Since our first-look post, I’ve been skiing the Camox Freebird for one season. While a bit skinny for the PNW, it is now my favorite ski (I do have wider options available in the quiver). Bottom line: beginner or expert who straps a pair of these on their feet will have a killer time.

I have exclusively skied the Camox in the backcountry. We have adventured through the PNW on numerous trips. Our relationship began on the way to Camp Muir in October of last year, and we finished the season with a one day push on the Emmons Glacier on Mt Rainier during early July. Camox and I have traveled as far as Glacier Peak, bonding on our long walk in the woods and then skiing the Cool Glacier to explore nearby landscapes. We enjoyed an icy skin up to Pikers Peak on Mt Adams on a blustery day in late June, with a perfect corn harvest down Southwest Chutes. A solid affection was built over mushy potatoes on Bakers’ Squak Glacier, enhanced with tight turns during creek hopping through the woods. And how can I forget the long boot up the Cascadian on Mt Stuart, and the numerous skinning laps up Hyak and Summit West in rain, ice, slush, pow, you name it? We even caught a few sneaker pow days in the Snoqualmie and Crystal Backcountry, those surely were a treat. Anyways, you get the idea: Camox and I grew to like each other very much.

2018-2019 Black Crows Camox.

What I like about Camox Freebird:

What I don’t like:

Eldorado. Photo by Steph Peterson

I give Black Crows a big high five for their incredible product. The fit was about as perfect as Cinderella’s crystal slipper, if Disney characters were into skiing.

Specs for my setup:

Spring corn on Mount Stuart, photo by Nick Webb.

5 Responses to “Black Crows Camox Freebird for Ski Touring — Review”

1. Michael September 27th, 2018 6:34 pm

   I skied the 179 Navis Freebird in CA last season. Despite our abbreviated season I felt like I got them out in a variety of conditions and have a good feel for the ski. Mounted with Salomon MTN bindings. I liked them quite a bit. Versatile ski that does it all pretty well and handles poor snow nicely, which I consider to be the real test of a touring ski. Light enough with the bindings I chose for long days. I’m satisfied. They sure are trendy nowadays, but they’re worthy of the adoration IMO.

2. Darin Berdinka September 28th, 2018 9:29 am

   Having picked up a pair of 179 Navis as well last year I found them dependable but generally boring. Maybe it’s just me. They sure do generate a lot of comments.

3. Simon Kelly September 29th, 2018 1:32 am

   Great review. Thanks for writing it.

   I picked some of last years Camoxs up over the summer at a great price. I already have the Orb Freebirds and love them. Just wanted something slightly fatter for a couple of trips I’ve got coming up this year. Looking forward to trying the Camoxs. Only 11 weeks to wait until the first trip of the season. 🙂

4. Cody Blank September 29th, 2018 7:59 pm

   I got to demo some of these guys last winter and I was super stoked on them (and the Navis too). Closest thing I’ve found to a “touring” (ie no metal/ light) version of my older Nordica Enforcers that Iove so much. Would be interested to see how these compare to the Blizzard Zero-G 95.

5. Max November 2nd, 2018 4:13 am

   Very interested your views of the new model, listed as 2750g / pair on the manufacturers website and selected ski of the year at proskilab. Also curious how these compare to Head Kore 93. I am really torn between these two ski’s, to combine with the Shift MNC binding and Atomic XTD boots for a 50/50 travel friendly quiver of one. If the Freebird can match the stability and speed of the Kore on groomers then it’s significant weight advantage will give it the nod. Still, judging only from the reviews, Kore seems to be unique in its blend of lightweight with heft and thus the ideal match with Shift MNC.