Thank you so much guys. Just purchased a pair from you based off this video as I was stuck between these and the Orb. Greatly appreciated this breakdown.
You guys do great breakdowns. LOVE the Black Crows content so much, Im in the camp of "want a pair of BCs but don't know which pair to buy or best suits me" Again you guys cover BC skis so well. Much appreciated.
Agree - videos and analysis are best in the business - descriptions of skis really helps to understand what works best for certain type of skier. I’ve also learned plenty about ski construction!
Thanks, brother! You guys are great and have really made an impact on the skis I’ve purchased the last 5 years. Picking up the Mirus in an hour and headed straight to the mountain! Hopefully, I can buy the my next pair of boards from y’all. Last year we (me and my 17 year old daughter) did stop by to grab some “84” garb lol!!!
This is the "Serpo kick" here at 8:48 😃.... the feedback that you get from this ski is an absolute blast. As compared to other skis that you have to push harder to get that feedback, the snap it provides with ease is something that really stuck out to me.
as always many thanks for this amazing review and your insights on this ski. there is nobody else out there with such high quality reviews as you guys what recommendation can you make in regards to the length of the serpo considering i would judge myself as a advanced skier with a height of 185cm and 85kg of weight. i am looking at the serpo for pretty much exclusive on piste skiing and i would like to be able to make use of the possibility to alter between short/medium radius turns and long carving turns. leaning more toward a playful sking style then charging super hard all the time. although i would not mind the stability of a longer ski from time to time. therefor i am a bit torn between the 180.1 cm and the 186.3 cm. also and recommendation in regards to the binding would be highly appreciated. i won't be doing any by jumps on these since my knees are not what they used to be :-) ... but i would not mind a stable binding obviously. if you find a second to reply i would very much appreciate. thanks and best regards
Hi! I think 180.1 is a good choice. You could probably ski the 186 too, but I don't know that it's necessary, especially based on your description of how you like to ski. You'll find the 180 is easier to manipulate turn shape, which I think you'll appreciate. For bindings... lots of good choices out there. A Look Pivot would be awesome for this ski as it allows for such natural flex underfoot. 14 or 15 if you want the full metal toe. If you wanted to save a little money, the Attack 13 or 14 is a great binding, and we have lots of success with the Marker Griffon 13 too. Salomon and Atomic have a new binding called the Strive, which we've been testing and enjoying, but it's not available just yet.
Your review sold me on the Serpos and I bought a pair over summer. I've had about 30 days in them and I've had so, so much fun skiing such a wide variety of terrain and conditions. I've definitely found its limits (Wolf Creek on a pow day was tough for a 93) but in general I recommend this ski to an embarrassing degree. Anyways, thanks for your content!
Incredible review again… making decisions too damn difficult. I recently looked at the Atomic bent 90 and Blizzard rustler 9 as I want a playful ski to handle tight trees and side hits but was unsure if either could handle icy French slopes very well. How do the Serpos handle in those aspects as they sound perfect on piste, but the flatter tails makes me question wether I could smear well or just get kicked about if I’m lazy while turning
Serpo definitely feels stronger and more supportive on firm snow than both the Bent 90 and Rustler 9, especially the Bent. A good skier won't have any issues getting it to swing around or smear, but it does require a more refined skiing technique. Anyone can smear a Bent 90 or a Rustler, Serpo is a little more precise and more responsive, so needs to be properly weighted, but also isn't too catchy or demanding. Hope that helps!
Always interesting video reviews you guys do. In mid fat, 94-95 underfoot skis, you might want to look into ZAG skis, a company from Chamonix also. Although smaller a smaller company than Black Crows, they make freeride and touring skis. I have the Ubac 95 (170 cm). Very light. Have a good day, and thanks for the review.
Hi. Thanks again for a good review and the great skiing footage! Love that you leave the ’Oops! Got a bit thrown!’ -shots in there also :). How would the Serpo’s compare to Salomon’s Stance 90 and 96? From the review sounds like Black Crows are going after that same 90-95mm ’do everthing’ allmountain ski. Same as the Stance 90 and 96.
Definitely trying to enter that mid-90, do-everything category. I do think the Stance skis feel a little different, however. More metal in those skis, so they feel heavier on your feet. More stability at speed, but not as quick or as energetic as the Serpo.
Great video! Thanks for the efforts. Is the SERPO too much ski for someone getting back j to the sport after years away? Solid but currently rusty Intermediate skier who loves the super-long groomers and occasional powder when it’s around. Appreciate your suggestions if there’s a more suitable BC ski out there. Cheers!
Hey Curtis! No, I think the Serpo would be reasonable for someone in position. It's not tremendously hard to ski. That was one of the things I noticed first about it (relatively forgiving, user-friendly). It does, however, have a very high performance ceiling. It's one of those skis that the faster you ski it, the more powerful it feels, which is a great characteristic. I also think it's a nice width for BC terrain. Good on groomers, but can handle some softer conditions too.
Appreciate the reviews fellas! Currently on a declivity 102 as my daily driver. 80% of the time skiing Lake Louise. I often feel like I am lugging around too much ski for how seldom we receive fresh snow. I like the idea of the Serpo as a new daily driver. I am simply wondering if the Serpo fits what I’m looking for? Does is provide enough separation from the declivity in terms of feel and versatility? I’m just trying to avoid any redundancy between the two. Thanks
I think so. The quickness and snappiness of the Serpo is pretty different, in addition to the shaping and profiling. I like to keep 10 mm in between my skis, and it seems like you're right there.
Stowe is my home mountain! Glad to see this vids - great content. I am torn between Serpos and Stormrider 95s - What do you think works best as a daily driver at Stowe in particular?
HI Scott! Hard to pass up on a Stockli, but the Serpo is one of the skis that can do it. The quietness of the Stockli is what stands out to me the most. While smooth and stable, the Serpo still lacks that extra 2-5% of precision and quality that the Stockli skis possess. The Serpo's rocker profile make it a bit more agreeable in the bumps, trees, and powder, but that also makes it lack the bite at the end of the turn that the Stockli provides. At the end of the day, you've got two fantastic skis to choose from here, and I'd take either as my Stowe only ski, but I still think it's too hard to cancel the Stormrider if it's on your list.
Awesome video. My current quiver is a pair of Liberty Origin 96 and Atomic Redster x9 WB. Thinking of replacing the Origin with the Justis or Serpo. 95% skiing in the East, mainly on small Ontario hills. Definitely into the hard charging ski that has just enough give in it to smear and have some fun. Any thoughts on which one would be better?
I would say the Justis matches your description of what you're looking for slightly better than the Serpo. You'd probably enjoy skiing both of them, but the Justis has longer tail rocker, by quite a bit, which allows for much easier smearing/slashing turns. If you wanted to get a little more responsiveness out of the tail than your Origins, the Serpo would be great, but sounds like you value that edge release, and because of that I'm leaning towards Justis.
Hey guys, I'm a lifer snowboarder ported recently to an upper intermediate/advanced level skier. Last year I skied the Mantra M6, it was the first time ever on such a powerful ski. I loved it, but I feel like all I wanted to do was power down the mountain on it. This year I'd like to explore a bit more off piste, while still chasing my young kids around the mountain. This Serpo seems like a great fit, but I'm sure I would be happy just continuing on the Manta.. What do you think? I'm 5'9" 175 and I ski West at Mammoth, Tahoe and Utah mountains.
Hey Matt! Serpo sounds like a great choice. Not as powerful as the Mantra, but also not far off, and a little more forgiving and versatile as a true all-mountain ski. Considering where you live and the snow conditions out there, it feels like a great choice to me. You'll feel like you can do more on the Serpo instead of just powering down the mountain at all times.
Thanks for this review and all others which I view regularly. I am a 183cm, 90 kg advanced pretty aggressive skier, mostly skiing on piste. Three questions: 1) Do you think it makes sense to add Serpo to the quiver which already contains M5 mantra? Is there an added value?; 2) Would 180cm be the right size for me?; 3) Is Look Pivot 14 or 15 a good binding choice for the Serpo? I would appreciate your advice. Keep up the great work. M
HI Marcin! I think there's some overlap for sure between Serpo and M5, but don't let that stop you from buying more skis! Serpo has more quickness and short-turn energy to it, and I'd much rather ski bumps and trees on the Serpo without losing too much groomer/crud performance versus M5. I'd go 180 in that ski. Pivot 15 is certainly superior to the 14 in that it has the one-piece metal toe housing versus the 14's multi-piece toe, but most skiers will not notice any difference in performance or safety.
Serpo feels more responsive out of the tail as it's flatter and a little stiffer back there. Rustler is a little looser, especially when you take it off trail or into softer snow conditions. Similar levels of stability and vibration damping, to me the biggest difference is the tail shape.
Hey, guys! Thank you very much for the review! I would like to ask you. I have previously tried riding a BC ova (125-85-108), height 178 cm. I really liked these skis, I would like to take something similar. But now I'm looking at BC serpo height 186 cm. My height is 187 cm, weight 95 kg. I prefer an aggressive style of riding, I would like to feel stable at speed (40-80 km/h). I ask you to tell me if the right choice is B C serpo 186 in this case.
186 cm Serpo sounds like a great choice for you! It will be more supportive for aggressive skiing and higher speeds. Should be a perfect ski and length for you.
Hey guys! Long time watcher, first time commenter. I have the mindbender 108ti and love it so much but they can struggle on hard pack. I was looking to get something in the mid 90s to add to my quiver. I tried the ranger 98ti ages ago and loved it so I imagine I love feeling of titanal. With that I’m torn between this black crows ski and the 2023 Fischer ranger 96 (or even a Fischer ranger 99 Ti). What would you recommend? Thanks so much for all your great reviews!!!
Really there are plenty of great options for bindings on a Serpo. We've seen a lot with Tyrolia Attack 14s or Griffon 13s, both of which I would expect would work for you. I've become quite fond of the new Salomon/Atomic Strive binding too. Strive 14 should be plenty. If you did want to go with a stronger, higher-DIN binding, you could do Attack 16, Jester 16, or Strive 16. I'll always bring up Look Pivots too. You'll spend more, but a lot of skiers love the Pivot and can justify the extra cost. Pivot 15 would be my recommendation if you decide to go that route. Hope that helps!
Is there a big difference in overall performance between the Serpo and Orb or are they pretty similar with different waist widths? Looking for a daily east coast ski. I have other wider skis for powder and western skiing. I am looking for something with strong carving performance but with some versatility to it.
Overall, pretty similar, yeah. I do find the tips and tails (very ends) of the Serpo are a little softer. That gives it a touch more performance in soft snow and a slightly smoother feel. Maybe not quite as stiff as the Orb, but only in the extremities, so you still get really good bite underfoot.
Hi. I’m 178 Cm (5’ 10”) and intend to use these skis mostly out West. Do you recommend sizing up for the Serpo? I’m looking at the 173s and 180s. Great videos, thanks!
Hey Ryan! Sorry fo the delay getting back to you. I'm very close to your size and definitely prefer the 180 length in the Serpo. It's not overly-stiff or too demanding, so skiing it in the longer lengths isn't tremendously challenging.
This seems like a great option for a lightweight all-mountain option to slap a switch binding on, especially coming from New Zealand, but I also feel the same way about the Maverick 95. Any thoughts on how these 2 compare in terms of pure carving performance and freeride-ability? Also, I get that you guys rave about the Ripstick 96 black, but do you think it really has the edge grip to perform at high speed in icy NZ hardpack? Cheers, love your reviews
Thanks, Oscar! I found that the Maverick has more of a preference for longer turns and higher speeds while the Serpo is more versatile when it comes to turn shape and style. I'd also say that the Serpo is more of a freeride ski that happens to be super-snappy and grippy for when the snow gets firm. I'd lean to the Serpo based on your application.
Okay, any tips for sizing? I’m 6’1 and 170lbs. I’m a fairly aggressive advanced level skier, so I like the idea of the 186 for its added stability, but I still want to be able to flick the ski around. Any thoughts? Cheers
one of my fav skis of all time was a 184 cm kastle lx 92, which is a full camber, medium stiff ski. it carved and it floated in powder. this ski has very similar dimensions and is also medium stiff? would this serpo ski be comparable to the lx 92, but with more modern design elements and greater off track versatility? i would love to find a more modern take on the kastle lx 92. but, should i downsize to the 180 or go 186 cm. which might be ski better for me the fischer 96 or the serpo in the 186 cm length? i am a strong experienced skier, 73 in tall, 190 lbs thanks
Hey Steve! That's an interesting take, but I think there's a lot of truth there. In a lot of ways, the Serpo is a good ski to think of as a modern LX 92. I worked at a shop that sold those LX 92s. Great skis. I wouldn't downsize if I were you. You're proportionally bigger than me, and I thought the 180 worked great for my size. If I were 3 inches taller and 30 lbs heavier (the difference between us), I would definitely want the 186.
Do you think this ski would be appropriate for a pretty hard charging skier? Torn between this and an enforcer, but don’t want something crazy stiff on the woods
Yes, I do. I think only the most aggressive, hardest charging skiers will be the ones who might want a stiffer, heavier ski. I do think the Enforcer is a little more stable at speed, but not quite as supple as the Serpo.
No, I would say Enforcers feel stiffer. Relatively close, but yeah, I'd say Enforcer is a little stiffer. The difference is mostly in the tips and tails.
Hello! We haven't seen anything like that first hand. I wouldn't say they have any significant problems compared to other skis. Basically anything with a vertical sidewall will experience some amount of topsheet chipping over its lifetime, but we haven't seen any major delamination issues or anything like that. We have a few pairs in our demo fleet that are heavily used and still look great.
How do they compare to the Stoeckli AR? I ski in Switzerland and am looking for an on piste ski which also allows me to go off piste when the conditions are good (when everything has been plowed through and I feel like some backcountry action, I have separate backcountry ski touring gear). I tried a bunch of Stoecklis (up to the WTR) and found that I was able to handle them well, I also already skied the Serpo and also really liked it. Unfortunately wasn’t able to do a proper side by side, so now I am torn :(
Hi! I answered on the AR page as well, but if you're looking for a 50/50 one ski quiver, the Serpo is the way to go, but for on-trail carving and performance, the AR is quite a bit smoother and more compliant in the turn.
Greetings from Germany. You mention edge grip? I weigh, with clothes, 100 kg , 190 cm tall and sometimes ski icy black (real black). Edge grip can be a factor then, especially when you have to turn and hack the ski into the ice on a steap slope. What can you say on this issue. I am looking for a new all terrain ski, not always wanting to take 3 pairs on holiday.
In my opinion, its edge grip is better than most skis in this category. There are certainly some with more bite and more torsional stiffness, but those skis lose a lot of forgiveness and some fun-factor too. I really don't think there are many people that will find an issue with lack of edge grip with the Serpo, even heavier skiers on steep terrain.
Hey Jeff; I’m running a Ripstick Black. Do you think this Mirus Cor would be a good compliment? I’m an East Coast skier. Mainly Pa (Seven Springs) and a couple trips up your way.
Mirus Cor is a great complement to any ski you have because it's so different--you will not have any crossover with any other ski at this point in time. Great on groomers and a lot of fun and energy.
thinking about the serpo or the armada declivity 92ti - any thoughts on the better choice? - think they cover the same territory in terms of all mountain - just curious to hear your thoughts on how they compare? thanks
I like the quickness and agility of the Serpo over the Declivity. It's not quite as quiet as the Armada, but it's still pretty darn stable. I'd rather ski the Serpo in the bumps and trees, with groomer stability going to the Declivity, but not by a whole lot.
Hey I’m considering in getting a pair what length do you recomend. I’m 5’9 170lb advanced skier. Will the 174 be fine, I feel the 180 might be too much ski.
I (Jeff) am close to your size... 1 inch taller, 10-15 lbs lighter, and I prefer the 180 cm for sure. If you don't ski super fast, however, 174 would be fine too.
Depends where you live and what you ski. Some skiers would want to go narrower and get a true carving ski for low-snow days. Others who live somewhere that gets more snow, or who spend more time off trail, would want to get something a little wider with more tip and tail rocker for better deep snow performance and off-piste maneuverability. Hope that helps!
Hey James! Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Are you crazy? No, not at all! I personally would be psyched to own both skis. I'd take the Serpo out on firmer days when I wanted to lay over carves, then opt for the Camox if the snow was softer and/or if I was feeling more playful that day. They're close in width, but far enough apart in performance and feel that it would be perfectly justifiable.
Hi, great videos. I had a chance to try the Camox and found it to be too much camber for my taste. I like a little more of a slashy feel. The Justis looks perfect for me except that it may be too much ski. I am not a hard charger. Would the Serpo be easier to slash around in trees than the Camox, how do they generally compare? Thanks 50/50 on and off piste skier.
Hello! The Serpo isn't going to feel more slashy than the Camox. The tail has less rocker, which gives it more of a responsive feel and a little more grip, rather than being looser. The Justis does sound like it's the right shape for you. It's kind of a lot of ski, but depending on how you ski, it could be the way to go. What about a Salomon QST 98? That ski has a similar shape to the Justis, but it's not as demanding. K2 Reckoner 102 comes to mind too. Little different, but the same idea. Hope that helps!
I (Jeff) am wearing the Orage Corbet's (purple) and Spire (tan) in this video. Pants are both Gibson Bibs, also Orage. Bob's wearing the Orage Redford jacket (pretty sure) and Marcus is wearing a Strafe jacket.
The differences in construction give them a different feel, but they are fairly similar overall. The difference in construction is almost hard to describe. Both are smooth and have good vibration damping, metal just feels a little different than carbon, and Elan's use of carbon feels different than everyone else's use of carbon. The Serpo feels a little quicker edge to edge, while the shape of the Ripstick is a little easier in soft snow conditions (more rocker and taper). Both have a relatively snappy, energetic feel. Biggest difference to me is width and rocker/taper.
This is the first collaborative effort between earthlings and extraterrestrials in ski creation. Decades in the making. (Look up “Serpo” in the annals of UFO research, in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, but wish to!)
Truly one of the most important moments in human history. Not only does it confirm the existence of alien life, it also answers the 2nd part of that question, do they ski? www.skiessentials.com/Chairlift-Chat/If-Alien-Exist-Do-They-Ski/
Pretty similar overall, although I find more vibration damping and smoothness in the Declivity and more responsiveness and energy in the Serpo. Serpo feels a little more precise too. Definitely in the same conversation, versatile all-mountain skis with partial metal laminates.
Hey Ryan! There are some similarities, but the Serpo feels stronger and more precise, mostly thanks to the flatter tail and the use of metal. It's not as smeary or as playful as the Camox, but it carves better and feels more stable at higher speeds. Obviously the shape is quite a bit different too with the Serpo being 100% directional and the Camox a twin tip.
Would you say this ski is fairly close to the Völkl Mantra 96 obvs a little less wide by 3mm but I’m after a ski that’s very good on piste and performs well in poor condition on piste and maybe snowy days on piste - I’m it looking to go deep powder back country. If not would you recommend a ski for what I describe? I am a skier of 30 years good turns and technical but I don’t ski super fast
Yes, if you're looking for a Mantra-like ski but with more accessibility and decent soft snow performance, this is a fantastic choice. Very predictable and sturdy but not overly demanding.
Pretty similar, actually! Definitely in the same category. Relatively light, but both use some metal. I think the tail of the Serpo is a little snappier, more responsive, while the tail of the Maverick is a touch easier to release in soft snow.
Hey Gary! Similar skis overall. The Serpo feels a little softer to me, just in a longitudinal sense. Both have similar torsional stiffness and edge grip. That difference in flex makes the Serpo a little more playful, and I think more fun off trail. On the other hand, the Ranger is a little more responsive out of the tail, specifically noticeable on a groomer.
Very close comparison. I think the tail rocker of the Serpo sets it a bit apart in terms of off-piste performance. I'd also prefer the Declivity in longer and faster turns while the Serpo is just so darn comfortable making short and quick arcs.
Mantra is heavier, stiffer, and more stable at speed, but not as agile or as responsive as the Serpo. There's a lot of energy to the Serpo, while the Mantra focuses more on power and precision.
Nick, Much better comparison than Serpo vs. Mirus Cor. Unleashed isn't quite as snappy or quick, but is a heck of a lot more versatile when it comes to softer snow and any type of freestyle skiing. If park or tricks are at all in your playbook, I'd keep the Unleashed on the list and ditch the Serpo. Overall, similar type of build with partial metal laminate, but the shaping is considerably different with the twin tip of the Unleashed and the more directional Serpo. If I had zero skis and had to choose one of them for what I do here in Vermont, I'd take Unleashed, but it's a tough one. SE
They're definitely in the same conversation. If there was Mindbender ~94Ti, they would be extremely similar. I do think the Serpo is a little more supple in the tips and tails, which makes it a little easier off trail. On the other hand, I think it's fair to say the Mindbender 89Ti has more vibration damping and feels a touch stronger, but at the cost of a little bit of maneuverability, ease of use, etc.
@@soo-weeong9149 actually yes. The Orb would be a closer comparison to the Mindbender 89Ti. Those skis actually feel quite similar. Less of a difference than how I described Serpo vs MB, but a similar theme.
Kore feels lighter on your feet in my opinion and a little more agile, but not as responsive and not as precise as the Serpo. Kore 93 always feels like it leans more towards off-piste terrain than most other skis in that width range, and I think that's a fair comparison here too.
Welcome back Bob!
Thank you so much guys. Just purchased a pair from you based off this video as I was stuck between these and the Orb. Greatly appreciated this breakdown.
Nice! Great skis!
Wow, I love those slow motion fly-by shots!
You guys do great breakdowns. LOVE the Black Crows content so much, Im in the camp of "want a pair of BCs but don't know which pair to buy or best suits me" Again you guys cover BC skis so well. Much appreciated.
Thanks Jon! We'll have at least one more full review from Black Crows over the summer, plus a ton of their skis in our 2022 Ski Test results.
Agree - videos and analysis are best in the business - descriptions of skis really helps to understand what works best for certain type of skier. I’ve also learned plenty about ski construction!
Another great review. I hope you guy’s do a Black Crows Comparison review. Thanks
oh man those opening shots make me want to go ski and try different skis, like the black crows.
Thanks, brother! You guys are great and have really made an impact on the skis I’ve purchased the last 5 years. Picking up the Mirus in an hour and headed straight to the mountain! Hopefully, I can buy the my next pair of boards from y’all. Last year we (me and my 17 year old daughter) did stop by to grab some “84” garb lol!!!
Awesome! Have a blast--ski it like a slalom ski at first and then branch out--don't try to go super fast right off the bat.
An amazing review, many thanks
Thanks!
Never missed "I'm Bob, how's it going?" so much
i realize Im pretty randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to watch newly released movies online?
@Vincent Miller thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) I really appreciate it!!
@Ian Mekhi You are welcome xD
This is the "Serpo kick" here at 8:48 😃.... the feedback that you get from this ski is an absolute blast. As compared to other skis that you have to push harder to get that feedback, the snap it provides with ease is something that really stuck out to me.
Yup, that's a great defining characteristic for sure!
as always many thanks for this amazing review and your insights on this ski. there is nobody else out there with such high quality reviews as you guys
what recommendation can you make in regards to the length of the serpo considering i would judge myself as a advanced skier with a height of 185cm and 85kg of weight. i am looking at the serpo for pretty much exclusive on piste skiing and i would like to be able to make use of the possibility to alter between short/medium radius turns and long carving turns. leaning more toward a playful sking style then charging super hard all the time. although i would not mind the stability of a longer ski from time to time. therefor i am a bit torn between the 180.1 cm and the 186.3 cm.
also and recommendation in regards to the binding would be highly appreciated. i won't be doing any by jumps on these since my knees are not what they used to be :-) ... but i would not mind a stable binding obviously.
if you find a second to reply i would very much appreciate. thanks and best regards
Hi! I think 180.1 is a good choice. You could probably ski the 186 too, but I don't know that it's necessary, especially based on your description of how you like to ski. You'll find the 180 is easier to manipulate turn shape, which I think you'll appreciate.
For bindings... lots of good choices out there. A Look Pivot would be awesome for this ski as it allows for such natural flex underfoot. 14 or 15 if you want the full metal toe. If you wanted to save a little money, the Attack 13 or 14 is a great binding, and we have lots of success with the Marker Griffon 13 too. Salomon and Atomic have a new binding called the Strive, which we've been testing and enjoying, but it's not available just yet.
Your review sold me on the Serpos and I bought a pair over summer. I've had about 30 days in them and I've had so, so much fun skiing such a wide variety of terrain and conditions. I've definitely found its limits (Wolf Creek on a pow day was tough for a 93) but in general I recommend this ski to an embarrassing degree.
Anyways, thanks for your content!
Love it! Glad you're having a great time.
Incredible review again… making decisions too damn difficult.
I recently looked at the Atomic bent 90 and Blizzard rustler 9 as I want a playful ski to handle tight trees and side hits but was unsure if either could handle icy French slopes very well. How do the Serpos handle in those aspects as they sound perfect on piste, but the flatter tails makes me question wether I could smear well or just get kicked about if I’m lazy while turning
Serpo definitely feels stronger and more supportive on firm snow than both the Bent 90 and Rustler 9, especially the Bent. A good skier won't have any issues getting it to swing around or smear, but it does require a more refined skiing technique. Anyone can smear a Bent 90 or a Rustler, Serpo is a little more precise and more responsive, so needs to be properly weighted, but also isn't too catchy or demanding. Hope that helps!
Love how Bob blew by the SLOW sign knowing that SLOW means NO AIR on the jump. Local knowledge put to excellent use 👍
Always interesting video reviews you guys do. In mid fat, 94-95 underfoot skis, you might want to look into ZAG skis, a company from Chamonix also. Although smaller a smaller company than Black Crows, they make freeride and touring skis. I have the Ubac 95 (170 cm). Very light. Have a good day, and thanks for the review.
Thanks for the heads up! I've heard of them, but haven't looked too closely at their skis. We'll take a look!
@@SkiEssentials Have a look at the SLAP 104, twin rocker using flax for vibration absorption.
Hi. Thanks again for a good review and the great skiing footage! Love that you leave the ’Oops! Got a bit thrown!’ -shots in there also :).
How would the Serpo’s compare to Salomon’s Stance 90 and 96? From the review sounds like Black Crows are going after that same 90-95mm ’do everthing’ allmountain ski. Same as the Stance 90 and 96.
Definitely trying to enter that mid-90, do-everything category. I do think the Stance skis feel a little different, however. More metal in those skis, so they feel heavier on your feet. More stability at speed, but not as quick or as energetic as the Serpo.
Great video! Thanks for the efforts. Is the SERPO too much ski for someone getting back j to the sport after years away? Solid but currently rusty Intermediate skier who loves the super-long groomers and occasional powder when it’s around. Appreciate your suggestions if there’s a more suitable BC ski out there. Cheers!
Hey Curtis! No, I think the Serpo would be reasonable for someone in position. It's not tremendously hard to ski. That was one of the things I noticed first about it (relatively forgiving, user-friendly). It does, however, have a very high performance ceiling. It's one of those skis that the faster you ski it, the more powerful it feels, which is a great characteristic. I also think it's a nice width for BC terrain. Good on groomers, but can handle some softer conditions too.
Spring corn is my favorite conditions!
Hero snow! Until it gets too heavy, then fatiguing snow! Hah
Appreciate the reviews fellas! Currently on a declivity 102 as my daily driver. 80% of the time skiing Lake Louise. I often feel like I am lugging around too much ski for how seldom we receive fresh snow. I like the idea of the Serpo as a new daily driver. I am simply wondering if the Serpo fits what I’m looking for? Does is provide enough separation from the declivity in terms of feel and versatility? I’m just trying to avoid any redundancy between the two. Thanks
I think so. The quickness and snappiness of the Serpo is pretty different, in addition to the shaping and profiling. I like to keep 10 mm in between my skis, and it seems like you're right there.
Stowe is my home mountain! Glad to see this vids - great content. I am torn between Serpos and Stormrider 95s - What do you think works best as a daily driver at Stowe in particular?
HI Scott!
Hard to pass up on a Stockli, but the Serpo is one of the skis that can do it. The quietness of the Stockli is what stands out to me the most. While smooth and stable, the Serpo still lacks that extra 2-5% of precision and quality that the Stockli skis possess. The Serpo's rocker profile make it a bit more agreeable in the bumps, trees, and powder, but that also makes it lack the bite at the end of the turn that the Stockli provides. At the end of the day, you've got two fantastic skis to choose from here, and I'd take either as my Stowe only ski, but I still think it's too hard to cancel the Stormrider if it's on your list.
Awesome video. My current quiver is a pair of Liberty Origin 96 and Atomic Redster x9 WB. Thinking of replacing the Origin with the Justis or Serpo. 95% skiing in the East, mainly on small Ontario hills. Definitely into the hard charging ski that has just enough give in it to smear and have some fun. Any thoughts on which one would be better?
I would say the Justis matches your description of what you're looking for slightly better than the Serpo. You'd probably enjoy skiing both of them, but the Justis has longer tail rocker, by quite a bit, which allows for much easier smearing/slashing turns. If you wanted to get a little more responsiveness out of the tail than your Origins, the Serpo would be great, but sounds like you value that edge release, and because of that I'm leaning towards Justis.
Hey guys, I'm a lifer snowboarder ported recently to an upper intermediate/advanced level skier. Last year I skied the Mantra M6, it was the first time ever on such a powerful ski. I loved it, but I feel like all I wanted to do was power down the mountain on it. This year I'd like to explore a bit more off piste, while still chasing my young kids around the mountain. This Serpo seems like a great fit, but I'm sure I would be happy just continuing on the Manta.. What do you think? I'm 5'9" 175 and I ski West at Mammoth, Tahoe and Utah mountains.
Hey Matt! Serpo sounds like a great choice. Not as powerful as the Mantra, but also not far off, and a little more forgiving and versatile as a true all-mountain ski. Considering where you live and the snow conditions out there, it feels like a great choice to me. You'll feel like you can do more on the Serpo instead of just powering down the mountain at all times.
Sick ski
Thanks for this review and all others which I view regularly. I am a 183cm, 90 kg advanced pretty aggressive skier, mostly skiing on piste. Three questions: 1) Do you think it makes sense to add Serpo to the quiver which already contains M5 mantra? Is there an added value?; 2) Would 180cm be the right size for me?; 3) Is Look Pivot 14 or 15 a good binding choice for the Serpo? I would appreciate your advice. Keep up the great work. M
HI Marcin!
I think there's some overlap for sure between Serpo and M5, but don't let that stop you from buying more skis! Serpo has more quickness and short-turn energy to it, and I'd much rather ski bumps and trees on the Serpo without losing too much groomer/crud performance versus M5. I'd go 180 in that ski. Pivot 15 is certainly superior to the 14 in that it has the one-piece metal toe housing versus the 14's multi-piece toe, but most skiers will not notice any difference in performance or safety.
Happy Down under Welcome back Bob!
How would you compare the Serpo to the Captis?
Thank you for your reviews. How would you compare that Serpo to the Rustler 9?
Serpo feels more responsive out of the tail as it's flatter and a little stiffer back there. Rustler is a little looser, especially when you take it off trail or into softer snow conditions. Similar levels of stability and vibration damping, to me the biggest difference is the tail shape.
Hey, guys! Thank you very much for the review! I would like to ask you. I have previously tried riding a BC ova (125-85-108), height 178 cm. I really liked these skis, I would like to take something similar. But now I'm looking at BC serpo height 186 cm. My height is 187 cm, weight 95 kg. I prefer an aggressive style of riding, I would like to feel stable at speed (40-80 km/h). I ask you to tell me if the right choice is B C serpo 186 in this case.
186 cm Serpo sounds like a great choice for you! It will be more supportive for aggressive skiing and higher speeds. Should be a perfect ski and length for you.
Hey guys! Long time watcher, first time commenter. I have the mindbender 108ti and love it so much but they can struggle on hard pack. I was looking to get something in the mid 90s to add to my quiver. I tried the ranger 98ti ages ago and loved it so I imagine I love feeling of titanal. With that I’m torn between this black crows ski and the 2023 Fischer ranger 96 (or even a Fischer ranger 99 Ti). What would you recommend?
Thanks so much for all your great reviews!!!
169 or 177 depending on ability and how fast you like to ski.
I’m not sure if this was for another comment. I’d love to get your take on the serpo vs the ranger 96 vs ranger 99ti
Hi guys, love the content. What binding would you recommend on this ski? I’m an advanced skier, on the heavier side.
Really there are plenty of great options for bindings on a Serpo. We've seen a lot with Tyrolia Attack 14s or Griffon 13s, both of which I would expect would work for you. I've become quite fond of the new Salomon/Atomic Strive binding too. Strive 14 should be plenty. If you did want to go with a stronger, higher-DIN binding, you could do Attack 16, Jester 16, or Strive 16. I'll always bring up Look Pivots too. You'll spend more, but a lot of skiers love the Pivot and can justify the extra cost. Pivot 15 would be my recommendation if you decide to go that route. Hope that helps!
Thank you for the advice!
Is there a big difference in overall performance between the Serpo and Orb or are they pretty similar with different waist widths? Looking for a daily east coast ski. I have other wider skis for powder and western skiing. I am looking for something with strong carving performance but with some versatility to it.
Overall, pretty similar, yeah. I do find the tips and tails (very ends) of the Serpo are a little softer. That gives it a touch more performance in soft snow and a slightly smoother feel. Maybe not quite as stiff as the Orb, but only in the extremities, so you still get really good bite underfoot.
Hi. I’m 178 Cm (5’ 10”) and intend to use these skis mostly out West. Do you recommend sizing up for the Serpo? I’m looking at the 173s and 180s. Great videos, thanks!
Hey Ryan! Sorry fo the delay getting back to you. I'm very close to your size and definitely prefer the 180 length in the Serpo. It's not overly-stiff or too demanding, so skiing it in the longer lengths isn't tremendously challenging.
This seems like a great option for a lightweight all-mountain option to slap a switch binding on, especially coming from New Zealand, but I also feel the same way about the Maverick 95. Any thoughts on how these 2 compare in terms of pure carving performance and freeride-ability?
Also, I get that you guys rave about the Ripstick 96 black, but do you think it really has the edge grip to perform at high speed in icy NZ hardpack?
Cheers, love your reviews
Thanks, Oscar!
I found that the Maverick has more of a preference for longer turns and higher speeds while the Serpo is more versatile when it comes to turn shape and style. I'd also say that the Serpo is more of a freeride ski that happens to be super-snappy and grippy for when the snow gets firm. I'd lean to the Serpo based on your application.
Okay, any tips for sizing?
I’m 6’1 and 170lbs. I’m a fairly aggressive advanced level skier, so I like the idea of the 186 for its added stability, but I still want to be able to flick the ski around.
Any thoughts? Cheers
one of my fav skis of all time was a 184 cm kastle lx 92, which is a full camber, medium stiff ski. it carved and it floated in powder. this ski has very similar dimensions and is also medium stiff? would this serpo ski be comparable to the lx 92, but with more modern design elements and greater off track versatility? i would love to find a more modern take on the kastle lx 92. but, should i downsize to the 180 or go 186 cm. which might be ski better for me the fischer 96 or the serpo in the 186 cm length? i am a strong experienced skier, 73 in tall, 190 lbs thanks
Hey Steve! That's an interesting take, but I think there's a lot of truth there. In a lot of ways, the Serpo is a good ski to think of as a modern LX 92. I worked at a shop that sold those LX 92s. Great skis. I wouldn't downsize if I were you. You're proportionally bigger than me, and I thought the 180 worked great for my size. If I were 3 inches taller and 30 lbs heavier (the difference between us), I would definitely want the 186.
Do you think this ski would be appropriate for a pretty hard charging skier? Torn between this and an enforcer, but don’t want something crazy stiff on the woods
Yes, I do. I think only the most aggressive, hardest charging skiers will be the ones who might want a stiffer, heavier ski. I do think the Enforcer is a little more stable at speed, but not quite as supple as the Serpo.
any idea if the 186 length is stiffer than say enforcer 88? (240-250lbs) so I tend to need some backbone to the ski. I'm lovin the justis
No, I would say Enforcers feel stiffer. Relatively close, but yeah, I'd say Enforcer is a little stiffer. The difference is mostly in the tips and tails.
I've heard that some of the BC models have difficulties with the top sheets failing. Any insight into how the Serpo model has held up under use?
Hello! We haven't seen anything like that first hand. I wouldn't say they have any significant problems compared to other skis. Basically anything with a vertical sidewall will experience some amount of topsheet chipping over its lifetime, but we haven't seen any major delamination issues or anything like that. We have a few pairs in our demo fleet that are heavily used and still look great.
How do they compare to the Stoeckli AR?
I ski in Switzerland and am looking for an on piste ski which also allows me to go off piste when the conditions are good (when everything has been plowed through and I feel like some backcountry action, I have separate backcountry ski touring gear). I tried a bunch of Stoecklis (up to the WTR) and found that I was able to handle them well, I also already skied the Serpo and also really liked it. Unfortunately wasn’t able to do a proper side by side, so now I am torn :(
Hi!
I answered on the AR page as well, but if you're looking for a 50/50 one ski quiver, the Serpo is the way to go, but for on-trail carving and performance, the AR is quite a bit smoother and more compliant in the turn.
Greetings from Germany. You mention edge grip? I weigh, with clothes, 100 kg , 190 cm tall and sometimes ski icy black (real black). Edge grip can be a factor then, especially when you have to turn and hack the ski into the ice on a steap slope. What can you say on this issue. I am looking for a new all terrain ski, not always wanting to take 3 pairs on holiday.
In my opinion, its edge grip is better than most skis in this category. There are certainly some with more bite and more torsional stiffness, but those skis lose a lot of forgiveness and some fun-factor too. I really don't think there are many people that will find an issue with lack of edge grip with the Serpo, even heavier skiers on steep terrain.
Will test this Feb in France.
Try it and you'll like it.
Hey Jeff; I’m running a Ripstick Black. Do you think this Mirus Cor would be a good compliment? I’m an East Coast skier. Mainly Pa (Seven Springs) and a couple trips up your way.
Mirus Cor is a great complement to any ski you have because it's so different--you will not have any crossover with any other ski at this point in time. Great on groomers and a lot of fun and energy.
thinking about the serpo or the armada declivity 92ti - any thoughts on the better choice? - think they cover the same territory in terms of all mountain - just curious to hear your thoughts on how they compare? thanks
I like the quickness and agility of the Serpo over the Declivity. It's not quite as quiet as the Armada, but it's still pretty darn stable. I'd rather ski the Serpo in the bumps and trees, with groomer stability going to the Declivity, but not by a whole lot.
Hey I’m considering in getting a pair what length do you recomend. I’m 5’9 170lb advanced skier. Will the 174 be fine, I feel the 180 might be too much ski.
I (Jeff) am close to your size... 1 inch taller, 10-15 lbs lighter, and I prefer the 180 cm for sure. If you don't ski super fast, however, 174 would be fine too.
What ski do you think would form a good 2 ski quiver alongside the Serpo?
Depends where you live and what you ski. Some skiers would want to go narrower and get a true carving ski for low-snow days. Others who live somewhere that gets more snow, or who spend more time off trail, would want to get something a little wider with more tip and tail rocker for better deep snow performance and off-piste maneuverability. Hope that helps!
What’s your take on owning the Camox and Serpo…? Am I crazy? I’m really intrigued by the Serpo, but man I love my Camox
Hey James! Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Are you crazy? No, not at all! I personally would be psyched to own both skis. I'd take the Serpo out on firmer days when I wanted to lay over carves, then opt for the Camox if the snow was softer and/or if I was feeling more playful that day. They're close in width, but far enough apart in performance and feel that it would be perfectly justifiable.
Thanks for the reply. You folks are great - Merry Christmas
Thanks for the reply. You folks are great - Merry Christmas
Hi, great videos.
I had a chance to try the Camox and found it to be too much camber for my taste. I like a little more of a slashy feel.
The Justis looks perfect for me except that it may be too much ski. I am not a hard charger.
Would the Serpo be easier to slash around in trees than the Camox, how do they generally compare? Thanks 50/50 on and off piste skier.
Hello! The Serpo isn't going to feel more slashy than the Camox. The tail has less rocker, which gives it more of a responsive feel and a little more grip, rather than being looser. The Justis does sound like it's the right shape for you. It's kind of a lot of ski, but depending on how you ski, it could be the way to go. What about a Salomon QST 98? That ski has a similar shape to the Justis, but it's not as demanding. K2 Reckoner 102 comes to mind too. Little different, but the same idea. Hope that helps!
What jacket is that? The purple one
I (Jeff) am wearing the Orage Corbet's (purple) and Spire (tan) in this video. Pants are both Gibson Bibs, also Orage. Bob's wearing the Orage Redford jacket (pretty sure) and Marcus is wearing a Strafe jacket.
How does this compare to the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition?
The differences in construction give them a different feel, but they are fairly similar overall. The difference in construction is almost hard to describe. Both are smooth and have good vibration damping, metal just feels a little different than carbon, and Elan's use of carbon feels different than everyone else's use of carbon. The Serpo feels a little quicker edge to edge, while the shape of the Ripstick is a little easier in soft snow conditions (more rocker and taper). Both have a relatively snappy, energetic feel. Biggest difference to me is width and rocker/taper.
This is the first collaborative effort between earthlings and extraterrestrials in ski creation. Decades in the making.
(Look up “Serpo” in the annals of UFO research, in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, but wish to!)
Truly one of the most important moments in human history. Not only does it confirm the existence of alien life, it also answers the 2nd part of that question, do they ski?
www.skiessentials.com/Chairlift-Chat/If-Alien-Exist-Do-They-Ski/
How do these feel vs the declivity series?
Pretty similar overall, although I find more vibration damping and smoothness in the Declivity and more responsiveness and energy in the Serpo. Serpo feels a little more precise too. Definitely in the same conversation, versatile all-mountain skis with partial metal laminates.
Hi,
How do these compare to the Camox ?
Thanks
Ryan
Hey Ryan! There are some similarities, but the Serpo feels stronger and more precise, mostly thanks to the flatter tail and the use of metal. It's not as smeary or as playful as the Camox, but it carves better and feels more stable at higher speeds. Obviously the shape is quite a bit different too with the Serpo being 100% directional and the Camox a twin tip.
Would you say this ski is fairly close to the Völkl Mantra 96 obvs a little less wide by 3mm but I’m after a ski that’s very good on piste and performs well in poor condition on piste and maybe snowy days on piste - I’m it looking to go deep powder back country. If not would you recommend a ski for what I describe? I am a skier of 30 years good turns and technical but I don’t ski super fast
Yes, if you're looking for a Mantra-like ski but with more accessibility and decent soft snow performance, this is a fantastic choice. Very predictable and sturdy but not overly demanding.
Thank you 👍🏻
How does it compare to the Maverick 95ti?
Pretty similar, actually! Definitely in the same category. Relatively light, but both use some metal. I think the tail of the Serpo is a little snappier, more responsive, while the tail of the Maverick is a touch easier to release in soft snow.
How would the Serpo compare to the Fischer Ranger 92ti?
Hey Gary! Similar skis overall. The Serpo feels a little softer to me, just in a longitudinal sense. Both have similar torsional stiffness and edge grip. That difference in flex makes the Serpo a little more playful, and I think more fun off trail. On the other hand, the Ranger is a little more responsive out of the tail, specifically noticeable on a groomer.
What sizes do the Serpos come in?
We always leave a link to the written review with all that info in the description of the video. Available lengths are 168.2, 174.1, 180.1, 186.3 cm
How would these compare to the Armada diclivity 92TI?
Very close comparison. I think the tail rocker of the Serpo sets it a bit apart in terms of off-piste performance. I'd also prefer the Declivity in longer and faster turns while the Serpo is just so darn comfortable making short and quick arcs.
How would these compare with the M6 Mantras?
Mantra is heavier, stiffer, and more stable at speed, but not as agile or as responsive as the Serpo. There's a lot of energy to the Serpo, while the Mantra focuses more on power and precision.
Vs the Unleashed 98? Thanks Nick
Nick,
Much better comparison than Serpo vs. Mirus Cor. Unleashed isn't quite as snappy or quick, but is a heck of a lot more versatile when it comes to softer snow and any type of freestyle skiing. If park or tricks are at all in your playbook, I'd keep the Unleashed on the list and ditch the Serpo. Overall, similar type of build with partial metal laminate, but the shaping is considerably different with the twin tip of the Unleashed and the more directional Serpo. If I had zero skis and had to choose one of them for what I do here in Vermont, I'd take Unleashed, but it's a tough one.
SE
How does this compare to the k2 mindbender 89ti? Since has a similar H shape vs Y shape metal??!
They're definitely in the same conversation. If there was Mindbender ~94Ti, they would be extremely similar. I do think the Serpo is a little more supple in the tips and tails, which makes it a little easier off trail. On the other hand, I think it's fair to say the Mindbender 89Ti has more vibration damping and feels a touch stronger, but at the cost of a little bit of maneuverability, ease of use, etc.
@@SkiEssentials thanks!! Do you think the black crows ORB be a more similar comparison???
@@soo-weeong9149 actually yes. The Orb would be a closer comparison to the Mindbender 89Ti. Those skis actually feel quite similar. Less of a difference than how I described Serpo vs MB, but a similar theme.
How would they compare against the Kore 93?
Kore feels lighter on your feet in my opinion and a little more agile, but not as responsive and not as precise as the Serpo. Kore 93 always feels like it leans more towards off-piste terrain than most other skis in that width range, and I think that's a fair comparison here too.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you! Much respect for you guys taking the time answering. Best source for reviews out there hands down.
Are these available to buy? Don't see on blackcrows website
It's a new ski for 2021-2022, they'll become available whenever they transition to next season's models
They should be available sometime in August.
Fly to NZ or Aus in August nice snow in NZ
Would love to do that someday! I've always wanted to ski in the other hemisphere and never had the opportunity.