Hey, appreciate all your work - great reviews, super informative. 45 y/o lightweight guy (5’’8”, 132) formerly good skier getting back after too long, so intermediate for now but want something I can grow back into. I’m mostly frontside - love a steep groomed black - but also bumps, side hits, some trees etc, so not looking for a pure carver. 70% East Coast but don’t want to have to leave them home on trips to Utah and Alps - I know I’ll have to rent fats for deep days but want something that won’t sink in say 6” I’ve demoed and didn’t love Volkl Blaze 94 (168), Nordica Enforcer 94 (169) - latter felt way too stiff and hard to get into short turns. Stormrider 88s (165) were great but $$$ I think I’m looking at 85-92s, interested in / have questions about a few different Black Crows skis: Serpo (168) - too wide / stiff for my size? Captis (171) - too soft for ice? Vertis (170) - enough float? Fischer Ranger 94 FR (169?) I’ve had trouble finding BC demos, so really appreciate your recommendations on the above / other options you think I’m missing. Thanks SO much
For the Crows, I think the Serpo slides in nicely between the Blaze and Enforcer. Some metal, but not dual-full, and with a decent amount of rocker, makes it pretty floaty and versatile. The Captis, while a bit more flexible, is a whole lot more playful. It's nothing like the Stormrider (while Serpo is quite a bit closer), but that's not the strength. It's basically an all-mountain twin tip that you can ski anywhere without having to think about it. Vertis is more on-trail oriented for sure, but your weight keeps it in the discussion. Ranger is more similar to Blaze, just a bit heavier and stiffer. Overall, I think the Serpo deserves a strong look. While 93 mm underfoot may seem wide, it doesn't really feel that way, and the tips and tails aren't too stiff either because there's no metal there. Hope that helps! SE
Was looking at a ski 88-93 underfoot and the Captis caught my eye. I’m 6’1 and 215lbs and want a playful ski for ripping trees and groomers front side. Love energy in skis to which I can pop turn to turn. Since there aren’t any nearby demo areas to try I’m a littler worried the length of 184 might be too short as I sometimes feel that way with my rustler 10s at 188 length. Do these skis feel short? I’m liking the idea of quicker turns through trees or manageability thru the odd bump or two. Just not sure if I want to sacrifice that feeling of being thrown over the handlebars constantly. If that maybe a problems in your opinion what other similar skis would be recommended.
HI Ian! I have similar issues. I love skis like Captis, but at 6/2 225, I get sized out of them sometimes. That said, I found the 184 to be enough ski, but I'd still want a 187/188. I'd give the 184 an 85% chance of satisfying your ski needs, if that helps with Captis. They just don't make narrower twin tips long enough these days. I would say Rustler 9 is worth a look--I skied that in the 188 this spring and LOVED it! Since it's a known quantity for you and your experience on the R10, it might be a good option. Have fun! SE
Hi, I was looking at the Captis but was wondering if it would hold up in the deeper snow of Colorado. I primarily ski groomers and the trees, but the snow get definitely get pretty deep. I am 5'10 and 145lbs and was looking at the 171.
Hi Hatim! Sometimes you mind find it gets a little bogged down when the snow gets really deep, but for the most part it will do just fine. You could consider moving up in waist width to the Camox. That ski has similar overall characteristics, but is more capable in deeper snow conditions.
Just want to say, I rode the Captis last year (20-21) season in Colorado - and if you are sticking to the grooms and trees, moguls especially, I had an amazing time all year. Even when things got deeper (within reason), although they do get somewhat slugged down, I found the quick control definitely allowed me to play around in the powder without much fun-loss; If you only go on powder days, get the Camox but you will enjoy the Captis almost every day on the grooms and trees.
Captis or Kore 93 (2020) for 5’9’’ 145lbs going for easy skiing, sometimes moderately aggressive on piste but wanting to explore off piste powders and jumps around the mountain? Thanks
I'd go Kore if you're interested in getting a bit more rowdy. The Captis is fun and quick and easy, but it lacks the power or precision of the Kore, and they accomplish it in about the same weight. For skiers who are lighter looking for versatility in both on and off-trail skiing, I think the Kore is a fantastic choice.
How does this compare against the K2 Mindbender 85 and Volkl Blaze 86 as a ski suited for advanced beginners? Mainly focused on groomers but aiming to get into some not too crazy powder at some stage and maybe some trees!
Similar overall, I'd say, although the Captis has a little more torsional stiffness and stability. More edge grip, smoother at speed, but also not too hard to ski and not too fatiguing either. Perfectly appropriate for an athletic beginner/intermediate skier.
How does the captis compare to the elan ripstick 88? They seem to have a fair bit of overlap in the adjectives used to describe them. The ripstick is certainly more popular but does the black crows give up anything to the elan?
@@cory4692 Hey Cory, so I was also looking at the Ripstick 88 and 96 along with the mentioned skis above. I won’t lie, I was looking for a reason to buy Black Crows as I really like the “brand” however after doing more research (I ski in Japan btw) and speaking to shop owners here in Tokyo I decided to go for the Ripstick 96 as my “one ski quiver” which was better suited for me. Was very close in the end between the 88 and 96 but thinking a little further down the line and without the financial capacity to constantly be buying new skis, the extra float I think is worth the trade off against on-piste performance vs 88. Hope you find the skis you want!
Can I also drive the ski on a prepared slope and carve pleasantly with it or is the ski yet primarily for off-piste. I'm looking for an all-mountain ski that has a "twin tip shape", but with which I can still carve nicely and drive on the slopes. Is the black crow captis suitable for this?
Captis feels looser and more playful, noticeable when you take it into bumps, trees, the park, etc. Divus has more strength and torsional stiffness, which you really notice when linking carves or skiing faster on groomed piste. Hope that helps!
Captis is a bit snappier, grippier, and more energetic. Bent 90 is lighter, quicker, and a bit less turny. The Captis is one of the few skis that I'd consider swapping my Bent 90 for due to the energy.
Somewhat, although I find the Captis is a more playful ski overall. Feels lighter, quicker, and more poppy and energetic. On the other hand, the Mindbender has more vibration damping, more edge grip, and more overall stability.
![Black Crows Captis - Matt's Expert Review [2022]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dMMlmXup8js/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey, appreciate all your work - great reviews, super informative.
45 y/o lightweight guy (5’’8”, 132) formerly good skier getting back after too long, so intermediate for now but want something I can grow back into. I’m mostly frontside - love a steep groomed black - but also bumps, side hits, some trees etc, so not looking for a pure carver. 70% East Coast but don’t want to have to leave them home on trips to Utah and Alps - I know I’ll have to rent fats for deep days but want something that won’t sink in say 6”
I’ve demoed and didn’t love Volkl Blaze 94 (168), Nordica Enforcer 94 (169) - latter felt way too stiff and hard to get into short turns. Stormrider 88s (165) were great but $$$
I think I’m looking at 85-92s, interested in / have questions about a few different Black Crows skis:
Serpo (168) - too wide / stiff for my size?
Captis (171) - too soft for ice?
Vertis (170) - enough float?
Fischer Ranger 94 FR (169?)
I’ve had trouble finding BC demos, so really appreciate your recommendations on the above / other options you think I’m missing.
Thanks SO much
For the Crows, I think the Serpo slides in nicely between the Blaze and Enforcer. Some metal, but not dual-full, and with a decent amount of rocker, makes it pretty floaty and versatile. The Captis, while a bit more flexible, is a whole lot more playful. It's nothing like the Stormrider (while Serpo is quite a bit closer), but that's not the strength. It's basically an all-mountain twin tip that you can ski anywhere without having to think about it. Vertis is more on-trail oriented for sure, but your weight keeps it in the discussion. Ranger is more similar to Blaze, just a bit heavier and stiffer. Overall, I think the Serpo deserves a strong look. While 93 mm underfoot may seem wide, it doesn't really feel that way, and the tips and tails aren't too stiff either because there's no metal there. Hope that helps!
SE
Was looking at a ski 88-93 underfoot and the Captis caught my eye. I’m 6’1 and 215lbs and want a playful ski for ripping trees and groomers front side. Love energy in skis to which I can pop turn to turn. Since there aren’t any nearby demo areas to try I’m a littler worried the length of 184 might be too short as I sometimes feel that way with my rustler 10s at 188 length. Do these skis feel short? I’m liking the idea of quicker turns through trees or manageability thru the odd bump or two. Just not sure if I want to sacrifice that feeling of being thrown over the handlebars constantly. If that maybe a problems in your opinion what other similar skis would be recommended.
HI Ian!
I have similar issues. I love skis like Captis, but at 6/2 225, I get sized out of them sometimes. That said, I found the 184 to be enough ski, but I'd still want a 187/188. I'd give the 184 an 85% chance of satisfying your ski needs, if that helps with Captis. They just don't make narrower twin tips long enough these days. I would say Rustler 9 is worth a look--I skied that in the 188 this spring and LOVED it! Since it's a known quantity for you and your experience on the R10, it might be a good option. Have fun!
SE
Hi, I was looking at the Captis but was wondering if it would hold up in the deeper snow of Colorado. I primarily ski groomers and the trees, but the snow get definitely get pretty deep. I am 5'10 and 145lbs and was looking at the 171.
Hi Hatim! Sometimes you mind find it gets a little bogged down when the snow gets really deep, but for the most part it will do just fine. You could consider moving up in waist width to the Camox. That ski has similar overall characteristics, but is more capable in deeper snow conditions.
Just want to say, I rode the Captis last year (20-21) season in Colorado - and if you are sticking to the grooms and trees, moguls especially, I had an amazing time all year. Even when things got deeper (within reason), although they do get somewhat slugged down, I found the quick control definitely allowed me to play around in the powder without much fun-loss; If you only go on powder days, get the Camox but you will enjoy the Captis almost every day on the grooms and trees.
Captis or Kore 93 (2020) for 5’9’’ 145lbs going for easy skiing, sometimes moderately aggressive on piste but wanting to explore off piste powders and jumps around the mountain? Thanks
I'd go Kore if you're interested in getting a bit more rowdy. The Captis is fun and quick and easy, but it lacks the power or precision of the Kore, and they accomplish it in about the same weight. For skiers who are lighter looking for versatility in both on and off-trail skiing, I think the Kore is a fantastic choice.
How does this compare against the K2 Mindbender 85 and Volkl Blaze 86 as a ski suited for advanced beginners? Mainly focused on groomers but aiming to get into some not too crazy powder at some stage and maybe some trees!
Similar overall, I'd say, although the Captis has a little more torsional stiffness and stability. More edge grip, smoother at speed, but also not too hard to ski and not too fatiguing either. Perfectly appropriate for an athletic beginner/intermediate skier.
How does the captis compare to the elan ripstick 88? They seem to have a fair bit of overlap in the adjectives used to describe them. The ripstick is certainly more popular but does the black crows give up anything to the elan?
@@cory4692 Hey Cory, so I was also looking at the Ripstick 88 and 96 along with the mentioned skis above. I won’t lie, I was looking for a reason to buy Black Crows as I really like the “brand” however after doing more research (I ski in Japan btw) and speaking to shop owners here in Tokyo I decided to go for the Ripstick 96 as my “one ski quiver” which was better suited for me. Was very close in the end between the 88 and 96 but thinking a little further down the line and without the financial capacity to constantly be buying new skis, the extra float I think is worth the trade off against on-piste performance vs 88. Hope you find the skis you want!
Can I also drive the ski on a prepared slope and carve pleasantly with it or is the ski yet primarily for off-piste. I'm looking for an all-mountain ski that has a "twin tip shape", but with which I can still carve nicely and drive on the slopes. Is the black crow captis suitable for this?
Yes, it is suitable, although there are certainly better carvers in the width. But for a twin tip, this is one of the best.
What do you think about this between the Divus?
Captis feels looser and more playful, noticeable when you take it into bumps, trees, the park, etc. Divus has more strength and torsional stiffness, which you really notice when linking carves or skiing faster on groomed piste. Hope that helps!
how does it compare with the Atomic bent 90 for all mountain?
Captis is a bit snappier, grippier, and more energetic. Bent 90 is lighter, quicker, and a bit less turny. The Captis is one of the few skis that I'd consider swapping my Bent 90 for due to the energy.
Hi there -- Is the Capits similar to K2 Mindbender 90TI?
Somewhat, although I find the Captis is a more playful ski overall. Feels lighter, quicker, and more poppy and energetic. On the other hand, the Mindbender has more vibration damping, more edge grip, and more overall stability.