Ski Reviews

2022-2023 Black Crows Vertis, 180 cm

Reviewer Username: sdhoover

Reviewer Height: 6’5″

Reviewer Weight: 185 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 10 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Telluride, Sugarbush, Killington

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 5/10

FORGIVENESS: 9/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 9/10

STABILITY: 4/10

SUSPENSION: 5/10

EDGE HOLD: 6/10

PLAYFULNESS: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Nothing about this ski’s geometry or intended use is particularly playful. While it is a very lightweight ski, it’s quite directional and traditional in both its shape and construction. It prefers to make tight-radius carved turns or short, quick smeared turns by unweighting the tail.

SKI LENGTH: It felt a bit too short (180 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Firm moguls | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

I think intermediate skiers looking for an easygoing ski might get along best with the Vertis. It seems like a great tool to work on one’s technique, particularly carved turns: it’s very quick edge to edge and soft enough to bend pretty easily. It’s also a forgiving and lightweight ski for folks who might be just starting to venture into the moguls or trees.

However, anyone who is taller, heavier, physically stronger, likes going fast, or is generally a more technically advanced skier might find that this ski lacks energy and strength in essential areas. The ski has no metal or carbon and is quite soft in its flex. While it has some snap from its camber, it lacks the rebound of, say, a ski with carbon in it. It’s also not a particularly damp ski nor does it hold an edge exceptionally well, especially in firmer conditions. Lastly, it’s easily deflected at speed.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

I’ve gotten along better with the Faction Dancer 1 and the Armada Declivity 82 (which I own), both of which fall into the “narrow-waisted all-mountain” category along with the Vertis. I would probably recommend both of those skis over the Vertis to anyone who is more advanced, stronger, heavier, or just interested in power and speed. They have similar shapes to the vertis (i.e., good amount of camber with light rocker and light taper), but they both have stronger construction elements, leading to more energy, better edge hold, and notably better tracking in less-than-ideal conditions.

Black Crows used to have the Divus and Orb, which seemed like very interesting skis in the same or similar category (and both had metal). Unfortunately, I never got a chance to ski either one of those, and it seems like they have been discontinued.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

I would say that this is a straightforward, easygoing ski for moderate conditions and moderate terrain.