Ski Reviews

2021-2022 Black Crows Justis, 183 cm

Reviewer Username: sdhoover

Reviewer Height: 6’5″

Reviewer Weight: 185 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 4 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton

TEST CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 7/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 9/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 8/10

STABILITY: 8/10

SUSPENSION: 8/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 7/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Not exactly a standout in terms of playfulness based on its weight or stiffness (though neither is on the punishing end). Its shape/geometry is what makes it feel quite playful to me. This ski has tons of tip and tail rocker. So when you ride it relatively flat, this thing smears so easily. It feels really loose and drifty. It’s also easy to get into and ride switch. Feels good in the air too.

However, again, in terms of lightweight flickability or ease of bending, this is not your ski.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (183 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

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

Physically and technically strong skiers that refuse to commit to a particular style of skiing. Most likely advanced skiers and up. Perhaps a physically strong high-intermediate skier could get along with this ski and grow into it.

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

Not really. I’ve tried the Black Crows Serpo in a 186 (see previous community review) which shares quite a few construction and shaping traits with the Justis. For my size, ability, and style of skiing, the Justis is a superior ski. The only thing that I miss in the Serpo is the kick out of a carved turn (which I would attribute to its flater, less rockered, and more squared-off tail). However, for nearly every other scenario and sensation while skiing, I’m getting along with the Justis a whole lot better.

I suspect some of the shaping of the Justis is a nod to the Nordica Enforcer line; perhaps an amalgamation of the 100 and 104 Free. I’ve actually never been on any Enforcer ski, but my understanding is that the tips have minimal taper leading to a fair amount of tip engagement in a carved turn. This is definitely how things feel with the Justis. So maybe there’s an interesting comparison there.

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

This thing will play around, pop off hits, smear and slash with ease, and can be somewhat easy going if you want. Then, tip it on edge and it’ll lay down a really clean carved turn. It comes across the fall line nicely and is definitely able to make tighter turns than its on-paper radius would suggest. It has very good edge hold and feels quite strong and stable for its weight. The dramatic tip and tail rocker means it floats a bit better than its waist width might suggest. And in general, it definitely handles all sorts of variable conditions one might encounter in the resort really well.

I ended up buying this ski and intend for it to be my daily driver out West. I do ski out East as well, and suspect the waist width will be less than ideal in typical East Coast low-tide conditions. For those days, I’ll probably reach for my 82 underfoot ski more often than not.