Freeride backcountry skis
Product 2024
Woman, Man
Neatly categorized in the ski touring category, this Black Crows Drako Freebird is much more than that!
It would be a mistake to consider it simply as a ski for ascending and having fun off-piste because it offers superb skiability for going very fast and landing jumps without twisting the skis.
The Black Crows Drako Freebird is lively underfoot, with very little active edge length (rockers). It pivots very easily. One immediately feels a solid support under the foot. However, it remains atypical, following the lineage of fat skis with rocker, with energy underfoot that allows it to carve and hold edges on hard snow, with quite powerful angulations.
A very enjoyable ski on soft snow. It absorbs up front, filters without transmitting feedback to the legs. It’s worth noting that the Black Crows Drako Freebird can easily be skied in a longer size than usual. Of course, on hard snow, one feels that it is very wide (110 millimeters underfoot), it takes a bit to manage.
Very nice cut of the tip, very nice finishes. Top sheet quality is important.
In big, fast turns, it’s capable of elongating the radius. This is less easy in carved turns; otherwise, you need to maintain the curve, the pressure, to lengthen the radius.
The Black Crows Drako Freebird instinctively makes short turns despite its radius which revolves around 20 meters depending on the sizes. It pivots very easily in skidded turns. It’s very pleasant in this configuration. Overall, it’s not difficult to handle despite its size and wide shape.
On hard snow, there are some vibrations at the front. However, the tail is not at all catchy, it’s very forgiving.
A good product for skilled skiers who have the technical skills to take advantage of it. But it’s not an exclusive ski, others can really enjoy it. To truly discover its character, you need to go fast on it, work it, use angulation. A ski rich in effects but accessible.
On the ascent, it remains of significant weight (depending on size) but it holds the promise of an exceptional descent thanks to its skiability. A very good ski for seeking out big lines.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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