2023 Black Crows Nocta

The 2023 Black Crows Nocta is one of the most unsinkable skis on the planet. As one of the few remaining skis on earth with full rocker, the Nocta not only has a smeary and playful character, but also one of the most unique profiles out there today. Built with a blend of paulownia and poplar wood with fiberglass laminates, the Nocta has a great mix of lighter weight and energetic behavior. In the 185.5 cm length, the skis and their 122 mm waist produce a turn radius of 21-meters and tip the scales at 2000 grams per ski. While not the heaviest ski out there, it’s still in that 2K range, which allows for a stable and smooth performance in deep and soft snow. This longer arc allows for longer turn stability, so you can take a very direct line down the mountain. Ideally, you’ll have taken some form of transport to the top, whether it’s a chairlift, tram, helicopter, snow cat, or snowmobile rather than hoofed it up, but if you’re able to carry or tour on these things, then good for you! With a ton of taper to go along with the full rocker profile, the Nocta is a league apart when it comes to freeride flotation.

Matt McGinnis was on that 185, and he noted that it was true to size. Top scores of 5 out of 5 were given for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, and forgiveness jump right out, as do 4’s for playfulness and overall impression. For a ski at 122 mm underfoot to get a 5 for quickness, Black Crows must be doing something right, or different, and in this case it’s that full rocker profile. Matt notes that given the test day, “Let’s be honest, these skis aren’t getting a fair shot from anyone today. Featuring the most rocker I’ve seen in years, these skis are mad to surf, not rip down nosedive at 2:15 after a day of hot snow. So, rather than talk about how these skis really weren’t up for the task of tearing through an ice, slush, and bump trifecta, let’s talk about how these skis would ski if they were where they wanted to be: in the powder. Even after just surfing through a few slushy mogul berms, these ski’s true desire was obvious: they want to surf the soft. Noting that, I honestly spent the second half of my run day dreaming about their powdery potential. I’ve skied similar skis in the last, and have to imagine that slashing wind drifts, landing switch in powder, or simply throwing up a snow cloud after a quick slide wash is where these would truly excel. Alas, those were not the conditions today. Which brings us to my recommendations: 0/10, would not recommend as a daily driver for any ice coast skier. But, 10/10, I would absolutely recommend for a powder ski quiver builder, East or west coast. In regards to ability, let’s create a term called “beginner powder skier,” and say these would be suitable for them, right up through advanced powder skiers who take a freestyle approach to the mountain rather than a steep, technical approach.” As with most skis that are one-dimensional like this, we do see that 0/10 to 10/10 range pop up accordingly.

Phil McGrory was also on the 185, and it was fine, “but for a dedicated powder ski, I’d probably go up to the 190.” Phil, like Matt, also scored a 5 out of 5 for flotation, with 4’s for playfulness and overall impression. All other scores were 3’s, and these are some pretty impressive scores overall from Phil for a 122 mm underfoot ski. “The Nocta is an awesome powder ski that would be awesome to have in your quiver of skis for the days when the snow is bottomless. The 122-waist width paired with the reverse camber profile allows that ski to stay on top of deep snow or water during spring days and end of season pond skimming!” We’d definitely like to see these skis over open water for sure!

I got to follow Phil and do some filming, and he looked like he was on water for sure. It’s an impressive ski to see in action, and I only wish we could dial up a powder day in order to see these things in their full repertoire—ready to rip down some steep mountain face with bottomless snow underfoot.