The 2026 Black Crows Octo Birdie with Marker Squire 11 Bindings brings a modern twist to frontside skiing, designed for women who crave carving precision with a side of creativity. With an 84 mm waist and a quick 14-meter turn radius, this playful ski thrives on groomed terrain, offering quick transitions and a responsive feel. Inspired by the Mirus Cor and UFO but built with broader appeal in mind, the Octo Birdie is easy to love and even easier to ski. We paired the Octo Birdie with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

Few skis make carving feel this natural. The Octo Birdie delivers energetic edge-to-edge action while staying smooth and approachable, making every groomer lap feel like an invitation to explore different lines and turn shapes. It’s just plain fun.

Who it's for:

Best for intermediate to expert female skiers who love slicing turns on groomers but want something far more forgiving than a full-bore race ski. If you like a quick, agile ski that doesn’t punish you for backing off the throttle, this is a great fit.

Highlights:

The Octo Birdie is built with a poplar wood core and fiberglass laminates, creating a lightweight and energetic ride with just the right amount of dampness. A directional rocker profile in the tip and tail adds smoothness to both turn initiation and release, while semi-cap construction with ABS sidewalls ensures durability and edge grip. With its playful geometry and short turning radius, this ski encourages quick carving with a creative edge. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

This is a frontside-focused ski at heart. While it’s great for groomers and light mixed snow, the Octo Birdie isn’t built for deep powder or high-speed charging. Skiers seeking more power and damping on firmer days might prefer a stiffer, metal-reinforced alternative.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Octo Birdie skis true to size. Stick with your standard length for all-around performance, or size down slightly for a more maneuverable, nimble feel.