{"product_id":"black-crows-orb-freebird-alpine-ski-2026","title":"Black Crows Orb Freebird Alpine Ski","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.ccbb-ski-page {\n    --ccbb-border: #d9d9d9;\n    --ccbb-light: #f5f5f3;\n    --ccbb-text: #222222;\n    --ccbb-muted: #666666;\n    --ccbb-bar-filled: #222222;\n    --ccbb-bar-empty: #dedede;\n    --ccbb-radius: 8px;\n    color: var(--ccbb-text);\n    font-size: 16px;\n    line-height: 1.55;\n    margin: 32px auto;\n    max-width: 1200px;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n  }\n  .ccbb-ski-page *,\n  .ccbb-ski-page *::before,\n  .ccbb-ski-page *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page h2,\n  .ccbb-ski-page h3,\n  .ccbb-ski-page h4 { line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page h2 { font-size: clamp(26px, 3vw, 38px); margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page h3 { font-size: 21px; margin-bottom: 12px; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page h4 { font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page p { margin: 0 0 16px; }\n  .ccbb-ski-page ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 20px; 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font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; margin-top: 4px; text-transform: none; }\n  .ccbb-spec-toggle { color: var(--ccbb-text); flex: 0 0 auto; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1; }\n  .ccbb-spec-details summary .ccbb-spec-toggle::before { content: \"+\"; }\n  .ccbb-spec-details[open] summary .ccbb-spec-toggle::before { content: \"\\2212\"; }\n  .ccbb-spec-content { border-top: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); padding: 22px; }\n  .ccbb-spec-columns { display: grid; gap: 28px; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\n  .ccbb-spec-group h4 { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); font-size: 15px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin-bottom: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; }\n  .ccbb-spec-list { margin: 0; }\n  .ccbb-spec-row { align-items: start; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); display: grid; gap: 16px; grid-template-columns: minmax(110px, 38%) 1fr; padding: 12px 0; }\n  .ccbb-spec-row dt { font-weight: 700; margin: 0; }\n  .ccbb-spec-row dd { margin: 0; }\n  .ccbb-highlight { border-left: 4px solid currentColor; padding-left: 20px; }\n  .ccbb-comparison-card h4 { font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0 0 10px; }\n  .ccbb-comparison-card p { margin-bottom: 12px; }\n  .ccbb-comparison-link { font-weight: 700; }\n  .ccbb-faq details { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); }\n  .ccbb-faq summary { cursor: pointer; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; list-style: none; padding: 18px 36px 18px 0; position: relative; }\n  .ccbb-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\n  .ccbb-faq summary::after { content: \"+\"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400; position: absolute; right: 4px; top: 12px; }\n  .ccbb-faq details[open] summary::after { content: \"\\2212\"; }\n  .ccbb-faq-answer { padding: 0 36px 18px 0; }\n  .ccbb-verdict { background: var(--ccbb-light); border-radius: var(--ccbb-radius); font-size: 18px; padding: 26px; }\n  @media screen and (max-width: 900px) {\n    .ccbb-rating-grid, .ccbb-fit-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\n    .ccbb-rating:nth-child(2) { border-right: 0; }\n    .ccbb-rating:nth-child(-n + 2) { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); }\n    .ccbb-grid-3 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  }\n  @media screen and (max-width: 640px) {\n    .ccbb-ski-page { margin: 24px auto; }\n    .ccbb-section { padding: 26px 0; }\n    .ccbb-grid-2, .ccbb-rating-grid, .ccbb-fit-grid, .ccbb-spec-columns { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n    .ccbb-rating, .ccbb-rating:nth-child(2) { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ccbb-border); border-right: 0; }\n    .ccbb-rating:last-child { border-bottom: 0; }\n    .ccbb-spec-details summary { align-items: flex-start; padding: 18px; }\n    .ccbb-spec-icon { font-size: 21px; }\n    .ccbb-spec-heading { font-size: 17px; }\n    .ccbb-spec-content { padding: 18px; }\n    .ccbb-spec-row { gap: 4px; grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-ski-page\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section ccbb-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-eyebrow\"\u003e91 mm Ski Mountaineering Touring Ski\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Crows Orb Freebird\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ccbb-lead\"\u003eSki mountaineers who care more about edge hold on firm, steep snow than float in boot-deep powder are the audience the Orb Freebird has served since its creation. A 91 mm waist and an 18 m radius keep the ski underfoot and predictable when the snow goes hard, while an ash pocket under the binding area, a dense hardwood insert, sits exactly where the binding screws land. At 1,325 g per ski in the 167.0 cm and 1,450 g in the 178.0 cm, the Black Crows Orb Freebird climbs efficiently while keeping a full 18 m sidecut rather than a skimo shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-expert-line\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-expert-badge\"\u003eExpert Ski Review\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003eRatings and length guidance reviewed by CCBB ski staff.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs This the Right Ski for You?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-grid ccbb-grid-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-card-title\"\u003eBest For\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-quick-answer\"\u003eSki mountaineers and spring tourers who want a light 91 mm ski for steep, firm terrain, value precision over float, and ski couloirs, corn and technical descents.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-card-title\"\u003eConsider Another Ski If\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-quick-answer\"\u003eYou want real float in midwinter powder, a stiffer ski for high-speed open faces, or a telemark setup, which Black Crows states the Orb Freebird does not accept.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCCBB Ski Ratings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-label\"\u003eUphill Efficiency\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar\" role=\"img\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-bar__fill ccbb-rating-bar__fill--5\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-number\"\u003e5\/5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-description\"\u003e1,325 g per ski at 167.0 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-label\"\u003eDownhill Performance\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar\" role=\"img\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-bar__fill ccbb-rating-bar__fill--3\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-number\"\u003e3\/5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-description\"\u003eSolid flex, ash pocket under the mount\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-label\"\u003eSoft Snow Float\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar\" role=\"img\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-bar__fill ccbb-rating-bar__fill--3\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-number\"\u003e3\/5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-description\"\u003e91 mm waist, rated intermediate float\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-label\"\u003eFirm Snow Grip\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-rating-bar\" role=\"img\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-bar__fill ccbb-rating-bar__fill--4\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-number\"\u003e4\/5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-rating-description\"\u003e18 m radius, slightly straight sidecut\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ccbb-rating-key\"\u003eRating scale: 5 = top of its class, 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = specialized or below average, and 1 = limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCCBB Ski Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003e124-91-107 mm (173.2 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eTurn Radius\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003e18 m (all lengths)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eFlex Pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003eSolid underfoot, progressive in tip and tail\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eMount Point\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003e-10 cm from center\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eSkin Fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003eModel-specific ultra light pre-cut Pilus\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-fit-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-label\"\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-fit-value\"\u003eSki mountaineering, spring touring\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-grid ccbb-grid-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Like It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt 1,325 g per ski in the 167.0 cm, the Orb Freebird stays light enough for repeat laps while keeping 91 mm underfoot, more ski than the 80 and 85 mm options in the range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ash pocket under the binding area, a dense hardwood insert, targets screw retention on a ski that will see repeated transitions and hard landings in firm snow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 91 mm waist with a slightly straight sidecut keeps the edge engaged on firm snow, which is what a ski mountaineering ski is actually asked to do.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mount at -10 cm from center sits further back than the rest of the range, which suits a directional, tips-first approach to steep terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSki mountaineering objectives and couloir descents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpring corn tours and long volcano days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirm, technical terrain where edge hold outranks float\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFitness laps and repeat-lap skinning days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSki Specialist's Advice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orb Freebird runs an 18 m radius at all six lengths, so length is a fit and mass decision. In steep, tight couloirs the 167.0 cm and 173.2 cm are the working lengths for most skiers, and the 178.0 cm or 183.1 cm suit taller skiers or anyone who wants more edge on long firm traverses. The 155.3 cm and 161.2 cm are real lengths for smaller ski mountaineers rather than junior sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Crows sets the mount at -10 cm from center, further back than the -9 cm used on the Navis Freebird and Camox Freebird, with a 3.5 mm by 9 mm drilling pattern. A 95 mm brake is the narrowest that clears the 91 mm waist, and many skiers run this ski with a brakeless race binding and a leash instead. Black Crows states that its touring skis are not compatible with telemark bindings, and we hold to that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orb Freebird takes an ultra light model-specific pre-cut Pilus skin with a tip insert and a minimal heel notch. If you run a trim-to-fit skin instead, size it off the tail, which runs 105 to 109 mm and puts the entire size run on a 120 mm skin. Do not size a skin off the 91 mm waist on this ski or the shovel edges will sit bare on a firm skin track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ccbb-rating-key\"\u003eLength and mount guidance reviewed by CCBB ski staff. Confirm length against your height, weight and terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ccbb-spec-details\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-spec-summary-main\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-spec-icon\"\u003e📐\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ccbb-spec-heading\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ccbb-spec-subheading\"\u003eFull spec table · Click to expand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ccbb-spec-toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-columns\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-group\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShape and Sizing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e121-91-105 mm (155.3 cm), 122-91-105 mm (161.2 cm), 123-91-106 mm (167.0 cm), 124-91-107 mm (173.2 cm), 126-91-108 mm (178.0 cm), 129-91-109 mm (183.1 cm)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaist Width\u003c\/strong\u003e91 mm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTurning Radius\u003c\/strong\u003e18 m (all lengths)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLengths\u003c\/strong\u003e155.3, 161.2, 167.0, 173.2, 178.0, 183.1 cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e1,325 g per ski (167.0 cm), 1,375 g per ski (173.2 cm), 1,450 g per ski (178.0 cm). Black Crows lists the 155.3, 161.2 and 183.1 cm as provisional\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-group\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eConstruction and Use\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidecut\u003c\/strong\u003eSlightly straight sidecut for stability and balance\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlex\u003c\/strong\u003eSolid underfoot for stability, progressive in tip and tail\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReinforcement\u003c\/strong\u003eAsh pocket under the bindings, a dense hardwood insert, for screw retention\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMount and Drilling\u003c\/strong\u003e-10 cm from center, 3.5 mm by 9 mm drilling. Not compatible with telemark bindings\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase and Tune\u003c\/strong\u003eSintered base. 1.3 degree base bevel, 3 degree edge bevel\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkin Fit\u003c\/strong\u003eModel-specific ultra light pre-cut Pilus with a tip insert and heel notch\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/strong\u003eSki mountaineering, spring touring\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompare the Black Crows Orb Freebird\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-grid ccbb-grid-3\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-card ccbb-card--bordered ccbb-comparison-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrb Freebird vs. Black Crows Camox Freebird\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Camox Freebird is the wider all-rounder at 97 mm underfoot and 1,375 g per ski at 173.1 cm, mounted at -9 cm. Both share an 18 m radius. Skiers whose season is mostly steep and firm take the Orb Freebird at 91 mm; skiers who want more soft snow capability take the Camox Freebird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ccbb-comparison-link\" href=\"\/search?q=Black+Crows+Camox+Freebird\u0026amp;type=product\"\u003eShop Black Crows Camox Freebird skis\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-card ccbb-card--bordered ccbb-comparison-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrb Freebird vs. Black Crows Ova Freebird\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ova Freebird is the lighter, narrower option at 85 mm underfoot with a 17 m radius and a paulownia core. The Orb Freebird gives up some weight to gain 6 mm of waist and a longer effective edge. Skiers chasing vertical take the Ova Freebird; skiers who want more ski underfoot on the descent take the Orb Freebird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ccbb-comparison-link\" href=\"\/search?q=Black+Crows+Ova+Freebird\u0026amp;type=product\"\u003eShop Black Crows Ova Freebird skis\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-card ccbb-card--bordered ccbb-comparison-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrb Freebird vs. Blizzard Zero G 95\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkiers cross-shop these two as light touring skis for firm conditions. The Zero G 95 is the damper, more directional build, while the Orb Freebird is 91 mm on an 18 m radius with an ash pocket under the mount. The Orb Freebird is the lighter, quicker ski.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"ccbb-comparison-link\" href=\"\/search?q=Blizzard+Zero+G+95\u0026amp;type=product\"\u003eShop Blizzard Zero G 95 skis\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section ccbb-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWho should buy the Black Crows Orb Freebird?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eThe Black Crows Orb Freebird suits ski mountaineers and spring tourers who want a light ski that still holds an edge. At 91 mm underfoot with an 18 m radius and 1,325 g per ski at 167.0 cm, the Orb Freebird is built for steep, firm terrain rather than deep snow.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat bindings work with the Black Crows Orb Freebird?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eThe Black Crows Orb Freebird takes standard alpine bindings, pin\/tech (low-tech) touring bindings, and hybrid bindings, because a ski carries no sole norm of its own. Match the binding to your boot sole norm rather than to the ski, and confirm the binding accepts that norm. Black Crows sets the mount point at -10 cm from center and specifies a 3.5 mm by 9 mm drilling pattern. Black Crows states that its touring skis are not compatible with telemark bindings, and we hold to that. Choose a brake that clears the 91 mm waist, so 95 mm is the narrowest that works.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the rocker and camber profile of the Orb Freebird?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eWe do not state one. Black Crows publishes float, sidecut, flex, reinforcement, mount point and drilling for the f26 Orb Freebird, but publishes no rocker or camber specification for the f26 ski, and this generation is a redesign. Rather than carry over the previous version's profile copy, we have left the field empty and asked the manufacturer. We will publish it when they answer.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow much does the Black Crows Orb Freebird weigh?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eThe Orb Freebird weighs 1,325 g per ski at 167.0 cm, 1,375 g per ski at 173.2 cm and 1,450 g per ski at 178.0 cm. Black Crows lists the 155.3, 161.2 and 183.1 cm figures as provisional for this model year, so we do not publish them.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat length Black Crows Orb Freebird should I get?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eThe 18 m radius holds at every length, so length is about mass and edge rather than turn shape. Most skiers running steep couloirs land on the 167.0 cm or 173.2 cm, while taller skiers and anyone doing long firm traverses do better on the 178.0 cm or 183.1 cm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat skins fit the Black Crows Orb Freebird?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eBlack Crows makes an Orb Freebird specific ultra light pre-cut Pilus skin with a tip insert and a minimal heel notch, cut to all six lengths. Trim-to-fit skins should be sized off the tail, which runs 105 to 109 mm across the run and puts every length on a 120 mm skin.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy does the Orb Freebird mount at -10 cm?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eBlack Crows sets the Orb Freebird mount at -10 cm from center, one centimeter further back than the Navis Freebird and Camox Freebird. A rearward mount lengthens the shovel ahead of the boot, which suits directional skiing in steep terrain. The mount line is marked with an arrow on the sidewall, and Black Crows advises mounting there.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs 91 mm wide enough for powder?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-faq-answer\"\u003eBlack Crows rates float at 91 mm as intermediate, and we would not choose the Orb Freebird as a powder ski. In boot-deep snow it works fine; in a genuine storm day it will sink and demand more speed than a 104 mm ski to stay on top. Skiers who ski powder more than firm snow should look at the Navis Freebird instead.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ccbb-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ccbb-verdict\"\u003eThe Black Crows Orb Freebird is a ski mountaineering tool first and an all-rounder second, and it is honest about that. A 91 mm waist on an 18 m radius with a slightly straight sidecut keeps the edge engaged on firm, steep snow, the ash pocket under the binding area targets the screw retention that hard use eats, and 1,325 g per ski at 167.0 cm makes long ascents realistic. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Black Crows","offers":[{"title":"167","offer_id":48636908404893,"sku":"102582-167","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"178","offer_id":48636908437661,"sku":"102582-178","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"155","offer_id":48636908470429,"sku":"102582-155","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"161","offer_id":48636908503197,"sku":"102582-161","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"183","offer_id":48636908634269,"sku":"102582-183","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"173","offer_id":48636908667037,"sku":"102582-173","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0256\/7103\/files\/102582_8.jpg?v=1787946320","url":"https:\/\/cripplecreekbc.com\/products\/black-crows-orb-freebird-alpine-ski-2026","provider":"Cripple Creek Backcountry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}