REASONS TO BUY
Burly construction
Feels extremely well made
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Requires a strong and confident skier
Black Crows Justis Review
This big, burly ski requires a strong pilot but rewards you with equally strong performance
Credit: Black Crows
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Our Verdict
Black Crows throws a monster our way with the Justis. Black Crows boasts that this ski is the answer for everything, particularly for the advanced-expert crowd. We agreed for the most part and scored the Justis quite well across the board. Concerning its weight, the Justis demands constant high effort. Expect to call it a day after lunch if you charged hard in the morning. At 100 millimeters wide underfoot, it is geared for softer snow but is versatile enough to tear up icy groomers just the same. If you're in great shape and up for an intense ride, the Justis might be what you're looking for. See how it stacks up next to the competition in our best skis review.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 6, 2023 to show the latest topsheet for the Black Crows Justis, which is pictured above.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Black Crows introduced the all-new Justis for the 2021-2022 ski season. The 100-millimeter waist and a 20-meter turn radius set the expectations right away. This ski is a big line charger with a high-speed preference. The Justis is ready for any wild ride, supported with double titanal plates and weighing 9 pounds per pair. Even with all the burliness, we found that Black Crows had delivered on its promises, albeit we were breathing hard after each run.
Performance Comparison
As the heaviest model in our review, the Black Crows Justis likes to lay it down and go fast.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Stability at Speed
The Black Crows Justis is one of the most stable skis at speed in our review despite its wider waist width. Looks aren't everything, and the Justis proved to our crew again and again that big boys can go fast, too. Black Crows adjusts the titanal plates in the Justis in the shape of the letter “H.” Coupled with their blend of classic camber, the Justis is a carefully crafted heavyweight made for big terrain and wide-open bowls.
We struggled to find the Justis' speed limit, oftentimes we blinked and were passing the slow signs!
Credit: Scott Rokis
Carving Ability
For a true carving experience, 100 millimeters underfoot is a bit wide. That's not to say the Black Crows Justis can't hang with some of the top performers in this metric. We were pleasantly surprised with the edge grip and stiff but progressive flex offered by the Justis. However, this ski does fall short of the more nimble competition when making shorter turns.
The Justis is best suited to making sweeping longer turns with the double titanal plates and a heavy platform in general. When we had the run to ourselves, the 20-meter turn radius shined through. Just remember to turn it off well before the slow signs.
Plenty of edge-hold on the Justis even with such a wide platform.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Powder Performance
With more of a soft snow preference in general, the Black Crows Justis earned respectable marks for powder performance. Even when considering the rest of its heavy body, we found the tip rocker helped to provide effective and superior floatation. Other models in this review with double titanal plate construction are not on the same level.
Soft snow can't get out of the Justis's way fast enough.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Crud Performance
Just getting this ski up to the slopes from the parking lot takes a feat of strength. But once it's on the slopes, this beast is designed to steer right into the chop. Confidently plow through everything from avalanche debris to wind crust. It takes a bit of sweat to drive the Justis, but when it comes to crushing through nasty conditions, we don't want another pair of skis on our feet. Walking is harder than skiing anyways, right?
Dealing with frozen suncups is exciting on the burly Justis.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Terrain Playfulness
The playful metric is the lowest scoring for the Justis. The truth is that tight terrain and moguls can be extra hard work with these monsters on your feet. With a huge emphasis on big and burly, this ski will blast off into the atmosphere without concern if you are still attached.
Hold on for a wild ride through the moguls on the Justis.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Should You Buy the Justis?
For the right skier – big, burly, and experienced – the Black Crows Justis may help you unlock your potential as a big-mountain skier. The power required to pilot this ski is not for the faint of heart and probably inappropriate for novice skiers. Although it checks in after our testing period as one of the best in our review, it is also one of the most expensive.
Proudly display the Justis on the ski racks, over your shoulders, or in your living room.
Credit: Bobby Garrett
What Other All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
The Black Crows Justis is a demanding ski, clearly built for the most aggressive big-mountain athletes. If that doesn't sound like you, consider the Volkl M6 Mantra, an all-mountain ski that is still muscular but significantly more forgiving. A 20-meter turn radius can be tough to manage, and if you're not into straight-lining, then a more nimble ski like the Nordica Enforcer 94 or Blizzard Rustler 9 is more appropriate.
Even days like this can be a blur while riding on the Black Crows Justis.
Credit: Scott Rokis
—Bobby Garrett
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