In the world of skiing, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on versatility and playfulness. The Nordica Unleashed 98 is a playful, all-mountain ski that's not super fat, making it a great one-ski quiver for most conditions. The Black Crows Camox, on the other hand, is a freestyle-oriented ski that is still stiff enough to excel on groomed snow. Both skis are praised for their versatility, playfulness, and ability to handle a variety of conditions. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses, which we will delve into in the following sections.

Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis · 2024 summary

The Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis are marketed as a playful, all-mountain type ski that’s not super fat. It's the mid-fat ski in Nordica's Unleashed lineup, with the 90 and the 108 being the other options. The Unleashed 98 is designed to be a more freestyle, softer, and more playful sibling to the popular Nordica Enforcer line. It has one sheet of metal and much more rocker in the tip and tail, making it a freestyle ski best for people who prefer off-piste skiing, powder stashes, tree runs, and even park hits.

The Unleashed 98 is a good one-ski quiver. It performs well in most conditions except for super deep snow or super icy hardpack. It's nimble edge to edge, holds an edge really well, and skis well at high speeds. It's also a fun park ski, with a good amount of pop and rebound, and skis well switch. It's a great ski for freeride skiing, being a jack of all trades and feeling good all around the mountain. It's super playful in the trees and easy to slash. However, it's not the best option for icy days or really deep powder days.

Black Crows Camox Skis · 2024 summary

The Black Crows Camox Skis are an all-mountain freeride ski with a good amount of freestyle in its personality. It's great for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for tons of versatility. It has a rocker at the tip and tail, making it a freestyle-oriented ski that is still stiff enough to excel on groomed snow. At 97mm underfoot, it performs well in all snow conditions, but isn't ideal for deep storm days. It does really well in the chopped up crud you find the day after a storm. Generous camber underfoot also makes these a poppy ski that transitions well between turns and gives it a playful feeling.

The Camox is a versatile and playful all-mountain ski. It's constructed of a wood and fiberglass wrap, so it's far from a demanding ski. It's an excellent option for skiers looking for a more carefree or more playful ride around the mountain, while still holding up in more advanced terrain. A 97mm waist underfoot makes it an ideal daily driver or one ski quiver for folks in Idaho, Colorado, Utah, or on the West Coast.

Similarities

Both the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on versatility and playfulness. They both have a mid-fat waist width, with the Unleashed 98 at 98mm and the Camox at 97mm, making them ideal for a variety of snow conditions. Both skis are praised for their ability to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to off-piste to park skiing. They both have a playful, freestyle-oriented design, with a good amount of pop and rebound, and they both ski well switch. Both skis are also recommended as a one-ski quiver, capable of handling most conditions and terrain.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and playful, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Nordica Unleashed 98 is praised for its nimbleness and edge hold, making it a great option for skiers who like to carve and go fast. It's also a fun park ski, with a good amount of pop and rebound. However, it's not the best option for icy days or really deep powder days.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox is praised for its stability and grip at high speeds, making it a great option for advanced skiers who like to charge. It's also a fun ski for off-piste skiing and park skiing, with a playful and forgiving flex. However, it's not ideal for deep storm days.

In terms of persona, the Nordica Unleashed 98 would be a great fit for playful skiers who like to carve and go fast, and who don't mind sacrificing a bit of performance on icy or deep powder days. The Black Crows Camox would be a great fit for advanced skiers who like to charge and who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions, but who don't mind sacrificing a bit of performance on deep storm days.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions and terrain, making them both winners in this dimension. For playfulness, the Nordica Unleashed 98 might have a slight edge due to its nimbleness and pop. For carving and speed, the Nordica Unleashed 98 also takes the win with its strong edge hold and desire to go fast. For off-piste and park skiing, the Black Crows Camox might have a slight edge due to its stability and grip at high speeds, as well as its forgiving and playful flex.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are excellent options for all-mountain skis in the 2024 season. They both offer versatility, playfulness, and the ability to handle a variety of conditions and terrain. The Nordica Unleashed 98 might be a better fit for playful skiers who like to carve and go fast, while the Black Crows Camox might be a better fit for advanced skiers who like to charge and who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're a playful carver or a charging advanced skier, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!