The Black Crows Orb Skis with Bindings fall into the mid-range of a very competitive 88-millimeters underfoot category. Built with a poplar wood core and a fiberglass laminate, the Orb then adds two sheets of Black Crows’ H-Shaped metal laminate. These laminates are the crux of why the Orb is so successful at what it aims to do. By not having two full-sheets of titanal, they’re keeping the ski lighter and more accessible for most skiers, while still keeping the torsional stiffness and edge grip at an extremely high level. The metal extending over and up the edges makes the ski a lot more precise without being overly demanding, and that’s just how they are wanting it to be. With a 21-meter turn radius, these skis make longer arcs than most of the competition, and this does a few things. For one, it allows for greater stability and smoothness at speed, with the longer, more GS style of turn. The Orb has a ton of fun built in, and its prowess in the moguls and trees should not be overlooked. They’re quick, agile and fun, containing the power and grip of the metal, but the fun-loving nature of a wood core ski as well. The resulting versatility puts the Black Crows Orb Skis with Bindings at the top of the class.