Black Crows Stans Ski Poles Review: Why I Love Them
The Black Crows Stans are the carbon ski poles I use with my Camox Birdies. They're light, comfortable in my hands, and have become part of my ski setup.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele
This is part of what I like about Black Crows. Ski gear doesn't have to be so serious. Skiing is supposed to be fun.
Ski poles are ski poles. They don't need as much thought as skis or boots, but if you use poles, you might as well get ones that work well and look cool, too.
I love my Black Crows Stans for both reasons.
I was already skiing on the Black Crows Camox Birdie when I bought the Stans, and I've become a fan of Black Crows gear. I like the way it skis, but I also like the way it looks. My skis and poles look great together, which matters to me too. You can read my Black Crows Camox Birdie ski review to see why I love those skis too.
But I also like Black Crows as a brand. Their design is fun and a little edgy. Their skis have sayings printed along the sides, and there's a personality to the brand that I like. I think ski brands should be fun. Skiing is fun, so why not?
Why I Like the Black Crows Stans Ski Poles
The Stans have a 13 mm carbon-fiber shaft, and a 125 cm pole weighs 230 grams. You can feel that lack of weight as soon as you pick them up.
The grip is comfortable with my ski gloves, the adjustable strap isn't complicated, and the poles feel balanced when I'm skiing. There's nothing about them that gets in my way.
That's probably the best way I can describe why I like them so much. I grab them and ski.
And while I bought them to go with my Camox Birdies, I wouldn't keep using a pair of poles just because they looked good with my skis. I like the way the Stans feel, and that's what matters once I'm on the mountain.
How the Stans Feel on the Mountain
I've skied the Stans on storm days, bluebird days and everything in between. They're light in my hands and easy to move through a turn.
Black Crows calls the Stans an all-terrain pole, which fits how I use them. I'm not changing poles depending on the conditions or what I'm skiing that day. I take these.
They have a 60 mm basket and steel tip, and I haven't found myself wanting anything different for the resort skiing I do.
I also like carbon for a ski pole. It keeps the Stans light without making them feel flimsy in my hands. I'm already carrying enough gear on a ski day. I don't need my poles adding unnecessary weight.
Black Crows Stans Ski Pole Specs
There isn't a long list of features here, and there doesn't need to be.
13 mm carbon-fiber shaft
Black Crows grip with rubber sections
Adjustable strap
60 mm piste basket
Steel tip
230 g per pole at 125 cm
Multiple fixed lengths available
The Stans are one of the simpler pieces in my ski kit, but they're also one of the pieces I grab every time I ski.
They're light. They feel good in my hands. I love how they look with my Camox Birdies.
That's about everything I need from a ski pole.
I write Overland Girl, where I share firsthand travel experiences across the American West — from desert landscapes and national parks to small towns layered with history. My work blends movement, place, and the stories that shape them.
Some posts may include affiliate links to products or services I use on the road. If you choose to purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps support continued travel and storytelling. I only link to items I personally use or would use myself.