As I mentioned in my review of the Modes, Deviation is an up and coming boutique ski company out of Oregon. They build all of their skis in-house in their factory on the East Side of Portland. I met up with Matt and Tim, two of the company's founders a couple weeks ago at Mt. Bachelor, and had a chance to ride a few of their skis. Today I'm reviewing the Function, Deviation's big mountain offering.
While I enjoyed the playfulness of the Modes, the Functions better fit my skiing style. They are stiff, damp, and are best operated at speed. However, with ample tip rocker, the skis float well in deep snow. While the Function is definitely more at home in the open mountain, they are respectably responsive in the trees, and in tighter terrain.
The Functions were great in deep snow. Even though we were skiing a foot and a half of Cascade Cement, the Functions easily surfaced after every turn. In addition, the damp flex of the ski absorbed any irregularities in the snow, offering a noticeably smooth ride.
In bumps and crud, the Functions railed. Even in chopped up mank, the Functions turned predictably every time. I never felt a speed limit. In fact, the more I skied the Functions, the faster I wanted to go. Theses skis really come alive at speed.
On groomers, the Functions held a solid edge. With a longer turn radius than the Modes, the Functions are not a true carving machine. But their hardback performance is more than respectable for a 108 mm waisted ski.
I was talking to Matt, and the Function has a distinct construction compared to the rest of the Deviation skis. Most notably, the Function has three layers of fiberglass sandwiched within the skis making it the stiffest ski in Deviation's lineup. However, combined with Deviation's signature core of ash, basswood, and black locust, the ski has a smooth, predictable flex. The other thing about the Functions is that they have a very stiff, almost completely flat tail. Now, as an ex-racer who generally takes a forward stance, I enjoy the stability a flat, stiff tail offers. However, the Function is not a forgiving ski, and it will punish poor form or backseat skiing.
At 10.5 lbs, the Function would be a heavy ski to bring in the backcountry. It is also stiffer than most touring boots could handle. I talked to Matt about building a "Function BC" by softening the flex and reducing weight. I think the dimensions and flat tail on the Function would make it otherwise perfect for touring. Deviation isn't ready to expand to a dedicated BC lineup just yet, but it sounds like it could be in the works!
I'll also mention the rocker profile. While I found the Mode's low profile tip to be little hooky in some conditions, I think they got it right with the Function's tip profile. The tip profile is more pronounced, and as a result, deep snow turn initiation is more predictable. As these designs continue to evolve, I hope all skis in the Deviation lineup adopt the more pronounced tip profile found in the Function.
If you want an every day Pacific Northwest ski that has no speed limit, the Function is for you. It has the stiffness and dampness to handle Cascade Cement. But it also has the tip rocker to float in any kind of deep snow. The Function comes alive at speed, but is responsive enough to manage tight terrain without a problem. However, the Function is not for the weak of heart: it will punish poor technique and timid skiers.
The Functions are available at www.deviationusa.com
While I enjoyed the playfulness of the Modes, the Functions better fit my skiing style. They are stiff, damp, and are best operated at speed. However, with ample tip rocker, the skis float well in deep snow. While the Function is definitely more at home in the open mountain, they are respectably responsive in the trees, and in tighter terrain.
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| The Function, 132-108-122 |
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| Photo Credit: Stephanie Siegel |
In bumps and crud, the Functions railed. Even in chopped up mank, the Functions turned predictably every time. I never felt a speed limit. In fact, the more I skied the Functions, the faster I wanted to go. Theses skis really come alive at speed.
On groomers, the Functions held a solid edge. With a longer turn radius than the Modes, the Functions are not a true carving machine. But their hardback performance is more than respectable for a 108 mm waisted ski.
I was talking to Matt, and the Function has a distinct construction compared to the rest of the Deviation skis. Most notably, the Function has three layers of fiberglass sandwiched within the skis making it the stiffest ski in Deviation's lineup. However, combined with Deviation's signature core of ash, basswood, and black locust, the ski has a smooth, predictable flex. The other thing about the Functions is that they have a very stiff, almost completely flat tail. Now, as an ex-racer who generally takes a forward stance, I enjoy the stability a flat, stiff tail offers. However, the Function is not a forgiving ski, and it will punish poor form or backseat skiing.At 10.5 lbs, the Function would be a heavy ski to bring in the backcountry. It is also stiffer than most touring boots could handle. I talked to Matt about building a "Function BC" by softening the flex and reducing weight. I think the dimensions and flat tail on the Function would make it otherwise perfect for touring. Deviation isn't ready to expand to a dedicated BC lineup just yet, but it sounds like it could be in the works!
Conclusions:
If you want an every day Pacific Northwest ski that has no speed limit, the Function is for you. It has the stiffness and dampness to handle Cascade Cement. But it also has the tip rocker to float in any kind of deep snow. The Function comes alive at speed, but is responsive enough to manage tight terrain without a problem. However, the Function is not for the weak of heart: it will punish poor technique and timid skiers.
The Functions are available at www.deviationusa.com
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