We’ve loved the precision and quality levels that come out of the V.Werks department for years, and that does not change with the 2024 Volkl Deacon V.Werks. This ski is the pinnacle of the all-mountain carver, dropping some weight due to the addition of carbon, and adding a bunch of precision and power that come along with Volkl’s sophisticated engineering and design. This ski has it all, and for advanced and expert skiers who are looking to make some clean and round turns while keeping things versatile and somewhat approachable, there’s not a whole lot out there that does it better than this ski. The mid-80's is a funny place for a front side ski, and it also doesn’t always fit in with what all-mountain skis are trying to do. Yet somehow, this V.Werks is a highly innate and natural ski—able and willing to do a whole lot out there. While the slightly heavier Deacon 84 can feel a bit lumbering at times, the V.Werks has none of that—operating strongly and swiftly with unexpected agility and versatility.

The main difference between the V.Werks and the 84 in the Deacon line is the use of a lighter wood core in the V.Werks edition. They’re basically using their Blaze wood core instead of the Kendo one, and given that they use more other materials like carbon in the V.Werks, this change does make sense. It ends up saving about 250 grams per ski, with the V.Werks hitting 2880 grams with a binding in the 177. In addition to the lighter core, the V.Werks features Tailored Carbon Tips and Tails, a 3D Ridge that runs the central portion of the ski for dampness, and a Titanal Frame to put more emphasis on edge grip and carving power. These attributes all add up to a light, ripping ski that can stand up to the most rigorous and aggressive skiing out there.

At 84 mm underfoot, this is one of the wider skis that have a front side character to them. For many, having this balanced platform underfoot makes a lot of sense. From early groomers to late day chunky snow, the wider skis hold up better in those varying scenarios. Sure, it’s not quite as grippy as a narrower ski, but that’s why they make a Racetiger GS—all other skiers will be a lot happier on a Deacon V.Werks at 84 mm underfoot. We also get tip and tail rocker to aid in the flotation as well as the start and end phases of the turn. It’s not dramatic rocker by any stretch, but it is there, and it does help. Like many other Volkl skis in this realm, Deacon V.Werks features 3D Radius sidecut, putting a shorter 15-meter arc in the underfoot zone with 24 in the tip and 21 in the tail. As such, it’s easy to make this ski carve more slalom-like arcs when you’re pressuring the middle, while it’s equally as simple to let it run and get amazing stability at speed when you are taking a more direct path down the fall line.

The use of carbon in the V.Werks series of skis sets them apart from the competition. If you can make a ski that does everything a comparable ski does, but at a lighter weight, then we’re looking at a successful build. That’s the whole theory and focus here with Deacon V.Werks. It’s equally capable, insanely precise, totally energetic, and easy to maneuver. Those qualities don’t combine a whole lot, and when you add in some versatility to the mix, it makes this ski even more appealing.