BEST FOR: A high-end skier looking for a dedicated groomer ski.
LENGTHS: 162, 167, 172, 177, 182
DIMENSIONS: 132/84/115
RADIUS: 16@177
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $1300
OTHER MODELS: 80, 79, 76, 75, 74
For this winter, Völkl expanded its Deacon series of on-piste rippers with several wider models. The 84 is the biggest of the clan, but it gives up nothing on firm snow. “A powerful carving machine, this ski has amazing edge grip and can leave trenches in the snow,” wrote Völkl aficionado Ian March, who tested it at Whistler Blackcomb. “Its powerful approach makes it feel distinctly more piste-oriented.” Völkl used a wood core with a titanium frame, and a strip of Titanal that wraps along both edges from just in front of the binding to the tip and a sheet at the tail. There’s also a sheet of fibreglass over the tip and tail that’s layered right over the edge. This keeps the centre of the ski soft for easy turning, but stiffens up the rest of the ski for powerful carving. It’s a build that requires a strong pilot. “The ski prefers a lot of angulation to really dig in,” March continued. “It begs you to go hard and performs best when pushed.”
