2023 Cagematch: Völkl Deacon 84 vs Völkl Kendo 88

Phil and Tricia Pugliese share their insights on these to Volkl skis. Even though they're close in waist width, they perform quite differently. This cagematch comparison will show how they can easily live in the same quiver, where the Deacon excels on groomers and the Kendo skis well on groomers it tends to have more of and off piste bias.
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[@flee78]

You got it dude!

[@mikewiese8167]

Hi, I am trying to decide on a ski purchase this week...here are the contenders..Elan Wingman 86 CTI Fusion X, Volkl Deacon 84, Volkdo Kendo 88 and Elan Ripstick 88. I live in Pittsburgh but will have more skiing days in Colorado this year in January and March..total days out west 11..vs probably 5 at home. I am in mid 60's and have been skiing for 58 years...not as aggressive as in the past...mainly groomed slopes (east) and hopefully more powder west... real thoughts on what I should by...5'8 and 200lbs. Thanks

[@skitalkdotcom]

mainly groomed you say? Deacon 84 or the Wingman 86. Since you researched this video, the Deacon 84.

[@Ensignpeak]

I get exactly what you are saying but I think it is the opposite. The Deacon is actually more versatile all mountain and floats better. The Kendo doesn't float well and loves to turn quickly and is absolutely a rocket on hard pack. I also own Deacon 80's and Vwerks Deacon 84. The Kendo is the fastest and least forgiving, it requires your complete attention. The Deacon can be driven hard and precisely as well but is more forgiving in my mind.

[@morgansprules1250]

Great to hear your thoughts! I'm currently undecided between the Deacon 80's, 84's and Kendo 88's. I'm an advanced skier who likes varying carve lengths with 90% of time on piste. Which ski do you find most enjoyable and what ski would you recommend? Thanks!

[@Ensignpeak]

@@morgansprules1250 I'd actually go with the Deacon 80 or the Kendo 88 for on piste that much. I ski in the Rockies. My top speed on the Kendos is 70 mph on a groomed hill, lots of dampness and control. The Deacon 84 I would take anywhere on the mountain, even on a reasonable deep pow day but again not the Kendo. The Deacon 84 has a lower top speed by 5-8 mph. I love each but for different days. Kendos for ripping groomers or skiing 3 inches of fresh powder in a straight line no trees. Deacon 84 for variable conditions and everything else. I own the predecessor to the Deacon 80 (the RTM 81) and it also is a flat out awesome ski on piste. I imagine the Deacon 80 behaves the same way.

[@morgansprules1250]

@@Ensignpeak Yeah they all seem like great skis and was leaning towards the Deacon 80's for a light, fun ski on piste. Although, I have been offered the Deacon 84's for only $450 which is a hard opportunity to pass but wanted to know if they'd suite my ski style. If some of my days are skiing with friends recreationally would the skis be okay or would they need to be driven hard all day?

[@Ensignpeak]

@@morgansprules1250 I think you could totally get away with it on the Deacon 84's. Not so on the Kendos. Probably fine for the 80's too. I occasionally do a mellow day on the 84's and its fine, but again the Kendos to me, and my group of friends that all ski them, know they like to be driven hard. Hope that helps.

[@skitalkdotcom]

90% on piste? Between these two skis the Deacon for sure.