2024 Volkl Deacon 84 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

[@davidisrael4353]

Fantastic ski review, probably best I have seen for an in-the-shop technical overview of a ski. Thanks!

[@harryb4608]

I upgraded my ski last year with this pair, I'm 5'10'' 160lb, strong intermediate east coaster, mostly on groomer, I went with 172cm. What a gamer changer, I never felt this confident on icy slopes and it handled so well. It's a heavy ski, requires more effort to turn, but once you get used to it you would feel like as if you are skiing on butter, very smooth and capable! Highly recommend it!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I added this ski to my quiver as my front side carver last season and was really impressed with it’s performance. I am 165 cm 145 lbs and got the 167 cm length. My usual everyday driver is the Blizzard Brahma 88 Trueblend in a 172 cm length. The Deacon 84 is capable of making any radius turn and actually skis variable conditions quite well. If you like to ski fast in the fall line on the front side this is an excellent choice.

[@bumpsandcarving]

Had a chance to ski these recently at Mount Snow in very firm conditions. Other than a a few laps on Stockli monteros . I’ve never felt that confident carving on ice The edges were very quick to engage, and did not let go, making what would have otherwise been a pretty frustrating day really fun they do require a bit of effort to release the tails in short, old-fashioned turns. However, if you’re in the northeast and you head out for a day of skiing and you know it’s going to be bulletproof. It’s a game changer when your equipment doesn’t care.

[@otisregatoni617]

I rip with the 177’s, scape my caboose on the run line, ….went with the v.werks - crazy good & more like a Porsche. I’m 6ft, 188lbs, with abs of Kevlar…& 62

[@waynesargent9825]

The Deacon 84’s look great 🎉 Good colour on the top I have the older RTM 84 and they are still good but probably not the terrific ski as the Deacon 84 Thanks so much for the wonderful description of the Deacon - well done

[@otisregatoni617]

Never ski A ski because of its cuteness

[@waynesargent9825]

Ok- co Thanks for the compliment about my comment concerning the Deacon 84 I also have a pair of the Stockli AR Laser 83 - an excellent ski ⛷️ Now, Stockli has an 84 now -progress

[@grahamphillips2706]

Hey Bob. Thanks for your review. I have skied these and really enjoyed them. I feel that all the "all mountain" Volkls, from this Deacon 84, all the way up to the Mantra 102 have that precision feel that gives them great front side grip and energy. I was also a really big fan of the Fischer 86 GT because of its carving strength and versatility in a range of conditions for a narrower ski. I know that you ski on a pair of Montero ARs. I am looking to add a narrower ski to my quiver. Right now, my narrow ski is a 186 Fischer Motive 95, which I love at speed and for mashing crud, but it is a little much at slower speeds and off trail. (I have a pair of 185 Nordica Helldorados when it gets soft.) I am similar to you in size, 6'3", 225 or so and ski fairly aggressively, but not as all out as I did a few years ago. What are your thoughts about where the Deacon 84 sits when comparing to the 86 GT and the Montero AR?

[@SkiEssentials]

The big difference between the AR and 86GT vs. the Deacon is the camber. In the Fischer and Stockli, there's a lot of camber. In the Deacon, there's actually quite a bit of long, albeit low, rocker, and this opens up all-mountain conditions and terrain a bit more. I find the Montero to be more planted on the snow than the Deacon, while the Fischer takes that to the next level--that ski wants to motor. There's at least some versatility to the AR--more than the Fischer for sure. I love the AR on groomers, but one of my funnest days was about 4 inches of dry snow on top of firm--it totally crushed that day.

[@michaelaronson9447]

Great ski. Thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

You bet

[@michaelaronson9447]

I am 6’, 175lbs. Technical skier with Level 2 CSIA, ex racer. I usually ski 180 + on mountain skis like Ranger 115 FR, DPS Pagoda C2, etc. Length suggestion? I am more of a traditional upright skier but I love to work all aspects of a ski depending on the snow conditions. Thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the 177 is the way to go in this ski based on your stats and application--makes it accentuate the turns and carving capacity for sure.

[@michaelaronson9447]

Thanks guys. That sounds right. 😊

[@leisurewccm3592]

Nice videos & great reviews. I need to replace my (very) old Atomic Metron B5 and the Deacon 84 might just be the one for me. Looking for some advice on the length tho. I'm 180cm and 160lbs and I mainly ski on groomers taking short and medium turns at high pace as I am an expert skier. Doing long carves on speed runs. Occasionally going non groomed terrain aswell. Personally I was looking at the 167, or would the 172 be more suitable?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say 172 would be fine based on your stats and application. The 167 may be a bit too quick when it comes to carving.

[@rurymj]

Would this be the next progression from teh Deacon 79? I have the 79 and never skied better (groomed trail carving, the 79s are perfect for me). but I'm looking for a little more all-condition ski to upgrade to... would these be my target?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! Boost in stability, power, precision, and versatility moving from the 79 to the 84. Still not overly demanding.

[@JukyZagreBBB]

I'm 182 cm, 87 kg advanced skier. At the moment skiing at 2019 Atomic Redster x9 175cm. Based in Europe. Looking for a more easier all day skies that are not so demanding for all type on piste conditions since there is hardly all day groomed hardpack/iced tracks. Mostly on piste but would like to try now and than off piste, let's say 20% of time. Carving skiier, medium to short turns at the end of the day when the energy is depleated and tracks begins to break. Would you reccomend deacon 84 and at what leinght? Or some other skies? Thanks in advance...

[@SkiEssentials]

Love the Deacon 84! They are a nice blend of light weight and high performance. I'd say the 177 is the way to go in this ski.

[@RichardWiseman-ti6ic]

Thanks for the review. I am looking to add a more frontside ski than my current Mantra m5. 177. (2019) which have been great to ski. I am 177cm , 80kg and think the Deacon 84 at 172cm look like a great option, looking for a carver that can make shorter turns and stable at speed any thoughts. Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

I think you're in the right zone for sure--a mid-80's front side ski is the way to go here and if you like the precision and power of the Mantra, the Deacon 84 isn't a big leap. Other skis in this zone that I like are the Elan Wingman 86 CTi, Head Supershape Titan, and Stockli's Montero AR. Sizing at or around 172 sits well with me.

[@Aaron-p2r8d]

Thanks for the review. 5’10 220lbs strong advanced skier. Would you recommend the 172 or 177 length? Ski mostly frontside groomers.

[@SkiEssentials]

The 177 is right at head high on you, and I think these skis work best a bit shorter. I'd go with the 172 to maximize that turning and carving performance, especially if you're mostly on front side.

[@tcnelsonwi454]

How would these compare with the VWerx? I bought the Stockli AR and am finding them similar to my Volkl RTM 84. Was hoping for an OMG experience and just haven’t seen it. 😢

[@SkiEssentials]

The VWerks is lighter than the Deacon. It uses a lighter wood core and then adds some more carbon to the mix, so you're getting a more mobile and responsive ski. It shares the same mold/footprint as the Deacon 84, so no differences in shape, it's just a lighter ski with a bit more torsional stiffness added in certain places due to the carbon application.

[@svensanchez3177]

Hi guys, this year I bought a Brahma 82 based on your recommendations that it was a stiff ski with 2,5 titanal laminates. I was really disappointed with the softness, as a trainer I usually ski on e-race pro type skis. And this one is much softer. Otherwise very versatile are the brahma, now I'm looking for the same but harder in flex. Do you recommend me to try the Brahma 88 or the Deacon 84 or the Kendo 88, I think the enforcer 88 is also softer than the Brahma. I would really appreciate your help

[@SkiEssentials]

The Deacon 84 will provide some more precision from tip to tail as it does have more of a directional and front side shape to it. There's some versatility in an all-mountain realm, but not quite the same as Brahma or Enforcer.

[@charlescameron4793]

Hey, thanks for another stellar review. Currently riding some 15-20 yr old Head Super Shapes, they kinda OG! I'm adding to my quiver and the Deacon 84s are high on my list. I'm an advanced/expert skier, logging in at 178cm tall and weighing 155lbs. What differences could I expect between the 172cm and 182cm options, and would you recommend one over the other given my specs? I ride frontside groomers almost exclusively given I'm on the east coast. Thanks in advance for the advice.

[@SkiEssentials]

Are you interested in glossing completely over the 177? I'd put that one on the long side for you, regardless. These skis are very sturdy and stable, by going to the 172, you're opening up the shorter turn shape capabilities without taking too much out of the top end of the speed spectrum. Given your weight, I would say the 172 is the way to go in that ski.

[@charlescameron4793]

Thank you so much, I've been in analysis paralysis, eagerly awaiting input from the source! Not at all opposed to 177, but shorter turn shape would be welcome even if my baseline speed is fast as an ex-racer.

[@Skiingwithmisha]

Great video. I have been skiing for 17 years now and only run on groomers. Which ski is better Deacon 84 or 76 ?

[@SkiEssentials]

Groomer exclusive, I'd go 76.

[@Skiingwithmisha]

@@SkiEssentials thanx. I’ll do that 👌🏻

[@zoppofluch2941]

i would buy the deacon 84 or the fischer gt one 86 rc, but i cant test this ski before. do you prefer one of these skis? i am 1,88 meters and my weight is 100 kg, my skills are good, but im not an expert. are they completly different? sorry for my bad english

[@SkiEssentials]

They're somewhat similar. I prefer the Deacon overall as it is slightly easier to ski. The Fischer feels heavy and is quite demanding, so for a daily ski, it's kind of a handful. Deacon has a friendlier personality and I like the versatility. Great carving for how well-rounded it is.

[@Kasper-ll2wi]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking to buy these for the coming season. I'm 189cm/83kg and would consider myself advanced, should I go for the 177 or 182?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say you'll be fine with the 177, especially if you're looking to make some shorter and more moderate turns. The 182 might feel long when it comes to slower speeds while the 177 will give you a better variance and tolerance to a multitude of turn shapes and styles.

[@Kasper-ll2wi]

Thanks for the feedback👍@@SkiEssentials

[@christospapadiamantopoulos8915]

I'm 1,67 cm and 70 kg advanced level, in ski piste mainly, should I go for deacon 84 or deacon 80;

[@SkiEssentials]

The 84 is more stable and stiff, mainly due to the titanal frame vs. the glass frame of the 80. If you ski at higher speeds and are more demanding in a carved turn, I'd go with the 84, but if you are more moderate and mellow in your turns, the 80 has a bit more pep in its step.

[@jerl.980]

My favorite for 3 years now. I am skiing the 172 and don’t use my racetiger sl any more. It has a speed limit but it is high. It is not that stiff i found. Very very smooth and forgiving ski. How does it compare to the head eV10 ?

[@S1XTY7]

Good to know looking around the web for 1st newer skis in ages ( 2003ish atomic 157 SL skis)

[@jerl.980]

@@S1XTY7 buy them if you can they are the best skis i tested in the last 4 years. Look for past year model they are the same.

[@SkiEssentials]

The V10 is happier in shorter turns at more moderate speeds. If you value that stability at speed, the Deacon is a considerably better choice. I think of the V10 as a premium intermediate ski, complete with all of the technology involved in the top-end product, but with a shorter radius and less power at speed.

[@jerl.980]

@@SkiEssentials thanks guys that helps me a lot. I have not tried the v10 so i was curious.

[@stevek9943]

Hello. Considering that you are in the 172 length do you mind sharing your height?

[@albertoch]

How this compare to the Elan Wingman 86 CTI? Any preference? Thanks in advance!!

[@SkiEssentials]

I feel a lot more comfortable in variable conditions and terrain on the Deacon. The combination of longer rocker and more metal makes a lot of sense in this application. For pure carving on-trail, the Wingman is amazing and I'd rather be carving on-piste on this ski, but for one pair for all-mountain skiing including carving and off-piste, I'd lean to the Deacon.

[@src248]

Are the bindings on these GW compatible? Can't seem to find that information on the Volkl website

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes they are! Pretty much all non-touring and non-racing bindings are GW now.

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤👍

[@Andyange]

Are these similar to the kendo?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Kendo is more versatile due to the rounder shovel and tail shape as well as an increase in taper. Other than that, they manage to accomplish a lot of the same things. They are both very stable and strong carvers on firm snow, but the Deacon just has a bit more kick at the end of the turn and a more direct pull into the next turn. The Kendo is more "rolly" in this regard--you can stand on the ski very strongly and it won't waver at all--but it's not the same pop out of the turn as the Deacon. Off-trail, the Kendo is more manageable, so for bumps, trees, and softer snow, I'd rather ski the Kendo.

[@otisregatoni617]

No