Ski: 2019-2020 K2 Ikonic 84, 177 cm
Available Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 177.2 cm
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 1873 & 1904 g (with binding plates)
Stated Dimensions: 133-84-112 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 132.5-83.5-111 mm (177 cm)
Stated Sidecut Radius: 17.5 m (177 cm)
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 61 mm / 8 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 4 mm
Measured Mount Point: -11.5 cm / 77.1 cm from tail
Core Construction: Fir/Aspen + Carbon + Fiberglass Laminate
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -11.5 cm / 77.1 cm from tail
Blister’s Recommended Mount Point: Factory Line
[Note: Our review was conducted on the 17/18 Ikonic 84, which was not changed for 18/19 or 19/20, apart from graphics.]
Intro
We are currently getting more time on the Ikonic 84, and you should also read our review of its very good sibling, the K2 Ikonic 84 Ti. But for now, here is where we are with the Ikonic 84:
For those who are less interested in skiing at extremely high speeds, and so place less of a priority on high-speed stability, the Ikonic 84 is an excellent all-rounder.
While its tails are certainly not soft, we didn’t find the 84 to be demanding at all, just compliant, intuitive, and predictable.
The 84 doesn’t require a highly-skilled pilot, but expert skiers (or lighter skiers) who approach the mountain with more finesse than force will appreciate the versatility of this ski and how well it responds to solid input.
It is most comfortable making medium- and large-radius turns, but for its width, it isn’t a chore to work through shorter turns, either. And whether off-piste or in moguls, we’d take the Ikonic 84 (and its relative, the 84 Ti) over any of the narrower skis we’ve reviewed.
K2 Ikonic 84 vs. Ikonic 84 Ti
The non-Ti Ikonic 84 is lighter (no “Ti”), and has a bit more tip and tail rocker, which we think makes sense.
Their flex patterns are basically identical, and hand flexing both, I would sum that flex pattern up like this:
Tips: 7-7.5
Shovels: 8-9
In front of Toe Piece: 10
Underfoot: 10
Behind Heel Piece: 9
Tails: 9.5-10
This is particularly interesting given that (1) the Ikonic 84 and 84 Ti have different wood cores, (2) the non-Ti version is lighter, and (3) the non-Ti version has … no Ti (titanal). Often, one might assume that titanal version of a ski would make for a stiffer ski. But not in this case. Until we start talking about torsional rigidity … and then the difference is significant.
We measured the torsional rigidity of the Ikonic 84 Ti to be around 70% stiffer than that of the Ikonic 84. And that stiffness (coupled with the extra weight of the 84 Ti) gives the 84 Ti a noticeable, additional amount of high-speed stability. The Ikonic 84 performs very well — and we’d say similar to — the 84 Ti at slow and moderate speeds. But the 84 Ti starts pulling away in terms of stability and composure as you really start skiing flat out, or as you are making bigger, faster turns on really roughed-up groomers.
So really, the decision of which to go for is pretty simple: if you just prefer to make more turns as opposed to fewer turns at moderate or slow speeds, you’ll probably never miss the top end of the Ikonic 84 Ti.
That said, if you always — or even just occasionally — like to rage down groomers, then the 84 Ti is the better choice. So, yep, this is another one of those Know Thyself moments.
Bottom Line
Forgiving, predictable, intuitive, versatile. That’s how we’d describe the K2 Ikonic 84.
And check out, too, our review of the Ikonic 84 Ti.
NEXT: Rocker Profile Pics