Ski Reviews

2022-2023 Volkl Deacon 84, 177 cm

Reviewer Username: Skiwald

Reviewer Height: 5’8″

Reviewer Weight: 145 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 10 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Mt Rose, NV

TEST TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Firm moguls | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain

TEST CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 8/10

FORGIVENESS: 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 5/10

STABILITY: 8/10

SUSPENSION: 8/10

EDGE HOLD: 9/10

PLAYFULNESS: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Despite being a more carving oriented “all mountain” ski I would say this is a frontside/carver that is surprisingly easy to break free and pivot. They are quite fun in a variety of terrain in firm to soft snow from firm groomers to bumps firm or soft. That being said it’s not great in the air and would not be my choice for a powder day.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (177 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile carver that is great at medium to large radius turns and is still easy to release and pivot in bumps and off piste.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

Not for the described use case of firm to soft groomers while still fun and easy yo ski off piste.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

Highlights:

Great edge hold in firm snow.
Fairly damp in cut up groomers.
Can easily vary turn shape from small to large radius turns(but medium is the sweet spot).
Still easy to pivot and break free from its edge in bumps and off piste for a carving focused ski.