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Reviewers' score
17.7
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BEST SKI

Völkl Deacon 74 review 2019

BEST SKI
Best ski 2019

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

While Völkl skis regularly stand at the top of the podium in the PROSKILAB™ All-Mountain category, their carving skis have found it more difficult to feature among the best skis in the world.

Things change. The testers were very excited by the Deacon 74, which is the Carvers category. Here, we select high-performance skis that are less demanding than race-inspired skis but that will still get your heart pumping.

In fact, this ski fulfilled all of the criteria of this category. It is super fun because it is so lively and “predictable,” according to the testers.

Turn initiation is fast and intuitive. The ski holds the line very well because it has incredible edge grip and amazing stability. The Deacon 74's docile nature and excellent performance encourage skiers to "increase pressure," increase edge angle, and push the envelope just a little more. The ski allows a lot of room for improvement and will appeal to skiers who want to perfect their technique.

The ski is very at ease in long turns but requires a bit more effort in short turns.

The Völkl Deacon 74 is a very popular ski that we strongly recommend for a wide range of skiers. This ski will allow strong intermediate skiers to progress and improve their technique. Advanced and expert skiers will love its predictability and versatility.


Review: Pros

  • Lively and grippy
  • Great edge hold
  • Quick easy turn initiation
  • Versatile, excellent performance in all types of turns (carved, skidded, pivot, etc.)
  • Awesome in long-radius turns

Review: Cons

  • More demanding in short turns
  • Lacks a bit of rebound at the end of the turn according to some testers

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
16.3
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
18.8
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
18.2
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
18.8
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
18.2
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
17.6
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
18.2
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
17.6
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
17.6
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
17.6

Who's it for?

Good → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

The new Deacon range uses racing technology found in skis like the Racetiger, which has a wider sweet spot. It is in Volkl’s All-Mountain range and is made for skiing the steepest runs in the resort! #thesteeperthebetter
Snow conditions change fast in ski resorts: perfectly groomed in the morning, a few moguls by the end of the day, and sometimes artificial snow that doesn’t have the same grip or glide. It was for these specific conditions that our engineers and testers designed a wider ski for 2018/2019 that has the same performance, edge grip, and gliding properties as a race ski.
The Deacon features Volkl’s new UVO 3D technology: It is a freely rotating vibration dampening device with a spring that allows the UVO 3D to move up and down to reduce vibrations and improve ski-snow contact. In terms of construction, the Deacon has the 3D Glass technology: fiberglass placed vertically along the sidewalls at the tip and tail, which gives the ski greater stiffness and power. The fiberglass is flat at the bindings, so skiers can flex the ski more easily.
The range also includes the Deacon 76. This model comes in a PRO version with the famous Marker WC Piston Interface plate. Available in black or in color.

Features of the Deacon 74

Brand : Völkl
Model : Deacon 74
Year : 2019
Family : Carvers
Size tested : 173 cm
Tip size : 125 mm
Waist size : 74 mm
Tail size : 104 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : 16 m
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Your review

Review Deacon 74 Pro

Great Eastern ski. Fast, quiet, and turns very easily. Best edge I have been on in years. Have skiied 4 days on them and very pleased so far. Also, easier on back and quads

Bill
le 08/03/2019 à 04:02:27

Review Deacon 74

This ski laughs at Eastern ice with its amazing grip and tracking ability. If you are tired of slipping down steep hard icy faces, this is the ski for you. They work best when you work them hard: charging into the turns with angulation rewards you with great power and control. When I first used them, the power coming out of turns left my body behind; you need to be forward and aggressive. I've never had so much fun skiing hard piste snow. These are relatively specialized, they aren't great in crud or powder, nor for super quick slalom-style turns or very high speed downhill runs. But for those mid-radius GS style turns (my favorite) on hard snow they are unbelievable!

Peter
le 01/04/2019 à 13:50:56

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Logo La Clusaz

Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2018