For high-powered versatility in a front side shape, it’s hard to look past the 2024 Volkl Deacon 84. This ski, coming from the storied days of the RTM 84, sure has had quite the journey. From way back in the fully rockered days of all-mountain skis, to the modern version of a pure high-performance ski for any and all conditions and terrain, the current Deacon 84 is smooth, stable, fast, and incredibly useful. This is about as utilitarian as it gets when it comes to pure all-mountain power. Sure, there are wider and more versatile skis in this category, and there are also more carvy front side skis out there as well, but like anything that has to do it all at a high level, this one meets them all in the middle. The Deacon 84 takes everything that Volkl can throw at a ski and combines and compacts it into a cohesive unit that’s willing and capable of tons of different ski applications.

In a front side capacity, the build of the Deacon 84 makes a whole lot of sense. Complete with their Multilayer wood core consisting of poplar and beech, the ski has a sturdy start, and it’s bolstered by the 3D Ridge technology that has carried forward for a few generations now. They mix the ridge that runs the central spine of the ski with the Titanal Frame, and this creates the composure and stability that makes the ski stand out from pretty much all other mid-80's all-mountain carvers out there. To further the technology used in this ski, Volkl adds their 3D Glass to the mix that stiffens the flex and makes it more powerful in the rebound phase of the turn. For such a thinly profiled ski, Volkl somehow manages to maintain a full sidewall. While somewhat separate from construction, but not really, Volkl’s Lowride XL 13 FR GW binding system stands out as one of the only setups that’s actually integrated into the ski. This leads to a direct connection and better reactivity from skier to snow.

Adding to the off-trail acumen, the Deacon 84 has long and low rocker, and a lot of skiers may find this surprising given the on-trail focus of the ski. It makes for a smooth entry and exit to the turn, and when you get it up on edge, the power takes over, but the profile allows skiers to ride it flatter than a lot of other front side-oriented skis. This also marries well with the 3D Radius Sidecut that makes it simple and clean for skiers to mix up their turn shape and style. With a shorter arc underfoot and longer radii in the tips and tails, you can move from slalom-like carves to longer more aggressive turns with little to no resistance. It’s a more natural feeling, and it makes you feel like you can do no wrong—crisp and tight when you want it, and fast and stable in the next breath.

This is one of those skis that if you are looking for something fun and fast, and don’t know where to start, this is a great place to be. With a huge range, from ski instructors and patrollers to casual weekend skiers, the Deacon 84 is super versatile, but the main difference is that it does it a very high-performance level.