2022 Volkl Deacon 76 Master

The Deacon 76 Master is the wider of 2 new carving skis from Volkl for 2022. It takes the success of the previous Deacon 76 and enhances it with some new technology. Volkl essentially uses World Cup level construction in these skis, with a World Cup Ash Wood Core and Full Titanal construction. We also get their new Tailored Carbon Tip technology, which uses embroidered carbon fiber strands specifically places to deliver more torsional stiffness in the tip of the ski. It makes turn initiation a little more precise, which on a carving ski like the Deacon 76 Master, is quite noticeable. You’ve probably figured this out already by the name, but the ski is 76 mm underfoot. That’s almost 10 mm wider than a true GS ski, so the Deacon 76 should work a little better in variable conditions, while still delivering high-end carving performance.

Mike Anglin skied the 181 cm length in the Deacon 76 Master, which is the longest of 2 available length with the other being 176. The 181 cm that Mike tested has a 18.7 m radius, which is a couple meters bigger than the narrower Deacon 72 Master. Mike has a strong race background and feels right at home on carving skis like this. He didn’t give it a single score under 4 out of 5, which is incredibly impressive for a ski like this. Often in our testing, narrower carving skis will receive lower scores for things like playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility, but if you can ski like Mike, you’ll be able to do a lot on it. “The Deacon 76 Master is a bundle of goodness, that delivers smooth round arcs with minimal effort. Waist width may lead some away from soft snow or deep corn, but the flex pattern of the ski coupled with the awesome shovel delivers power steering thru everything you want to throw at it. Short turns, long turns, and everything in between are a joy on this gem regardless of the terrain you're riding. Intermediates to the hard charging experts will be glowing like a Deacon once they make some turns on the 76 Master.” It’s intriguing that Mike brought intermediates into the conversation for a ski that’s marketed towards advanced and expert skiers, but we don’t think he’s wrong. An intermediate with relatively good technique could ski the Deacon 76 Master without major issues, although it may take some time to adapt to it. Expert skiers, on the other hand, will love the fact that it performs at a high level, but with a touch more compliance than some in this category.

Marcus Shakun also skied the 181 cm length and described the Deacon 76 Master as a “Fast GS Frontside Ripper!” Marcus’s scores were less consistent than Mike’s, but still some high scores and impressive overall results for a carving ski. 5 out of 5 for stability and torsional stiffness/edge grip, with quickness/maneuverability and overall impression right behind with 4 out of 5 scores. “Stiff enough that it holds up in the deep spring corn. Blasting through as it digs it trench to find the harder snow beneath. Stable and precise at all speeds other than slow. Requires a physical skier that wants to drive the ski every step of the way. I’d recommend it to an advanced to expert level skier with a race background who wants all the performance and precision, but in a wider width than a GS ski.” Jeff Neagle opted for the 176 cm length, which he liked for his size. “Pretty sure I could ski either length in this ski, but the 176 works well for me. A little quicker across the fall line with the slightly shorter turn radius, although it would be fun to blast some bigger turns on the 181.” Jeff had similar scores to Marcus, 5 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. Quickness/maneuverability was right behind at 4 out of 5. “It’s a great ski. I love these skis with trickle down World Cup construction, but in a more user-friendly width and sidecut. Between these and the 72, I basically just skied faster on the 76, which makes sense with the slightly longer turn radius. Both skis are a ton of fun, just a different turn shape.”

Marcus mentioned this ski would be good for someone with a race background, which is certainly true, although we think it has a broader appeal than that. Anyone with strong technique who values precision, power, and responsiveness on a groomer will probably really enjoy the Deacon 76 Master. It’s a nice ski to have in your quiver. We’re not always ripping powder turns, and skiing groomers is a ton of fun, so consider adding something like the Deacon 76 Master to your repertoire.