As far as system skis are concerned, the 2024 Volkl Deacon 72 is one of the best and sharpest of the bunch. Volkl has a huge range of front side skis, and while we admit it’s tough to pick one that best suits the needs of a particular skier, the 72 holds a special place in our heart for having a narrow waist, a strong and stable character, and an excellent system binding. These things make this ski stand out for sure, and since it’s unchanged from last season except for a new graphic, we’re loving how this one continues to impress hard-charging front side skiers who are looking to reclaim their glory days of their racing careers. Conversely, if you’re progressing and advancing and are looking for a race-like ski without the heavy demand, this is a fantastic option.

As opposed to the full-on ash wood core in the Master series of Deacons, the 72 features a multilayer wood core consisting of poplar and beech. This is an energetic start to the ski, mixing the snappy poplar with the denser and heavier beech. On top and bottom of this core, we’ll find two full metal laminates that dampen vibrations and provide endless edge grip and power. There’s not a whole lot of bad or unwanted vibes that come through this ski as a result of this build. Additionally, we see a 3D glass laminate that stiffens the ski—any time we’re using fiberglass in a 3-dimensional format, it makes for a stiffer and more poppy feel out of the turn. As far as initiation is concerned, Volkl adds their Tailored Carbon Tips to the mix to increase the precision and agility of the front of the ski without making it too heavy or demanding. While not particularly relevant to the build, the Deacon 72 uses an rMotion 3 12 GW system binding that operates on a worm screw mechanism to give better adjustability and a strong feel overall. This is one of the better systems on the market, and we’re stoked to see it in the Deacon 72.

One of the coolest parts about this ski is that it still has tip and tail rocker to help non-World Cup skiers get into and out of the turns with a bit more ease and sustainability. It’s not like these skis are super friendly to start out with, so it’s helpful to have some bend in the ski to help it get along better. While at 72 mm underfoot we’re not dealing with a versatile all-mountain ski, it’s nice to know that there’s some rocker in the front and back for when the snow gets cut up and the terrain gets more challenging. You can ski these off-trail if you wish—they do have some well-rounded character, but overall, they’re definitely happier in firm snow and in a carved turn. In the 168, we’re getting a 14.5-meter turn radius, so the slightly narrower waist does equate to a shorter arc when compared to the wider 76. It has more of a slalom feel as a result, but that doesn’t mean it can’t open it up and let it run from time to time.

There���s a whole lot to like about this front side carving machine. From Volkl’s insistence that they make a ski for everyone, skis like the Deacon 72 are born. Sure, the audience isn’t terribly broad or diverse, but that’s what makes this ski stand out. With the top-end build, slalom-like character, and a somewhat friendly profile, these skis are able to hold an edge with the best of them while remaining at least slightly approachable for modern front side skiers in the advanced and expert categories.