Volkl Deacon Ski Test NZ:
New Zealand’s unique snow conditions became the final test track for two recently developed high performance ski models that became global best sellers.
German ski company Volkl (Voekl in German) released the Deacon and Mantra 5 in the northern hemisphere winter following a final on-snow testing session at Mt Hutt ski area in September of 2018.
Since being released the two models have been in huge demand overseas. In New Zealand, Volkl importer Geoff Mckeown of Gravity Sports says he was already making orders for an extra shipment before the lifts were turning.
An early season on-snow test of one of the first production Deacon models to arrive in the country was by New Zealand demonstrator and instructor trainer Garett Shore at Treble Cone:
“Great early season snow conditions have been perfect for the new 2019
Volkl Deacon.
The Deacon combines the performance of a race ski with the versatility
of an all mountain ski, it feels light and easy to turn yet super
stable on the groomers. It still has enough surface area to
charge through the off-piste.”
Last year’s New Zealand testing session was overseen by Volkl International’s head of design, Volkl’s product manager for freeski and former World Cup racers who work for the company’s research and development team, Geoff said.
The so-called ‘Pacific Powder’ New Zealand is known for suited Volkl’s requirement for firm and varying snow conditions enabling the design team to finalise the two ski models’ respective performance specifications and go into production.
The Deacon has been designed as an all mountain race ski using traditional sandwich construction with Volkl’s patented Speedwall Multi Layer Woodcore but wider underfoot with either a 74 or 76 mm waist.
The Mantra 5 is the latest generation of the company’s best selling off piste ski and has been revamped to reduce rocker and increase its torsional stiffness to make it a more powerful off piste charger.
Initial reviews to both skis since being released on the New Zealand market have been overwhelmingly positive Geoff said.
The response so far has highlighted the Volkl Deacon’s versatility and race pedigree.
Known for its high specifications and focus on performance, Volkl is one of the few ski manufacturers to retain its European production facility at its factory in Straubing, bavaria.
Specs:
125_74_104
173 (16.0),
UVO 3D, 3D.Glass
Powered by Titanium
Full Sidewall
Race Finish
Base: P-Tex 4504
XTD Tip & Tail Rocker
Speedwall Multi Layer Woodcore
Marker WC Plate 10 mm
Tester:
Garett Shore
180cm/80kg
Home mountain: Treble Cone
Over two decades as a professional ski trainer and instructor. ISIA qualified instructor, trainer and national examiner.
National demonstrator for the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance over the past ten years and director of the Rookie Academy instructor training company based at Treble Cone.
Nationally competitive water skier and multisporter.
Garett grew up skiing Treble Cone near Wanaka and in 1992 signed up for
an instructor training course there. He passed his Stage One (now
Level Two), went to Canada that summer and has been teaching skiing
around the world ever since.
Garett also managed the NZSIA Interski Team for its presentation at the recent congress in Bulgaria and serves on the NZSIA Ski Committee.
Article originally from The Good South travel guide with permission from author.
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