The Ikonic line is K2's all-mountain core for 2019-2020 and the Ikonic 84 promises to be a fairly approachable and versatile model in the range.
The first impression is the Ikonic 84 is not as playful as other K2 skis - and playful is usually K2's middle name! But this factor separates the Ikonic range from the new Mindbender family, the latter being very much freeride oriented. So in terms of completing the line-up, the Ikonic range should probably be seen as a very piste-focussed all mountain offering and the added stiffness is welcome in that regard.
That does mean they're not quite so forgiving for the recreational or intermediate skier, and frankly the turn initiation isn't easy enough for that category either.
K2 have constructed this ski with the heavier wood to the edges of the ski, running two-thirds of the length, and they've lightened the centre. Edge hold is consequently excellent, but there is slight chatter at speed, albeit not too off-putting.
Turn initiation is good, but as hinted it needs a positive style. Both long and short turns felt smooth and aggressive, but the ski is surprisingly quite easy to handle at lower speeds.
While the Ikonic 84 is a solid piste-focussed ski, it's difficult not to compare it to the Ikonic 80Ti - which is a significant step-up in price at £650, but is head and shoulders above its cheaper brother in performance.
