Hero pro multi-event review

Overview

The Hero Pro Multi-Event is Rossignol's 26/27 junior ski for kids who are starting to train gates. Rossignol calls it an excellent introduction to racing that can also be used all over the mountain. The ski is sold under the Hero Pro Multi-Event name this season, while earlier stock carried the name Hero Pro Jr Multi-Event; that older name has its own page here, the Rossignol Hero jr multi-event. Rossignol sells the 26/27 ski in two system versions: a Kid-X version in 110, 120 and 130 cm and an Xpress version in 130, 140, 150 and 160 cm. The shape is the same 111-67-94 mm across the range, and Snowleader's 25/26 listing shows the same 111-67-94 mm and 6, 8 and 9 m radii for the 110 to 130 cm lengths.

On-snow performance

Each length gets its own radius: 6 m at 110 cm, 8 m at 120, 9 m at 130, then 11, 12 and 14 m at 140, 150 and 160 cm. For a child, that means short, round turns come easily, and the longer lengths are steady enough for longer slalom and giant slalom sets. The 67 mm waist is narrow and quick from edge to edge on groomed snow. Rossignol uses a Hard Snow Precision On-Trail Rocker that, in the brand's words, balances instant turn initiation with power and edge grip, so the ski should hold on icy training courses without feeling stiff. The flex is progressive and scaled to the size of each length, which keeps the ski workable for a light child on the short sizes and supportive for a heavier teenager on the 160. Rossignol rates it beginner to intermediate: it is a first race ski, not a FIS race ski.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: poplar wood core.
• Construction: cap, with the top layer wrapped down to the edges for light handling and resistance to chipping.
• Flex: progressive flex, proportional to the size of each length.
• Profile: Hard Snow Precision On-Trail Rocker.
• Dimensions: 111-67-94 mm in every length.
• Radius: 6 m (110), 8 m (120), 9 m (130), 11 m (140), 12 m (150), 14 m (160).
• Weight per ski from Rossignol's tables: 1.0 kg (110), 1.1 kg (120), 1.3 kg (140 and 150), 1.4 kg (160). The 130 cm is listed at 1.1 kg in the Kid-X version and 1.2 kg in the Xpress version.
• Systems: Kid-X (110-130 cm) and Xpress (130-160 cm). Rossignol lists the Kid-X set at 265 euros and the Xpress set at 305 euros.

Who it's for & comparisons

This ski fits juniors who ski club training or their first races and still spend free days on the piste with family. Once a young racer moves to FIS-level giant slalom, the Rossignol Hero athlete gs pro is the next Hero step. From other brands, the Blizzard Firebird jr (67 mm, 70-140 cm) is a lighter, softer cap-built junior carver, the Head Supershape jrs (68 mm, 110-160 cm, 6-12.6 m) is Head's all-round junior piste ski, and the Head Worldcup e race team junior (67 mm, 100-160 cm) is Head's junior race-team ski.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Six lengths from 110 to 160 cm, each with its own radius.
• Narrow 67 mm waist and race-style profile for grip on hard snow.
• Size-proportional flex suits small kids and teenagers alike.
• Cap build is durable and resists chipping.

Cons

• Not a FIS race ski; strong junior racers will outgrow it.
• Narrow and piste-only, so of little use in deep snow.
• The system binding (Kid-X or Xpress) ties you to that plate.
• 130 cm is available in both versions, which can confuse buyers.

Verdict: The Hero Pro Multi-Event is the 26/27 name for Rossignol's entry-level junior race ski: a cap-built, size-scaled carver for kids who are starting to run gates. Move to the Hero Athlete range once full race skis are needed.