Palmares review

The Rossignol Palmares is a piste‑focused all‑mountain carver with race lineage that’s tuned for intermediates through advanced skiers. It rewards good edging with lively energy, yet stays approachable for long days on groomers.

Snapshot

With a poplar wood core, full sidewalls, a localized Carbon Beam underfoot, and tip rocker over traditional camber, the Palmares delivers quick edge‑to‑edge feel, confident grip, and smooth, rhythmic carving in short to medium turns.

Key takeaways

• Quick, intuitive turn entry: 73 mm waist + deep sidecut make carving feel automatic.
• Solid edge hold: Full sidewall and Carbon Beam provide trustworthy grip on hardpack.
• Lively but forgiving: Easier to bend and less punishing than metal‑laminate race carvers.
• Piste‑first design: Limited float off‑piste; best on groomed snow and firm conditions.
• Speed ceiling: Light, energetic feel can get busy at very high speeds or in heavy chop.

On‑snow performance

• Hard snow: Bites cleanly with predictable engagement. The Carbon Beam centers stability right where you pressure the ski, keeping carves clean without chatter.
• Turn shapes: Length‑dependent radii (≈11–16 m) favor short to medium carves. It slarves and pivots when asked, but shines when on edge.
• Speed & damping: Calm up to spirited piste speeds. If you routinely push GS/SG velocities on rough afternoon cord, a Titanal option will ride smoother.
• Variable groomers: Light tip rocker helps ease through piles; the narrow waist and lighter mass mean you’ll still want active steering in chop.

Construction & tech

• Poplar PEFC core: Lively rebound at manageable weight for all‑day skiing.
• Rectangular Full Sidewall: Precise power transfer and edge hold on firm snow.
• Carbon Beam (underfoot): Adds torsional stability and bite without adding much weight.
• Sintered HD base: Fast, durable, holds wax well.
• Minicap/Hardtop topsheet: Improves durability and chip resistance.

Specs explained

• Rocker profile: Tip rocker with traditional camber. Rocker eases initiation; camber drives rebound and grip through the arc.
• Sidecut (126-73-110 mm): Narrow waist for rapid edge changes; wider tip/tail pull you into the turn and accelerate you out.
• Weight (≈1.45–1.7 kg per ski): Keeps the ski nimble and less tiring; slightly less damping at max speed than heavier builds.
• Radius by length: 11 m (150), 12 m (157), 13 m (164), 14 m (171), 16 m (179). Shorter = snappier turns; longer = more composure in bigger arcs.
• Lengths: 150/157/164/171/179 cm to match skier size, preference, and turn style.

Note: Some regions list 126‑74‑110 and slightly different radii. Check your exact SKU.

Sizing advice

• Intermediates: Around nose to eye height (or body height minus a few cm) for easy initiation and confidence.
• Advanced: Body height or a touch longer for more stability and smoother medium‑to‑long arcs.
• Lighter/technical skiers: Size down for agility; heavier/aggressive skiers: size up for calmness at speed.

Comparisons

• Rossignol React 8/10: React feels a touch more buttoned‑down on pure groomers; Palmares is lighter and a bit more playful.
• Rossignol Hero Elite MT CA/Ti: Hero Ti adds race‑level stability but is more demanding. Palmares is friendlier and less fatiguing.
• Blizzard Thunderbird R13: More damping and hold at high speed; Palmares turns in easier and is more accessible mid‑skill.
• Salomon S/Max 10: Similar target skier; Palmares offers slightly rounder turn feel and upbeat rebound.

Who it’s for

• Intermediate to advanced piste skiers seeking a lively, confidence‑building carver without the heft and rigidity of metal race skis.
• Riders who live on groomers and enjoy short‑to‑medium, high‑grip arcs all day long.

Potential drawbacks

• Narrow, piste‑first focus limits versatility in soft snow or deep afternoon chop.
• Less damping than Titanal builds at very high speeds on rough, icy surfaces.
• Often sold as “Palmares Konect” with a bundled binding, which may limit mounting choices.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Rossignol Palmares differ from the Hero line?
A: Palmares borrows race concepts but stays lighter and more forgiving. Hero models with Titanal are stiffer and calmer at speed, but demand stronger input and technique.

Q: What length should I choose for the Palmares?
A: Intermediates typically go a bit shorter for easy turn entry. Advanced or faster skiers often pick body height or slightly longer for added stability.

Q: Is the Palmares good for moguls and late‑day groomers?
A: Yes, its light, nimble character helps in bumps and push piles. Just note it won’t be as damp as heavier, metal‑reinforced skis in rough conditions.

Q: What is “Palmares Konect”?
A: It’s the Palmares packaged with a Look Konect system (often NX12). The ski itself is the same; the system optimizes interface and convenience as a set.

Bottom line

The Rossignol Palmares is a modern, accessible carver with convincing grip and lively rebound. Ideal for groomer‑centric skiers who value turn quality and all‑day fun over absolute top‑speed damping.