Postby fcwatersports » Sat Oct 18, 2014 11:11 am
I had the Chance to test the 15.5m Solo for the first time last week, i have never been a fan of big light wind kites but Liquid force had come to the store to show us all the new 2015 products so it was a great chance to get out and fly the new solo. First thing thats noticeable is the construction, its exceptionally light weight, and you left wondering about the durability of the kite, but time will tell on that side, i am sure LF have put enough time into testing there materials.
Once the kite was in the air, the thing you notice is that the solo will not sit directly above your head, but slightly back in the window, this is great because it stops that tendency for overflying, this also gives you confidence that actually the solo would also make a great teaching kite if the durability is there.
The Solo turns pretty well for a large kite, i think the 15.5m solo is equivalent to a 17m in other kites.
So my first ride out, off the beach wow, there was some power in the solo it was touching 12kts and i was properly powered up the power delivery was very smooth, and once locked in the kite tracked well with out stability issues. I did find when the gusts came through the Solo did have a tendency to flap a lot when sheeted out, it looks like this is a common theme across the Solo range, i guess its due to the weight and lack of rigidity in the canopy, but this isn't a problem when riding powered up.
Overall i was super impressed and if your that rider looking for a light wind/ or heavier rider looking for a powerful kite then really have look at the solo, i think you will be pleasantly surprised.
One thing i would say is if you do get a chance to demo the solo make 100% Sure you use it on the new 2015 bar as i found this made a big difference to the whole feel of the new range, If you haven't seen or had a chance to use the new bar, it really is a great bit of kit. i am sure there will be more reviews of that coming soon.
I would like to try the Solo in smaller sizes in more wind as i am amazed at how much power they deliver. it makes me wonder if the 6.5m is going to be to powerful for real 6.5m days. and will this lead to the Solo being a little bit confusing when purchasing.
For 2015 i think LF are about to deliver there best range of kites for quite some time, Lightweight, pulley less, compact bridles, and the combination of there new Bar might actually put LF on peoples shopping list over other top brands.
But go see for yourself and grab a demo, the proofs in the flying.