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Fluid Solo small 18 years 8 months ago #14579

cdawg Topic Author Offline New Member Posts: 1 Thank you received: 0	Is this boat too small for a 185lb 6'1\" guy. It looks like it could handle big tight technical stuff and turning easy? Any info would be appreciated. Chris
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Re:Fluid Solo small 18 years 8 months ago #14584

AdrianTregoning
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Hi Chris,

I think it depends largely on what you want to do. There are quite a number of people around your dimensions and even bigger that paddle small Solos here in SA. The boat would work well for you but you could also consider the large Solo. I would almost say that more people paddle smalls than large's here.

There are people that think the small Solo is too short and slow and this has prompted Celliers to design a medium Solo which will be out within the next few months or less. The small is very easy to navigate in tight stuff, no doubt.

I'm your weight and about an inch shorter, Fluid offered me a killer deal so I decided against the WS Habitat and took a large Solo. For me, I would not buy the small. I guess if you're doing small tight rivers and never are going to load the boat with overnight gear and what not then the small would suit you. Only way to know is to try them out. I love doing overnight trips and loading it up. I want the boat to sit higher in the water, slightly more length for speed and also to hold a line and resurface quicker. Just my view though.

The new outfitting is pretty cool, simple, comfy and also lighter now. The ribbed spines replacing the normal foam method is pretty cool, making the boat very stiff. And also giving a step which one can use to remove yourself in case of a vertical pin. To me, the Solo is a good design and also strong, which is something vital to a creek boat. It is lighter than I thought it would be. If you browse my website you'll come across loads of guys in small Solos. Good luck. Let me know what you decide on.. :grin:

Cheers

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Re:Fluid Solo small 18 years 8 months ago #14598

scottyr
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I agree with Adrian there, it all depends on the stuff you do. Although, I know a guy who is 6'6 that prefers the small to the large. You should be made aware that the large is really big which is one of the major reasons why the Medium is being developed. The small is surprisingly quick and resurfaces particularly well, not to mention incredibly manouverable. I have a number of friends that are your size that use the small in moderately high volume creek conditions and swear buy it.

Scotty R

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Re:Fluid Solo small 18 years 8 months ago #14600

AdrianTregoning
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At a claimed 74 gallons the large Solo is big but not super huge compared to the big Wave Sport Habitat 80 or those big Jacksons. I think it will suit me fine. With no shoes, no nothing, I weigh in at 85kg so with some gear and then making it wet I'll be right on the money.

Scott paddles a small Solo but is a lot smaller than me. Damn good boat. I briefly had a go in one and it felt very smart indeed. Try one, you won't be disappointed. L8er:sleep: :sleep: