I got my small solo yesterday thanks to ben from the canoe rack in missoula,

It has a really sick shape and distribution. Haven't paddled it yet but a boats a boat, and I can tell that it will shred and also that it ISN'T likely to fold on me. The first thing i noticed obviously is how good the plastic is. The boat is very strong and stable from the outfitting to the bow and stern pillars and seat. Im sure it wont oil-can. The backband and crank system are really good...and comfy. I think it can take alot of class V+ abuse for sure. one thing I really liked is all of my safety gear fit perfectly behind the center of seat.
I think that the solo is a boat that I can really count on holding up through alot of mank. Which is why I am going to keep it even though I have a Habitat 74 which is a kickass boat.


Obviously there's things I don't like also. My toes touch the metal on the sides of the bigger foot bed which will be a minimal annoyance with a little extra foam and glue. But it will probably hurt like a b if my feet bang against them hard on a big drop or something. It is smaller so it may tend to take harder beatings. I wasn't exactly impressed with the hip pads though they are comfortable!! Thigh braces are good but not WS ones. It is definitely on the heavier side because of all the solid plastic. Lastly getting the outfitting to my specifications was time time consuming. BUt the thing aint gonna break.

I will hopefully be able to run some good drops in it shortly and review my findings on its performance. which may not be for awhile if it continues to snow here like it has been.
Zack