LIQUID FORCE Solo v2
Sizes Available: 4.5, 6.5, 9, 12, 15.5 17.5m
Sizes Tested:6.5, 9, 12m
Liquid Force Says:
The Solo evolved through multiple iterations from half struts to battens that eventually led to a very thin, low profile center strut. Our dream that became a vision is now a reality called the Solo V2, an ultra lightweight, single strut design that offers unparalleled efficiency, stability and wind range compared to any kite on the market today all with the added benefit of pack-ability for travel. We are excited to introduce the Solo V2, an all terrain kite that can be summed up in three words: simple, powerful, fun.
Visit for more info: www.liquidforcekites.com/product/kites/solo/
Our Testers Say:
“The 9 meter provides crazy hangtime and low end power. It’s easy to fly, park and ride or fly it actively,” Dray Murray.
“A user friendly kite with great power, good drift and tons of low end,” Davey Beard.
“Lots of power in this kite. It’s got great handling and is responsive and stable in strong winds,” Rob Shea.
TKB Says:
The 2016 Solo is a single strut medium aspect C-shaped canopy with swept back wingtips that LF markets as lightweight travel kite that also delivers excellent light wind performance in the bigger sizes. The Solo features one of the quickest inflation systems with a large diameter inflation valve which requires a proprietary LF pump nozzle (the Solo also has a standard 9mm valve if you lose the extra wide nozzle that comes with every kite and attaches to the standard pump hose). The Solo features three wingtip steering settings to dial in bar pressure and unlike the Envy, the Solo offers a single setting fixed front bridle for set it and forget it tuning. Testers commented on the Solo’s light to medium bar pressure, user-friendly turning and excellent relaunch. The Solo’s steering response isn’t as crisp or fast as the Envy but that’s to be expected from a kite with a minimal airframe [Editor’s note: still can’t forget last year relaunching the 17m in five knots of breeze and foilboarding in next to nothing – and although you can achieve the same with a ram-air, you won’t get winning LEI steering and sheeting feeling]. In heavier wind the benefits of the Solo’s lightweight isn’t quite as apparent as it is in the light wind and you tend to experience a little more canopy flutter, but the single strut offers the benefits of lightweight pack downs for traveling and good steering and sheeting dynamics that will be missing with other no-strut alternatives. Testers found the Solo to be very easy to jump and turn in the waves and recommend this kite as a great all around freeride option that will pack into your deceiver golf bag and save you some baggage fees.
The Solo V2 came with the Response control bar which features LF’s unique rotating dual adjustable length bar (42/49cm and 46/53cm), spectra sheeting/throw line, sliding stopper, and a single center-line safety depower with a low V, and above the bar depower camcleat with Velcro to keep the depower control toggle from tangling. The Response comes with a new quick release design that features a non-swiveling push away quick release that features and integrated quick release travel guard, and stiff but narrow molded donkey dick. The center lines end in a knot and the outside lines end in loops and the length of sheeting/throw can be adjusted at the cleat for varying arm lengths of kiters or the type of riding. The molded floats are integrated into the bar ends with the tips of the bar being soft and the outside leader lines allow riders to adjust the length of the outside lines for stretch or tuning. Testers commented on the ergonomic bulge in the side of the bar’s grip which fits in the palm of your hand and the finger bumps on the top of the grip which provide for a cushy but textured grip.
Visit for more info on the bar: www.liquidforcekites.com/product/control-system/
