SOL Lotus one M
The last DHV 2-3 glider I had from SOL was the Torck. Its
climb rate and nice handling impressed me. It was a bit slow.
Here’s the Lotus one M for a test flight.
The beauty of this glider shape in the air is a sight for
the eyes!
The Lotus one has all unsheathed lines .It is a bit heavy
comparing it to other C gliders.
The take off need a progressive pull on the A’s but ok for
the high C category.
In the air the glider gives a comfort feel. This test was
made after flying the Triton 2, and surely the Lotus one is more comfortable in
the air. The Lotus needs more ‘finesse’ and piloting level as a Delta 2 and
slightly less than a Mantra 6.
The brakes pressure is considered a bit heavier and shorter
than a D2. The handling is smooth and nicely coordinated.
The climb rate in weak and broken thermals even loaded at
100 all up is ‘exceptional’!
This glider knows how to hug a thermal like a passionate
woman who doesn’t let go…
Gliding in zero wind doesn’t really show the Lotus potential
unless the valley breeze settles in…then the Lotus cuts trough and climb
efficiently. Some C gliders will move, bump and surges, but the Lotus one will
climb and move forward. This is the most important feature in a glider and the
Lotus has it !
Loaded at 100 the Lotus one M has a relatively faster trim
speed than many C gliders with the same size and load. It has a slightly
similar trim speed as the Triton 2 S.
Flying it in different conditions gave me an idea of its
character.
It is slightly more demanding to fly than a Delta 2 M , and
for sure it’s a high end C glider.
Ears are stable and they open smoothly.
The top speed is around 54 km/h taken at 1500 ASL.
Conclusion: The Lotus may not be the most agile C glider or
the easiest one, but SOL introduced to the market an efficient and very
competitive high-end C with a relatively comfortable ride and coherent
structure.