As far as the OP goes, I’d agree with the previous comments by Nobeer and Chapaking. I think a lot will depend on where and what you are riding. I have a couple of longish travel full sus 29ers and the Solaris is a real contrast. I demo’d a Solaris in Glentress and the Peak District and it performed well in both locations. For flowy trail centre and forest trails, the Solaris is great – more involving than a 140mm full sus 29er on most trail centre reds, not as energy sapping on longer climbs as both my full sus bikes, easier to clean and far less maintenance heavy than the full sussers. (On 4th set of pivot bearings in 4 years on my Santa Cruz). The Solaris surprised me on some of the rough Peak Descents – yes, it might not be as full on fast as my 160mm full sus 29er, but if your not into smashing through rock gardens at full speed, the Solaris really is good for a hardtail (you can tell it’s been designed by someone who rides in the Peak!). Only selling my Solaris because Mrs B is imposing the ‘one bike in, one out’ policy.
P.S. Giles, I’ve dropped you an email.