Thanks Kyle, I remember lusting for the original version. Then hearing all the horror stories --- although Ian Roberts uses an original one and swears by it.
Looking at the design, having the large end of the telescopic leg at the bottom making contact with the ground will also improve stability. It looks like it will have very good palette support, The mast however makes me question how much "panel wiggle" there is going to be when you paint. I know that is not a big deal for a lot of painters but it irks me. Mostly for that reason, I go thru the wing-nut pain of a half-box French easel since they have robust panel support.
The best IMO for panel support is the Gloucester/Anderson type easels like the Beauport and Take-It_Easel. But I do Urban Plein Air and unfortunately, those easels have a very wide footprint - which would make it challenging to set up on city streets and sidewalks.
Please keep posting about the Soltek. It's a beautiful looking piece and a triumph of design.