brent Where would you rate Solus for a first time linux user?
For new users moving from Windows, I recommend:
(1) Zorin. The desktop (Core, and to some extent, anyway, Lite) is designed to closely replicate the Windows UI, has a good forum community to help newcomers, and is Ubuntu-based so there is a vast body of support articles/documents available. Zorin is a good distro to use for a while and get familiar with Linux.
(2) Solus Budgie. The Budgie desktop (in "traditional layout", as Solus uses) because the DE uses familiar motifs to Windows, the underlying Solus OS layer is quick and efficient because it is designed for home computer use, without the cruft that comes along with Ubuntu-derivatives, and the forum community is first rate with experienced users, and the documentation is good. Solus Budgie is a good choice for new users (although probably a bit steeper in the learning curve than Zorin) and, unlike Zorin, is elegant and sophisticated enough to be used in the long term.
For new users moving from macOS, I've heard from experienced people on this forum that Elementary OS is the best choice, although I haven't yet run into anyone personally that was coming from that direction so I don't have enough experience to make a direct call.
Based on my experience with newcomers, I would not recommend Ubuntu (although I used Ubuntu from 2006-2011 before moving to Solus Budgie in 2017) because the UI is a far stretch for new users coming from either Windows or macOS. Mint is fine, but kind of "meh" in my opinion for new Linux users -- more complex than is probably useful, and not that close to Windows design motifs.
Just opinion, though, and we all know how accurate and valuable opinions are for the most part.