High-speed blockchain Solana (SOL) — often referred to as the ‘Ethereum killer’ — is back on the radar after analysts suggested it could be primed for a big rally. Further technical analysis shows SOL’s price is forming a classic bull flag pattern — a bullish continuation setup — with the target sitting around $260. While this is good, let’s not forget about the one hurdle: $180 resistance.
Solana sees action and posted a weekly close above the resistance just above $182 for the second week in a row as of May 23, 2025. While the rally looks primed to gain some traction, experts warn that a breakout will need stronger buying momentum as well as confirmation of key technicals.
Bull Flag Pattern Suggests Explosive Potential
Solana is forming a bull flag, which forms during a strong price move, then a period of consolidation within parallel trendlines on the daily chart. This indicates that if it can break that upper boundary with volume, the price can continueheadingd north.
According to analysts, the breakout target is seen at $260 as fthe lagpole’s height before the consolidation started. Also, in the short term, there are price objectives at $200 and $220 if SOL can hold above the $180 resistance.
Currently, this bitcoin Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at about 64, which puts it in bullish momentum but not overbought. And this lends support to the bullish scenario: there’s ample room for upside should the pair not take profits in excessive measure.
Fractals and Hidden Divergences Point Higher
Technical analysts are comparing the Solana chart now with its October 2021 breakout (when SOL surged from a similar setup to $260. Trader Robert Mercer says the fractal pattern is almost the same, giving it a historical precedent for another strong outburst.
In related bullishness, analyst Javon Marks pointed to a hidden bullish divergence on the 3-day chart. Last year, we saw this same setuppreceded a 1,300% rally and Marks said if it repeats on Solana that the altcoin could head to $450 in the current market cycle.
Finally, the broader altcoin rotation bolsters the bullish case further. As Bitcoin battered all-time highs above $110,000, traders are turning more and more to altcoins such as Solana for greater upside potential.
The $180 Resistance — Breakout or Breakdown?
Analysts are quick to point out, however, that $180 remains the fulcrum point for the whole thing. In the last two weeks, SOL tried to break out above this zone, but it couldn’t close out daily with high volume above it.
If a confirmed breakout occurs above $180 (better if high trading volume confirms this), the bull flag means a sharp rally toward $200 and beyond could be on its way. Without that support, the move could come to a literal halt or even reverse.
If Solana fails to hold this level, analysts warn that a drop to the $140‐$150 range will be only a matter of time, which is a strong support zone and key order block on higher time frames. That would break below there to invalidate the bullish structure and delay any further test of these rallies.
Traders Remain Cautious
Technical alignment for a potential upside breakout remains, while sentimentamongn seasoned traders is cautious. Well followed voice in the crypto community Trader XO has advised not tanking in early. In lieu of this, he suggests going long after Solana holds $180 as solid support.
Low volume during the consolidation phase is also a problem. Even the strongest technical patterns will fail without renewed interest and buying pressure.
Conclusion
Solana is currently at a crucial technical juncture. The setup points to a potential breakout toward $260 and possibly even $450 if momentum builds. However, the $180 resistance level remains a key battleground that could determine the direction of SOL’s next major move.
