I fly a DG800B. This handles fine, just as easy as Discus and DG300 which I
previously flew.
I am a comparative novice. Main advantage is engine which has various
advantages:

a) can be fully independant and dont have to wait for launch on good day
b) can fly and explore on marginal days
c) no excuse not to fly because fuel cost to launch less than winch launch
d) can fly and explore beyond normal range without retrieve crew on standby

but
a learning curve - flaps, engine etc
engine may not always start - always have field planned first!
more things to go wrong
(I experienced 2 ASI failures, 2 engine non-starts, a canopy flash-freeze,
plenty of LX5000 probs
amongst other things last year)
expensive capital cost.

Other plus point - pee tube (and also performance etc etc)

I have already had numerous flights in a range of conditions this year
(including one or two good thermals) whilst the majority of the
cross-country pilots
remain on the ground for a few more months waiting for the summer sun.

I probably flew twice as much last year as I would have done if I had not
had an SLMG.
And did far more demanding tasks, included all Gold Badge and much more.

-14 flap still remains almost unused (requires 90+ knots) so still plenty of
scope to improve.

Apart from initial cost and traditionalism - "gliders dont have engines", I
cannot
understand why so few people have SLMG.

Rory O'Conor - Sutton Bank, Yorkshire

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I am trying to get honest and accurate information on the general handling
characteristics of a couple of 18 meter class sailplanes.

the "fun factor"...

I am most interested in:

* DG-808B
* Ventus-2c & Ventus-2cx
* ASH 26
Your thoughts and feedback will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Cameron