"John Cochrane" wrote in message
m...
Thanks for all of the advise. I may have to get a
glider in between 30 and 35 ld. I am concerned about
getting in deeper than I should and not having fun.
It is possible that I should get a club class glider
due to my hang gliding experience (tighter turn radius?).

A dissenting view: There is no reason except money that one should buy
an ancient club-class glider or a low-performance PW5 type glider as a
"first glider."

Sailplanes are very different from hang-gliders or paragliders in this
respect. In hang gliding or paragliding, high performance gliders are
much harder to fly and much more dangerous than older or "club-class"
gliders, and inappropriate for beginners. In sailplanes, the latest
standard or 15 meter gliders (ASW 27/28, Discus 2/Ventus 2) are easier
to fly and much safer (safety cockpit, more benign stall/spin,
automatic hookups, better control on takeoff, better spoilers and
flaps on landing) than older gliders typically bought by beginners.
They also happen to have more performance. They also happen to cost a
LOT more.

In buying a "club-class" glider (Std. Cirrus, etc.) you are giving up
flying characteristics, safety, convenience, and adding the task of
maintaining an antique. There is no flying or safety advantage. The
only reason to do it is that they are a lot cheaper.

"World class" gliders (PW5, Russia) have no safety or ease of flight
advantages either. They offer a different spot on the
price/newness/performance curve, that's all.

Rich beginners should feel no compunction in buying the latest
standard or 15 meter glider. We end up with more experienced pilots in
new gliders only because what we "can afford" seems to change with
time as the addiction level of this sport builds up.

John Cochrane BB

Let me add an enthusiastic second to John excellent post above. Handling
qualities and performance are not inversely related. Bad gliders handle and
perform badly. Good gliders handle and perform well. Buy the best you can
afford.

I would differ a tiny bit on John's comment on "antique gliders". My 24
year old Nimbus 2C would probably qualify as an antique in John's view but
it has been very well supported by Shempp Hirth. Those parts I have needed
have always been in stock.

Glass is glass. Maintenance on older glass is about the same as with newer
ships. The metal parts can be fabricated if the factory doesn't supply
them. In some cases, the older resins and gel coat are superior to that
found on the newest ships. Take a look at a 40 year old Libelle and then
look at the shrinkage over the spar on a 2 year old ASW 27.

Bill Daniels

Bill Daniels