I will second what has been said here and add this--
With older gliders, condition is everything and trailer condition is more
important than anything else. If it's a pain to rig, you will be less
inclined to fly on margial days. Ergonomics matter a lot too. Some of us are
not built for a Jantar. Tall, slender with long arms and you're fine. Any
glass ship will bite you if you are not well trained. Serious drill in a
glass twoplace with an instructor is required. The insidious part is that
they seem so docile up to a point.
So general condition, ease of rigging and comfort for long flight is the
key. You need to learn how to sand gelcoat anyway. Then it needs to be kept
sealed from moisture and UV and it will stay stable a long time.
A L33 Solo might fill the bill for you, and a 1-34 will certaily do the job
nicely (except for the trailer part).
--
Hartley Falbaum
wrote in message
oups.com...
Your first glider should be one that you can fly safely, enjoy flying
it, learn from it and from its handling. The finish of the glider is
important, but there are many other even more important issues. Jantar
Std. is good, solid, built like a tank glider, but it is not for a
beginner pilot. The same applies to the PIK gliders. The LS-4 could
also be handfull if flown by a pilot with limited experience. And that
is true with any composite glider. It is not a simple problem and
advises like that, even though they ment well, can be frustrating. I
would suggest that you fly several different gliders, don't rush to buy
one, but rather fly what is available for rent for at least a full
season and then make your decision.

Sincerely,

Jacek Kobiesa
Washington State