There are other big heavier gliders with lots of inertia, and they react
very well and immediately to the deployment of airbreaks.
Those on the original DuoDiscus are just a very bad design. But, as Marc
pointed out, a sideslip works well AND gets you a visual on the airfield
from the back seat (the second very bad design glitch of the Duo).

Bert

"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message I think the Duo's
airbrakes are better than many people think. The Duo is a
big heavy glider with lots of inertia. It doesn't like to change
direction quickly. That includes its behavior on sudden airbrake
deployment. You don't get a lot of sink right away.

My first reaction was that the airbrakes were weak but a little more
experience showed me that with a little patience, the brakes took effect
and produced a respectable decent rate. The Duo just makes you plan ahead
a little more than with a light single seater.

Bill Daniels