Wow, who knew how much controversy I could start with just a couple of
words?? ;-)

On the Jantars: I admit I mis-spoke about them being metal - don't
know why I was thinking that was the case. A local CFIG tried to sell
me his Jantar Standard 2 when I went looking for my first ship. I
checked it out; but decided the aircraft wasn't for me. I haven't
looked at the Standard 3... BTW, according to Johnson the JS2 L/D
was 36:1, not 38:1. So no, it doesn't meet my "38:1" criteria.

As far as LS-1s go: A buddy of mine flies an LS-1 and does REALLY
well with it. However, it seems that all of the LS-1s I've seen have
reached the point where their gelcoat is going bad / wearing out...
This buddy of mine is actually refinishing the LS-1 this winter; its
going to look great when he's done, but it sounds like an insane
amount of work!

The LS-1 is another one of those situations where I say "I can afford
a newer/better ship with my budget - so why buy something older?" For
example: There's a pretty nice LS-3 on Wings&Wheels for $24k. OTHER
than price, why would I go with an LS-1 instead of an LS-3? Think the
"heavy" LS-3 wings are that big of a deal?

There have been steady advances in airfoils, ergonomics, safety, and
materials-usage over the years. I am hoping to leverage some of that
with my budget - not get the cheapest glider I can that meets a bare
minimum of my criteria.

Anyone have further thoughts (or a critique of my position)?

Thanks, take care,

--Noel
P.S. Martin - AFAIK, the 3000-hour issue on the Pegasus is still a
problem in the USA. :-(