Buy the right glider the first time. That is how you are going to save money in a long run.

On Thursday, June 20, 2013 5:13:51 PM UTC-4, Al McNamara wrote:
Noel



From a European perspective, I think there was a time a few years ago when

the 27 could compete in an 18m field (as could an LS8 with 18m tips). The

ASG29, JS1 and Ventus 2cxa changed this. I'm surprised there is no real

mention of these 3 gliders in this thread.



In my opinion, the 27 is still reasonably competative in the 15m class (2

in top 5 in the Europeans at the moment) and so is the Ventus 2a (pre 2ax)

- the slightly older 15m gliders still do very well in their class.

However, I think the reality is that at national/international level the

Ventus 2c is on a different level to the 29, JS1 and cxa in 18m, and the

wing loading of the 2c in 15m means it struggles against the pure 15m

designs (27, V2a(x)).



Don't get me wong, I think the V2c is a fantastic XC glider, and offers

great flexibility to get experience in different classes. It costs less,

and most of the time will do everything that most people want or need.

However, if you're looking for something to compete in at national level a

few years down the line, it's probably not the right choice. A 29 or V2

cxa with 15m & 18m tips is probably the thing if you're looking for 15/18m

flexibility, or a JS1 if you're looking to compete in 18m/open class.



Of course money is always a factor!



Al



ps I have loads of time in V2c in both 15m and 18m and in the 27 having

flown 15m Nationals in both (to be fair not very well!) and currently have

a share in a V2 cxa. I've never flown a 29 or JS1.