At your stage and budget (?), LS4 - 15m, no flaps, excellent brakes so
superb approach control, no vices and a very easy rig. In my opion slightly
better co-ordinated than a Discus.

Flapped gliders have much heavier wings (eg ASW20) AND you need two left
hands to achieve a seamless approach when setting airbrakes and flaps into
short fields.

Unflapped may delay the Glider Pilots Bad Back for a few years!

The LS4 "A" does not self connect and is a bit fiddly 'till you get the
hang of it but this is a minor inconvenience.

I had an LS4 A for 10 years plus various flapped and unflapped gliders so
am unbiased.

If you can afford a bit more, go for an LS8.

Unfortunately there is a maintenance issue with LS over documentation which
adds to the running cost to build into the equation.

Barney



At 08:11 17 October 2013, Justin Craig wrote:
LS6 would be a really good shout. You may find one of the later models
(LS6
b or C it think?) which would also give the 18 meter tips. Not to sure
about the cost though. In early 15 meter should be well within budget.

It has already been mentioned, but the DG tax ought to be a
consideration,
although not a deterrent. LS gliders are some of the most lovely gliders
to
fly. I have not flown a 6, but have 300 hours in the 8.




At 23:23 16 October 2013, wrote:
Great feedback, guys.

Based on this and word from my club mates, the guidance seems clearly on
th=
e side of flapped. =20

Given this, I've decided to pass on the very sweet, pristine Discus 2b
Rich=
ard is selling in Colorado. It's one of the nicest used ships I've ever
se=
en. A couple from my club happened to be in Colorado and had a look.
They=
report its a great ship and really enjoyed talking to Richard.

So, now I'm really down to WHICH awesome 15m flapped ship.
Ventus 2 - (can't find one in my budget at the moment)
ASW 27 - (of the two on wings and wheels, one has sold and the other one
is=
not responsive to my info requests)

Aside from the LAK, should there be other flapped, 15m ships in the $70k
or=
less range I should be looking at?