On Wednesday, 16 October 2013 00:29:01 UTC+3, Seattle wrote:
I'm in the market for a standard class or 15 meter flapped ship. This is my first ship, and I doubt I want to deal with 18 m of wings.

An example would be a Discus 2 vs ASW 27. Currently most of my flight goals are simple: get as high up, and far out as possible. Speed is nice, but I'm doubtful I'll be comfortable in a competition for many seasons.

All other things being equal, which is the better type (flapped or non-flapped) for staying up a long time and, eventually, cross country flights?

Thanks!

Buy Discus-2T (or Ventus2CT) with decent trailer. You will find that having that little engine gives you twice the amount of really nice cross-country flights annually. Flaps or not is insignificant. All modern gliders are nice and safe to fly.