At 23:39 02 February 2017, Jim wrote:
I have had a similar question, with a small difference, for many years.

My question is:

"Using only s single glider and changing only the max flying weight -
addin=
g ballast shot bags, whatever - will that glider give its pilot a greater
p=
otential thermal climb rate when heavier or lighter?"

I am aware that higher weight will alter airspeeds but that is not my
curio=
sity - other than a higher weight will raise stall speed some - which may
a=
dd difficulties for the heavier glider using very narrow thermals - turn
ra=
dius varies as the square of true airspeed, etc.



For any glider increasing the weight will reduce it's climb rate.