I have flown both and I feel the control harmony of the -3a was just fabulous. I miss it. The two guys I know who sold an LS to "upgrade" to a Schempp-Hirth product were disgusted with their new acquisitions and ditched them promptly. Done many inspections on German ships from 3 other mfg. and IMHO none I have seen yet are superior in construction and design to the LS.