John wrote:

Not sure the Sparrowhawk directly compares to these others. It is an
ultralight, so have different set of rules (no certification, resale
value??). One good thing is the ability to paint the plane something
other than white due to the high temperature tolerance of the
composite. Also, being light weight, should be very easy to tow,
allowing good launches on very hot summer days. One wonders if it
more "hang glider" in its manner and capable of finding micro-lift
other sailplanes can't use. In any case, the light weight will result
in a more bumpy ride....weight does tend to cancel out turbulence a
bit.

I was a little surprised that over the past few years, if
I recall correctly, the Sparrowhawk has gone from a base price
in the low $20 thousands to now the low $30 thousands.
With likely options and tax, more like $40K. At $260 a pound,
it's a good thing one is paying for less weight and not more.

Anybody who thinks there's no rampant inflation in the US
must just be buying Wonder bread and Campbell's soup...

For that much moula, I could buy a nice Russia or Grob-103,
and train and pay standby rates for a coupla teenagers
as crew to do ALL the lifting...