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Old October 29th 16, 10:11 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Dave Walsh
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Posts: 83
Default Self-launch v Sustainer

I've flown a few: you need to decide whether you want your
self-launcher to actually go anywhere under power rather than
just struggle up to launch height. If you additionally want it to
perform as a modern glider you just need a Stemme S10 and
deep pockets.

If you never want to glide up wind then a SuperFalke might
suit, but they are slow, uncomfortable and have poor
performance by modern standards.

If you want to motor about most of the time (i.e. when there
are no 10+knot thermals) then Grob 109; Dimona etc would
suit; both a comfortable and able cruisers, they do glide but
sailplanes they are not!

If just a self launch (and you are willing to put up with possibly
unreliable two strokes) then: -

Nimbus 3DM (doesn't go round corners easily)
Nimbus 4DM (an amazing bit of kit; a few have suffered wing
structural failures; also doesn't go round corners readily)
DG500M (competent, getting on in years, not as nice to fly as
a Duo).

Turbos: Plenty of choices: Duo Discus; DG1000; Arcus, Nimbus
3DT/4DT; Arcus E. I've never flown any of them but the
standard Duo is a delight. Doubtless some one will be along
soon to extol the virtues of Turbos.