Discus/DG-300 performance difference

I've owned a DG-300 since the early nineties and have 2000+ hours in type. This includes a lot of Allegheny ridge flying and several 1000-km flights. Here are my comments, some of which echo others. Overall I'm glad to have chosen this ship and would replace it, if I had to, with another one.

+ Very "honest" airplane; no mean tricks
+ DG canopy/visibility, warm feet in cold wx yet not intolerable in summer
+ Comfortable seating position
+ 5-inch mainwheel with good brake energy
+ Pneumatic tailwheel
+ Performance very close to original Discus, maybe a tad worse at 75-80 KIAS and a tad better at higher speeds
+ Only minor L/D loss with rain, insect accretion
+ Good longitudinal stability; excellent ridge ship (esp. ith water)
+ Easy rigging (though wings are heavy)
+ May be priced lower than equivalent Discus
+ Experimental certification

- DG parts/support extortion
- DG parts/support extortion (worth at least a second mention...)
- DG parts/support extortion (... and a third)
- Underwing blowholes can clog (turbulator tape probably better)
- DG-300 ailerons are a bit heavy and it somewhat blacks the sexy, natural feel of other ships (Discus, LS-4, etc.) when thermaling. This said, its roll rate and climb are comparable.
- Cockpit ventilation may be inadequate for hot climates but mods are available
- While DG gelcoat is generally excellent, some ships have cracking, alligatoring, yellowing, etc. due to inconsistent QC at the Elan factory.

Don't put a nose hook on the DG!!
No reason to, I was also afraid of the CG hook and then flew it and it's a non-issue on my DG 100. Great rudder control and no wing drop makes T.O easy.
Besides, when your club finally buys that winch, you'll be ready to GO

Do winglets make any real difference in terms of handling?

CoG max front. Does it adversely influence handling?

S

On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7:04:30 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Do winglets make any real difference in terms of handling?

CoG max front. Does it adversely influence handling?

S

First question- It depends upon the glider. Some gliders have significantly improved handling at low speeds when winglets are installed.
Second question- forward CG adds stability and accordingly can reduce response to maneuvering inputs.
UH