Can't buy them all, choosing between ASW19 vs LS1 vs PIK20

Hi,

the ASW19 will probably give you least concern in terms of maintenance. At least here in Europe, Schleicher provides excellent support even for the older ships. There is no type certificate holder for the PIK20 anymore. Parts for LS1-f are to some extend still available but you may have to pay the "DG-tax". For previous LS1 versions, things are more difficult.

Assembly of all three models works pretty similar, but the ASW19 has rather heavy wings (70-75kg). All have manual aileron/flaps connectors. Most 19 have a manual elevator connector which one needs to take care of.

Best,
Christoph

Buy a good 19!

LS1 you will need to pay the DG tax.

No need to say anything about the Pik.

On Friday, October 16, 2015 at 11:30:05 AM UTC-4, Justin Craig wrote:
Buy a good 19!

LS1 you will need to pay the DG tax.

No need to say anything about the Pik.

Good comments all, thus far.

Out of your list, I feel the 19 would be the best out of them. Good support, easy to fly (winglets can help here on the low speed side, Nixon/Murray tips seem the best) and decent performance. Similar would be the Pegase 101 (French 19).

They are all older gliders, so reasonable finish (slight crazing is almost a given, deep cracks will require an expensive refinish) is worth looking for.
A "factory" type trailer is also desirable, some "cobbled together" trailers can be a real PITA do deal with and may raise the chance to damage the glider.

Welcome back to the sport. ;-)

I flew a Grob 102 for my first ship. I did love it but assembly was a pain, getting the wing pins lined up sucked!

I'm now in a DG 100 and there is a significant difference in stick feel (much lighter!). My flying buddy has an ASW 19 and we go head to head all the time.

Both of these ships are very light on the stick (compared to the Grob 102) with really no bad habits (not that the 102 has any either). I would go with the ASW 19. Heavier wings but easy assembly, amazing performance, parts are available, and everyone knows an ASW so resale shouldn't be difficult.
ASW 19's are still one of the most beautiful fuselage forms in soaring so you'll be looking good on the flightline too