DG-300 or LS-3?

On Apr 23, 9:56*pm, "noel.wade" wrote:
I appreciate the responses. *But just to keep these posts from
wandering off into "buying your first glider" territory:

1) I've already owned 2 gliders.

2) The DG has a mid-80's metal-top Cobra trailer. *The LS has a
late-80's/early-90's fiberglass Komet trailer. *Slight nod goes to the
Komet, but its a razor-thin margin (we're talking about little details
like a foot-pump jack versus scissor/jackscrew-type jack).

3) Both ships have auto-hookups. *I fit well in both (I haven't flown
an LS-3 but I have flown an LS-4 and loved it; but I've also flown a
lot in a DG-300 and love it).

4) I have a one-man rigger. (www.wingrigger.com) *:-)

5) The DG-300 has slightly "simpler" instruments; but still more than
enough for effective contest soaring and with really nice new wiring.
The LS is what I would call "fully loaded" on the panel with a lot of
LCD screens and backup computers (too much if you ask me - and I'm an
IT professional!) ...But likely with older wiring behind the panel
(though haven't inspected it).

Thanks!

--Noel

I decided to by a nearly new DG-303 Acro as my first glider, auto
hookup was a required item.

Are you sure the LS3 has auto hookups? On everything?


Darryl

On Apr 23, 11:18*pm, Darryl Ramm wrote:

Are you sure the LS3 has auto hookups? On everything?

Darryl

Darryl -

I know, I didn't realize it either back when I was researching my
first ship. But from the DG website:
"The LS3 has automatic connections of the ailerons, the flaps and the
air brakes"

(My research & photo-study revealed that this is because the one-piece
flaperons were driven at the root by pins sticking out from the
fuselage)

The LS-3a (which split the flaperon into separate flaps and ailerons)
requires manual control connections.

--Noel

"The LS3 has automatic connections of the ailerons, the flaps and the
air brakes"




What about the elevator? The most important one of all.............

On Apr 24, 5:22*am, joesimmers wrote:
"The LS3 has automatic connections of the ailerons, the flaps and the
air brakes"

What about the elevator? * The most important one of all.............

that one too..........

Brad

On Apr 24, 6:52*am, Brad wrote:
On Apr 24, 5:22*am, joesimmers wrote:

"The LS3 has automatic connections of the ailerons, the flaps and the
air brakes"

What about the elevator? * The most important one of all.............

that one too..........

Brad

This is all in theory now, but everything else being equal I'd take
the LS-3 if all you are thinking about is contest performance and you
fly out west. The LS-3 has a 1.4% less favorable handicap, but it is
a heavier glider due to all the mass balancing in the wings. Handicaps
are designed for average conditions - a heavy ship in strong
conditions gets an edge.

Plus with the LS you don't have to spray paint your sneakers black to
see forward...

Honestly though practice and familiarity with your ship and
instruments will account for more than the differences in gliders.

9B

On Apr 25

Well, it is a fact the DG has the very best visibility of any
sailplane. Even better than open cockpit.
Down south, so few of us wear shoes. SPF 30 on the toes is good in
single seat DG's.
GA



Plus with the LS you don't have to spray paint your sneakers black to
see forward...

Honestly though practice and familiarity with your ship and
instruments will account for more than the differences in gliders.

9B