Buying a 1-35 pros and cons?

I'm a high-time CFI-G who goes way back (got my CFI at 19 in 1970) and has flow a lot of gliders, currently own a Discus B and a Ka-6CR.

I like the 1-35, recommend it with some qualifications to any soaring pilot who flies in weaker-condition soaring, and is looking for a good 15-20 k$ sailplane. You do need to learn how to handle flaps. There is a very simple drill for this: go find a pilot (preferably CFI), who has access to a Cessna 150 (not 152). Doesn't matter whether it's got electric flaps or Johnson bar. Go through the following drill: flying at 80 kts run the flaps down to full and back up while you maintain 80 kts. You will be amazed at how nose-down you are at full flaps. Do this drill until it is natural. This closely approximates what any of the full-flapped gliders feel like to land in terms of pitch angle vs flap settings on approach.

Good points about the 1-35:

low wing-loading empty, very good weak-condition performer. Good club/sport class ship in weaker soaring areas. With water, flies pretty well in strong conditions

Once you learn to fly it, can land extremely short, handle rough field conditions

Strong, safe

Bad points: Roll-rate is a bit slow. You'll start to lust for a Pik 20-B, that isn't much more expensive and has considerably higher performance.