It seems to me that as long as there is such a disparity amongst the ranks
of sailplane enthusiasts financially, we'll never really be able to reach
any meaningful solution...I for one wouldn't consider a sailplane that
didn't have the ability to self launch and then turn into a pretty high
performance soaring machine, simply because it suits my goals...There's lots
of 1-26's and many other veritable gliders in the under 10k price range that
there should always be a home for...If it seems one thing is missing, it
seems like that is a self launched kit sailplane, for the enthusiast who
truly wants to be free of the encumbrance of waiting in line for tows...and
all the associated headaches of retrieves...it would seem to me that the
HP-24 project could place itself into being one of a kind in that regard,
instead of simply another nice sailplane...for the money the LAK-12 and
numerous other longer winged mounts seem to be plentiful and I agree with
Bob Kuykendal about L/D claims being largely over-rated...

the one thing I notice more and more, is that self launchers are turning up
on the State records and badge flights more and more...and I think it will
continue...I don't think the overall performance is near as much an issue,
as the convenience and ability to go...when the weather is good...I started
in hang gliders and have owned wood, aluminum and glass...I don't want to go
back in performance any more than anyone...a less expensive self launcher
would seem to me to be much more meaningful for growing our sport...than
just another sailplane to add to the long and confusing list that is already
out there...



Steve.