wrote:
Your first glider should be one that you can fly safely, enjoy flying
it, learn from it and from its handling. The finish of the glider is
important, but there are many other even more important issues. Jantar
Std. is good, solid, built like a tank glider, but it is not for a
beginner pilot. The same applies to the PIK gliders. The LS-4 could
also be handfull if flown by a pilot with limited experience. And that
is true with any composite glider. It is not a simple problem and
advises like that, even though they ment well, can be frustrating. I
would suggest that you fly several different gliders, don't rush to buy
one, but rather fly what is available for rent for at least a full
season and then make your decision.

I agree with most of your advice, However, the OP didn't say he was
inexperienced in glass, just that he's buying his first ship. My first
glider was a Ventus, but I had significant time in glass gliders.
How is an LS-4 a handful? I suppose if you've only been in 2-33s or
Blaniks, but I hear it's about as docile as a glider gets.

Shawn