I'm startin' with a vario. The FlyTec looks like a pretty good unit,
but I havn't tested it myself. I don't recall the brand attached to the
trainer-wing on my tandem flights a few years back, but it worked quite
well. It had both an audible and visual display for altitude, and made
all sorts of cool "Ur' goin' up like John F***ing Glenn" noises when I
hit the ridge lift.

Most of the new varios are a combo GPS / compass unit that will allow
you to input dozens of waypoints for flying XC, if you're so inclined.

When I took my training courses in HG, the instructor told me to feel
the wind on my face, and use that to judge airspeed. When he pitched up
hard, I knew way before the wing stalled that there wasn't enough wind
to keep flying. Maybe not technical enough for powered machines, but a
vario should have an ASI in it, and if it doesn't, Hall Brothers makes
a low-speed one for about $20. Yep, it looks like a red thingie inside
a test-tube. I'm assuming, of course, that you didn't spend extra $$$
on anything silly like an enclosed cockpit on your Poorboy Pober.

Please note: a Richard animometer (sp?) reads about 10% low versus the
fixed unit at the Lifesaving Station ...according to Wilbur's notes.
Also, the yarn should be centered between the front ruder supports when
launching from the Grand Junction Railroad.

Harry "Wright Brothers Geek" Frey