At 19:41 03 July 2008, Eric Greenwell wrote:

In practice, the desire for other one-model classes is not strong
because they are similar enough that the difference in performance is
not a big issue. FAI gliders built within about 20 years of each other
probably don't vary any more in performance than the various 1-26
models, especially when you consider the difference pilot weight can
make in the 1-26.

I don't have any qualifications to offer an opinion, but what
the heck. No doubt you are right. I suspect that the worry
over competitive advantages of a given glider only bothers
the guys at the bleeding edge of competition.

The advantage of the 1-26 for a one-design contest is
that the grid is *so* colorful, as compared to a contest
amongst glass gliders.

There *are* a few guys who own both 1-26s and modern
racers, and compete in both.

Jim Beckman