On Jul 14, 12:55*am, wrote:
How do these compare? Not performance wise (no ambition to fly comps and still a beginner at ca 100 hours) though specs seem close for ls8 in 15m config but in all other aspects.

Price difference makes me wonder which way to go...

Has anyone flown, owned both?

S

55 - light wings (just over 100 lbs - I have no problem getting help
rigging); 2 main pins. LS-8 wings are heavier. Single main pin.
Rigging probably a wash, unless you have a bad back - then 55
favoured.

55 great in light conditions (east). AUW 1100 lbs when full of water
when things are strong.

Factory support available for both; windpath has good response. No
annual fee. LS-8 - fee.

Finish for my 55 is very nice still (1990 model).

I'm probably a couple of percent short in performance (.941 vs .915
for LS-8 15m, .88 18m); I can live with that.

Subjectively, the 55 is very pretty in the air (should count for
something). Thermals 'speak' to you like in an LS-4. Haven't flown
LS-8 but imagine it's the same.

55 - no carbon anything; LS-8, wings, tail etc are carbon.

I'd be happy with either.