I have owned a SZD 55 since 2001, and have flown it more than 100 hours. I have flown an LS8 for a couple of weeks at a competition.

SZD55 great fun glider, climbs really well and runs hard in strong conditions. The 55 has a good wing loading range going up to 52 Kg/sqm and comes down to very light. Easy rigging with light wings.
One con with the 55 when loaded with water on take off with nil head wind it can drop a wing. I have no problem if there is any head wind. The Ls8 however I think handles those conditions better.

Ls8 very sweat handling and I found easy rigging and a great performance.
Depending on how old the Ls8 is it might require a maintenance agreement with DG. I do know of a couple of undercarriage collapses with Ls8, I think if it is not set up or maintained well this problem can occur.

Regards,
John Orton


On Sunday, July 15, 2012 7:57:06 PM UTC+8, Juanman wrote:
On Saturday, July 14, 2012 12:55:51 AM UTC-4, 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

Have not flown SZD-55 but owned an LS8. Very easy to rig (two pins, not one), very comfortable for long flights. Very easy to fly for a beginner. Controls are very well balanced (LS trait) and very responsive. Good airbrakes. Sent out wheel brake to Vintage Brake and after that worked fine. Everyone who has one or had one loved them.