"vic20owner" wrote in message
...

Lastly, are there any specific gliders one should avoid as a first
used glider? (such as homebuilt kit planes, etc)?

Buying a series of "wrong" gliders as a way of figuring out what you
want and discovering what fits your style of flying is an expensive and
complicated way to fly! Assuming that you have options near where you live,
consider renting for at least a year after the end of your primary training.
That year would be a great time to vacation at some of the better soaring
sites and get checked out. The result will give you a sort "post grad"
training and expose you in a variety of equipment and a variety of ideas.

Vaughn