At 17:55 05 May 2009, vaughn wrote:

"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
The vast majority of a gliders existance is usualy spent in a trailer.
After the glider itself the condition of the trailer and fittings can be a
major area of problems neglect to examine this at your peril!!!