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Old October 23rd 06, 11:25 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default Discus verus Discus 2, LS8, ASW 28

It's not even winter yet in the Northern Hemisphere and we're already
starting the "which glider is best?" stuff.

Variability among different serial numbers of the same glider is much
less than it used to be but it's still there due to wing waviness,
winglets, CG, sealing, etc. Probably more of a factor is the pilot,
certainly in climb and even in cruise/pull ups to a certain extent.

Based on comparison flying, if I were after the absolute best
performance, I might slightly favor the Discus 2a--several of them have
given me fits in thermals and I watched Chip Garner and a few other
drivers do amazing things this summer. But I can't fit into one (I'm
6'3"). Moreover, I strongly prefer Schleicher's safety features
(crashworthy cockpit, energy-absorbing landing gear) which is what
pushed me in that direction nearly 15 years ago after a long love
affair with LS.

In considering used ships, gel coat condition should always be a major
consideration, maybe more so than any differences among models. That
said, based on my experience and just to keep the discussion going, I
believe a good used ASW 24 with aftermarket winglets represents a great
value.

My ASW 24 with Hank Nixon's winglets will climb with nearly any glider
and better than many (the stories about the '24's climb "problem"
started in its pre-winglets life). And at Uvalde this summer carrying
full water, I didn't give away much, if anything, at high speed to most
other gliders [would that the same could be said about the piloting].
It's difficult to make absolute statements about performance because
almost no one but a professional leech tucks in right behind another
glider and locks on.

If you're seriously considering any of the Discus 2, LS-8 or ASW 28,
talk to the owners. Like the '24 and the original Discus, each of these
has little things that will annoy you as well as remarkable performance
and handling.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"