Handling characteristics of 18 (and 15) meter sailplanes???

I fly a DG800B. This handles fine, just as easy as
Discus and DG300 which I previously flew. I am a comparative
novice. Main advantage is engine which has various
advantages:

a) can be fully independant and dont have to wait for
launch on good day
b) can fly and explore on marginal days
c) no excuse not to fly because fuel cost to launch
less than winch launch
d) can fly and explore beyond normal range without
retrieve crew on standby

but
a learning curve - flaps, engine etc
engine may not always start - always have field planned
first!
more things to go wrong
(I experienced 2 ASI failures, 2 engine non-starts,
a canopy flash-freeze, plenty of LX5000 probs
amongst other things last year)
expensive capital cost.

Other plus point - pee tube (and also performance etc
etc)

I have already had numerous flights in a range of conditions
this year (including one or two good thermals) whilst
the majority of the cross-country pilots remain on
the ground for a few more months waiting for the summer
sun.

I probably flew twice as much last year as I would
have done if I had not had an SLMG. And did far more
demanding tasks, included all Gold Badge and much more.

-14 flap still remains almost unused (requires 90+
knots) so still plenty of scope to improve.

Apart from initial cost and traditionalism - 'gliders
dont have engines', I cannot understand why so few
people have SLMG.

Rory O'Conor - Sutton Bank, Yorkshire

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I am trying to get honest and accurate information
on the general handling
characteristics of a couple of 18 meter class sailplanes.


the 'fun factor'...

I am most interested in:

* DG-808B
* Ventus-2c & Ventus-2cx
* ASH 26
Your thoughts and feedback will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Cameron