Cockpit Size and Comfort

I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 10:04:57 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

What performance/price range? It may not be the highest performing glass ship, but the Grob 102 has a wider than average cockpit.

On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 9:04:57 AM UTC-5, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

Unless you are oddly proportioned, you should fit fine in most cockpits. I'm about the same specs with a longer torso. My only issue in a number of gliders is positioning the seat back so my head doesn't hit the canopy.

At 14:04 03 May 2015, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the
largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad
shoulders,
about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

Probably best avoided if you are big across the shoulders are the LS
gliders
especially 6, 7 or 8 as they are quite tight. The LS4 is a bit better.
Schempp-
Hirth and Schleicher gliders generally better (except S-H A models which
are
very narrow, even worse than LS6/7/8,)
Regards,
Roy

Mike, I am similar dimensions to you. I fit fine in a Std Jantar but super tight in an LS6. It's comfortable when flying but I am in solid contact with each shoulder.
I have yet to try a Schempp or Schleicher glider but will be pestering some club members when I get a chance.

Cheers Ben

At 14:04 03 May 2015, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the
largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad
shoulders,
about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

Probably best avoided if you are big across the shoulders are the LS
gliders
especially 6, 7 or 8 as they are quite tight. The LS4 is a bit better.
Schempp-
Hirth and Schleicher gliders generally better (except S-H A models which
are
very narrow, even worse than LS6/7/8,)
Regards,
Roy

I would second the option the Grob 102, it is about as wide as they come.

I am 5'9" weight 200 lbs with shoulders that were tuned for swimming. I fly a DG 800 with zero spare room at the shoulders.

On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 7:31:30 AM UTC-7, wrote:
On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 10:04:57 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

What performance/price range? It may not be the highest performing glass ship, but the Grob 102 has a wider than average cockpit.

On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 10:04:57 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

The ship with the roomiest cockpit I have ever flown, is the Genesis 2. There is plenty of shoulder room.

Standard Cirrus was probably the most comfortable and commodious I have ever flown. Pik 20 was nearly as good and large. ASW-20B was comfortable but a lot tighter. 27 is tighter still, but I have no problems flying a long time. Just need to be well organized with where everything is before takeoff.
Before buying arrange to sit in whatever it is for an extended time. Preferably on the trailer dolly so that you can see what fun it is to pull the gear up and put it down. And to waggle all other items. Spoiler handles can end up trapped by pants' leg. Imagine trying to take a pee, or get sandwich out of pocket. Can you reach the panel when sitting in a position where you will not constantly be bashing head on canopy.
Try it all out before exchanging hard earned gold.
PS: Yes Grob is large but it is a flying tank ...




On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 8:04:57 AM UTC-6, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 9:04:57 AM UTC-5, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new (to me) XC ship. Which ones have the largest/roomiest cockpit? Not for a tall person, one with broad shoulders, about 5'9 and 200lbs. Discuss and Thank you in advance!

The Genesis II cockpit is very large and comfortable. At 200 Lb. you can easily move around in it. You could also grow an additional 8 inches and 40 Lbs. and still be comfortable.