Buying LS3a or ASW20a? ~$25k cross country glider. Which one and why?

Agree, you should also consider the S-H Ventus.

The LS-3 is a dream to fly; controls are very harmonic and it is comfortable. It lacks accommodating panel space and it does not "run" as well or land as short as the ASW-2O. That being said, the 20 is more pitch sensitive and will not tolerate poor approach piloting. The 20's thinner airfoil requires more attention and stall respect.

The LS support is iffy and concerning (no offense Cumulus Soaring). Here in the US, you'll have more experience and support with a Schleicher product. The Mayes family @ Williams Soaring, CA are the Schleicher US reps and are very experienced.

Which one? IMO, deciding factors should be damage history, finish condition, instrumentation, and trailer condition.

Having many XC hours in both, my preference is the ASW-20 and especially the 20C. The 20C is worth the extra money.

On Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 11:04:06 PM UTC-4, Michael N. wrote:
I'm looking for a glider for cross country in the $25k range.

Unless you're also planning on competing, or trying for records, you should widen your selection. The performance difference is very small between most of the second generation glass ships. Looking at the Johnson reports shows 1-2 points difference, but all of them measured better than 37:1 which is plenty for great XC soaring.

I have flown an H301 Libelle, Pegasus, ASW-20, and currently own a Mini Nimbus C.

The flapped ships are fun and the Peg is very easy to fly. I love the Mini for the landing flaps (which some people don't). Lots of panel space and easy to rig (nothing is as easy as the Libelle. Automatic hook-ups and a very comfortable cockpit (about the same as the Ventus).

Mike B.