I am thinking of trying discuss launched gliders. So, I am looking for your input and especially your experience with DLGs. I am not really interested in HLGs. The DLGs go so much higher and seem to go up so much more easily. Also, this if for sport flying, not contest use, so I am looking in the lower price ranges.
What started this was, during an recent Eastern Soaring League sailplane contest, at the lunch break, all these fantastic contest pilots grabbed a hot dog, then went back to their cars. Next thing you know the sky is filled with HLGs and DLGs There must have been 10-12 of them in the air at any given time among 32 pilots. Boy they look like fun.
Then they started showing up at our field. There are a couple of DLGs and a couple of HLGs being tossed around. Again, they look like fun!
Right now I am looking in the under $160 category. I would prefer an ARF, but a kit might be OK if the price is right. I am sure I can build a fairly simple kit, but building is not a passion so ARFs are preferred.
I am debating between R/E or A/R/E. I like my R/E 2 meter sailplanes, but am thinking that if I had A/R/E I can use the ailerons as flaps or spoilers for landing. In addition I have been reading about people flying slope with these planes in very light lift in addition to discus launching for thermals. I think ailerons are better suited to slope use. But I am very open to your thoughts.
Last question is about size. Most are about 1.5M, but some are as small as 1M. Any thoughts on this? Outside of flying, the 1M planes would be easier to keep in the car for unplanned flights when the opportunity strikes, but will they launch and fly as well?
Here are the planes I have looked at so far. ** Means this one has my attention at the moment.
Rudder/Elevator models
- Some have video links on their pages
Mountain Models DL50 - $70-kit **
http://www.mountainmodels.com/DL50.php
The Gambler+ = $70 - Kit
http://www.wrightbrothersrc.com/our_kits/gambler.htm
Zip - $79 ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/zip.htm
NSP Calysto $139 - ARF
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=2955
Rudder/Elevator/Aileron Models
NSP Huron - ARF $128
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=760
NSP Apache - ARF $139 **
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=1178
HobbyClub Salsa (aka Salmoe) $159 **
http://www.hobbyclub.com/salsahlg.htm
Art Hobby Bobolink $91 Kit
http://www.arthobby.com/gliders/specs/bobolink.html
ArtHobby Hyper DL $131 Kit
http://www.arthobby.com/gliders/specs/hyperDL.html
My experience -
Flying 2 Seasons - about 750 total flights + 14 hours slope soaring
2M RES and 3M full house sailplanes
- Some light contest experience
3 channel parkflyers
2 channel Zagi slope wing