RE: 81" vs 118" essential differences?
Flaphoto:
I have a Siren (medium liner)(78" ) and had an Ellipsoid II (110" ), and now a 4m Discus.
The siren has a much quicker up/down time than the Ellispoid did.
Although both would climb at the same rate (2500+ ft/minute).
The Ellipsoid was under 5 seconds to 400 ft, and the Siren is about 5 seconds to 400ft.
on a 5 second jump to 400ft, the siren would take about 6-8 minutes to come down without using the motor to power up again, and the Ellipsoid about 10-12 minutes.
I fly in Phoenix, so I have a good chance of catching thermals after 8:00am in the summer.(when the temps are still below 110)
Personally speaking, I like the bigger winged aircraft. It is much more relaxing, and when you do hit a thermal, you typically won't blow right through it like you would on a hot/medium liner. Also, all that wing area helps.
Spoilers/ Spoilerons/Flaperons:
I only have flaperons on the Siren, and they do slow the plane down quite a bit when engaged.
My 4m Discus has Airbrakes/Spoilers and I have yet to findout how they work, as we have yet to fly her.
Good luck in your decision, and welcome to the Fun of Gliders.
Dave