RE: Looking for a good first sailplane
Let me second this statement :If you want a larger plane a good value is the Bird of Time ARF by Tower Hobbies. Its 119" and it thermals really well."
You get a lot of plane for your $139.00 and it thermals and flies so well I really am not sure that there is a better value out there right now.
It is a very forgiving plane and is great to learn on.