Before you say it, I have searched and read the existing threads already, and didn't find quite the information I was looking for.

I'm wishing for an inexpensive ARF handlaunched or discuss launched glider. I don't care about competition, but I would like to have something that will thermal in light lift and also be useful on the slope in light lift. In a perfect world, it would have ailerons, but I can live with r/e only.

So, whaddya recommend?

What is "inexpensive" If you could be satisfied with a javelin launch ship you might have some luck finding a good used poly or aileron javelin ship. There were a lot of very nice planes available before the discus craze hit and there are probably a few collecting dust.
There are still lots of conventional ARF planes available but many are approaching the $200.00 mark and then you are getting near the DLG price range.
Adam

The following are possibilities:


http://www.nesail.com/softik15.htm

(Softik 1.5)

http://espritmodel.com/

(check out the Fay)

http://www.hobbyclub.com/framespage.htm

(look under the link New Gliders and scroll to bottom of the page for the Salsa)

Greg

Hey Tim,
There are a couple guys who fly out at Green Mountain http://www.houseofthud.com/Denver_RC...#southgreenmtn
And at Mt. Carbon
http://members7.clubphoto.com/brenda...ner-973a.phtml
Both of these places are near Denver. Not sure if it is close to where you are but these guys are great and will help you out. One is cutting his own wings for DLG's and is working on making the Javelin disc launchable.

Hope this helps.

Adam,

I guess inexpensive means $50 - $100 to me. I got looking at all the DLG stuff in the links you provided and was astounded at the prices. Too much for the way I fly (poorly). I hope to use whatever I get on the slope when there isn't enough lift to keep my DAW 1-26 in the air. I'd also like something that will thermal off the parking lot at my work. I'd be more than happy with a used javelin launched glider, but I didn't notice too many for sale when I looked through the For Sale section.


Greg,

Thanks for the links. If I can't find something used, I'll definitely be looking there.

Kevin,

I've heard about both those places, but never been there. I think they are not too far, but I just haven't made the effort to get out there. Thanks for the encouragement.

Tim,

I've been flying a sidewinder for about a year and it's a great plane but not cheap. When the wind is blowing or I just don't want to put the sidewinder at risk I fly a Filip V from Hobby Lobby http://www.hobby-lobby.com/filip.htm For $100 this is great plane and although it's not meant for DLG I've launched it over a 1000 times with this method. The V-tail will break after repeated full on discuss launch but at 80% it still gets good launch height. After breaking and repairing the tail I've now strengthened it with fiberglass and it works. It's heavy but still flies fine. I've also got a DAW 1-25 1.5M and the thermaling capability of the Filip is far better. I've got some quick time clips of discuss launching the Filip I can email if you are interested.

Regards,
Gary

Gary,

That's just the kind of information I was looking for. I don't know about yours, but my 1-26 HLG (1.5m) flies like a brick. I fly it on the slope and have trouble keeping it in the air. Maybe the slopes I'm on aren't so good, or maybe I stink at it, but I'm just not impressed.

The filip sounds great. I'd love to have some clips. I'll PM you with my email.

Tim,

I agree with you on the 1-26 1.5M. I learned on it and it was a great trainer. It took a huge amount of punishment as I taught myself to fly. I never got it up with a hand launch although it did thermal on strong days off a high start. I built it too heavy and added weight from taping and gluing after all the crashing I put it through. My second plane was a built up glider from skybench (osprey 1.5M) which flew great but I lost it. The Filip V was my 3rd plane and I still fly it regularly. Because it was so inexpensive and because I've crashed it so much already I'm not afraid to push this plane to it's limits. I fly it at a retention pond/construction site where it takes some amazingly tough landings. I've broken the leading edge in 3 places crashing into trees and it still flies pretty good.

Good luck with whatever you build!
Gary

Tim,

We must continue to convince Doug to kit a SAL/DL glider!

Keith,

In addition to an HLG, I also suggested a powered sailplane using the drive system from the SB. I'd buy either from him today if he offered them.

Tim