Interested in Discus Launched Gliders - DLG

[aeajr]

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/Salsa-XL.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
- good launches and clean landings are the norm

2M RES and 3M full house sailplanes
- Some light contest experience
3 channel parkflyers
2 channel Zagi slope wing

[mikeval]

I'm building a gambler and it's been a piece of cake.. very easy build and good instructions.. very complete kit... here is a huge thread on it. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227780... the designer posts regularly... with answers to questions, etc..
Mike

[aeajr]

Thanks. I hear great things about the Gambler. I purchased the Boomer. nOt on my list above.

Boomer EX2 - DLG flying wing - This is the one I brought to the meeting.
Reported to thermal very well, easy transport in car, good for light slope
lift Product has been taken over by Mountain Models
www.mountainmodels.com
http://www.mountainmodels.com/order_planes.php
This is a product review - be sure to watch the video
at the end of the review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4524
Second Video
http://www.stocker.rchomepage.com/Boomhivis2_0002.wmv

[mikeval]

Yes.. I have some extensive sailplane experience.. but this was my first venture into DLG... and for the money and from what I've read.. the gambler+ was step up from entry level but below the full composite types, etc... for 70 beans.. you can't go wrong..
Mike

[aeajr]

I look forward to hearing yo experience with the Gambler. Would have loved to see a build thread with photos. I too do a lot of thermal and slope glider flying.

I selected the Boomer because it is small and can easily live in the car. Will thermal it and slope it in light lift. Right now I am just enjoying just tossing it around.

[charlieoneseven]

The DLG doesn't seem to get as high on launch as a HLG. Has anyone had a similar exp?

[aeajr]

My expereince is just the opposite.

I have two Mountain Models Boomers. I am still very new with the launch and only tossing side arm, but I am getting 40-50 feet in height with no trouble at all. Have not really tried for more than that.

We have HLG/DLG contests at our club and the HLGs don't come anywhere near the height of the DLGs.

[aeajr]

I'm building a gambler and it's been a piece of cake.. very easy build and good instructions.. very complete kit... here is a huge thread on it. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227780... the designer posts regularly... with answers to questions, etc..
Mike

How is the Gambler doing. Was it a good choice?

[aeajr]

Since this was first posted I build a Boomer, which is a flying wing side arm launched glider and have started work on a Quick Flick 2, also from Mountain Models.

These hand launched planes are lots of fun, inexpensive and can be flown virtually any where at any time.

If you have any kind of a slope, they will slope soar in the lightest lift too.