atmosphereship wrote:Thanks Felix. I would go with the Combat C but I hook in at about 250-255 lbs. Too much for the 13.5 sq.m. I'm afraid. Too bad it isn't offered in a 14.2 sq.m.
Well, the hook-in numbers for the C are more a little off, for sure. I would get in touch with Oleg and talk about hook-in load for the C. The wing I have is the 12.7. For me it didn't make sense I should fly such a tiny glider! However Oleg flew this very glider when first came out and he hooked in it at around 220+ lbs - the guy won everything on this tiny glider! Which is where I hook in at. On paper it doesn't make sense (and even on their site the hook in weight recommended says 209 tops), but in reality, believe it or not, I feel light on the glider. I stay in light lift with the best of them, easily! I've seen PG'ers go down and plenty other gliders while I kept on flying like I was on some huge wing. It's mind boggling the way this new design carries weight. Higher aspect ratio and more sail tension, less twist (given the new oval leading edges) result in much better weight load capacities, and as crazy as it was for me to consider buying such a small glider at my clip in weight, on my first flight on it I was blown away by its ability to easily carry all of me plus cameras, plus instrument, plus water. Total weight I added with all of me and my stuff might be closer to 230 lbs. Still, I felt light on it. It sounds crazy, I know, but this glider sure is a game changer!
John Simon (who recently classified in the top 3 at some comps) also switched from the old Combal L 15 (15!) to the 12.7 and he's climbing though people like it's nothing. He hooks in at around 230 lbs I believe.
Call me crazy, but I honestly believe the 13.5 would work well for you. I wish there was a way for you to take one for a test flight, I'm certain it would leave you in awe.
I can try to put you in touch with Oleg, or I can discuss the matter with him if you wish.
I'm sure the GT is a sweet glider and would do you well, but the C is just something else. I'm certain the new design will be copied by (probably all) other manufacturers soon enough.