ASW15A vs ASW15B

[kristoffer]

Hi fellas!
I have around 300 hours + in gliders, and probably 1/3 of them have been flown in ASW15b. I absolutely love that glider and I want to keep flying it for at least a few years.
I'm not as rich of a gliderpilot as I am ambichous, but I am concidering to buy my own 15 at the moment, eventhough I can probably keep borrowing the two ASW15b gliders I have been using up till now.

After looking at the numerous ASW15 a-models for sale out there I see that they are usually priced significantly cheaper than the newer B-models. Some of them (especially when I can buy without trailer, 'cause I have one), are cheap enough for me to buy.

I know the b-version included som new features like: A larger rudder, wheel and water tanks. But I'm really wondering; From a competition perspective (club class), is there a real difference, and if so, how big?
Some say the B-version is significantly heavier. This will give it better perfomance at higher speeds than the a-model. How does the a-model "feel" in comparison to the b-model? If someone can fill me inn a bit more detailed on the differences that matter here (the flying itself), please do! 

Is it correct that the A-model has a glideratio of 36 and the b-model (if in good condition and so on) has a glideratio of 38? That is quite a difference actually. Especially if the B-model also does a bit better when flying a bit faster. I guess one usuallly gets it on the money and so it is only fair enough.

Cheers!
Kristoffer

[Pieter Hendrickx]

Hi Kristoffer!

I can't compare A to B models but I'm flying an A model myself. It flies beautifully and in a straight line the one I fly (OO-ZMB) can easily keep up with an LS4 and Grob Twin II eventhough both of them are said to have better glide ratios. In fact I need to deploy my spoilers to stay at the same altitude. I think though the difference will show once you apply some speed to both aircraft.

In thermals it's a beast! Apart from my expectations of overtaking our ASK-13's it also did that with our Astir CS, Twin Astir II, PW-5, LS1, DG100,... One could argue about getting lucky finding the optimal spot in a thermal but that's what i've experienced most of the time.

I hope this helps a bit?
Greet'z!