Glider Database for the Hang II
There are a restricted number of choices of gliders for a new hang II student.
The list below summarizes your choices. These lists are arranged in order of age
and performance. Newer gliders usually are lighter, stronger, and better handling. I strongly recommend
not to purchase any glider manufactured before 1990 and definitely not before 1980. These gliders, although
airworthy, can frustate your progress and cause you to develop muscles you thought didn't have.
The difference in ease of training and learning can be dramatic from antique gliders versus the modern designs. If you are purchasing
a double surface glider as an upgrade from your single surface, you must knock down
your rating by 1/2. All price estimates assume less than 100 hours of sun damage, no significant corrosion and intact aluminium tubing. A mint condition
post 1990 glider, with parts and service available glider retains higher value for obivious reasons - it helps you
gain the skills you need to progress with hindering your efforts.
Get instruction!
Wills Wing
| Year manufactured | Size (sq ft) | Weight range (lbs) | Description | Cost |
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Spectrum | 1991-1995 | 144 165 | | Double surface. Handling is stiff and flare envelope smaller. Make sure
your landing skills are solid!
| $500-$1200 |
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Falcon 1 | 1995-2002 | 140 170 195 225 | 120-190 140-220 150-250 185-300 | Single Surface. Light weight, statically balanced, good performance
The start of the best all around trainer and beginner glider.
| $1000-$1500 |
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Falcon 2 | 2002- | 140 170 195 225 | 120-190 140-220 150-250 185-300 |
Single Surface. Stall speed is reduced as much as 2 mph on each size. Stall character is more gradual
| $1500-$2000 |
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Falcon 3 | 2005- | 140 170 195 225 | 120-190 140-220 150-250 185-300 |
One of the best single surface beginner gliders. Stall speed is reduced as much as 3 mph on each size. This model can be disassembled
to a 6 foot length for overseas luggage and freight shipping. Stall character is more gradual. This glider forgives the more typical launching
and landing mistakes that many newbie pilots make.
| $1900-Retail |
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Eagle | 1998-2005 | 145 164 180 | 125-200 150-250 175-275 | Double surface. For pilots with solid, basic skills, the Eagle has better
penetration than the Falcon and has double surface landing characteristics, including ground effect and more flare timing. Great transition
glider to the Sport 2 or U2. No longer manufactured but parts and service are available from your Wills Wing dealer. Great for beginners that have a longish glide at their local site. Handling is not as crisp as the Falcon given
its double surface but a good solid glider nontheless. Make sure your landings are solid!
| $1500-$2000 |
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Moyes
| Year manufactured | Size | Weight range | Description | Cost |
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Sonic | | 165 190 | 120-220 160-240 | 60% double surface flex wing with optional VG. Typical Moyes heavy
duty cables and solid feeling | $1500-Retail |
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Ventura | | | | Single Surface. Aimed at those pilots entering the sport of hang gliding | $1300-$2000 |
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Malibu | | 166 188 | 150 187 | Single surface flex wing with curved tips. Typical Moyes heavy
duty cables and solid Moyes feeling. The new Moyes Malibu offers an airframe built from 7075 aluminium tube, covered with a 4oz dacron sail. The sail is shaped
and supported by 15 battens made from 7075 aluminium as well as a unique leading edge insert manufactured from Mylar and foam. | $1500-$Retail |
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Pacific Airwave
| Year manufactured | Size | Weight range | Description | Cost |
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Mark IV | 1988-1992 | 170, 190 | | First real good beginner double surface glider
to be manufactured. Lower weight, good handling with decreased stall speeds is finally achieved. Parts and repairs
available through Northwing | $700-$1300 |
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Pulse | 1992-1996 | 9, 10, 11(in sq meters) | | Double surface.
Very easy handling and better performing glider without the
heavy bar pressures of the Mark IV. Parts and repairs
available through Northwing | $800-$1500 |
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Northwing
| Year manufactured | Size | Weight range | Description | Cost |
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Freedom | 2007- | 150, 170, 190 | | The FREEDOM is a curved tip, high aspect ratio Hang Glider, performance driven with 35% double surface.
Designed for all pilots in mind, but especially the seasoned advanced pilot that wants a second wing on the vehicle that sets up quick, very easy to fly, comfortable
in active air, feels like you can land almost anywhere - and performs substantially better than modern
training hill gliders. Make sure you have solid landing skills for this glider | $1500-Retail |
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EZY | 2001- | 170, 190 | | Simple elegant design with 10 minute set-up time. | $1500-Retail |
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Miscellaneous Earlier Generation Gliders
| Year manufactured | Size | Weight range | Description | Cost |
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Raven | 1979 - 1981 | 179, 209, 229 | | Easy handling
Single surface trainer
Uncambered fiberglass battens
Poor penetration
Statically tail heavy | |
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Lancer and Super | 1979-1981 | 155, 170, 180, 190, 200 | |
Single surface. Comparable to Raven without tail
heaviness | |
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Javelin | 1981-1983 | 168, 208 | | Single surface. Better performance than Lancer series | |
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Dream | 1985- | 145, 165, 185,205, 220, 240 | | Docile handling, easy landing, poor
glide/penetration. The 145 was one of the
few good trainers for light (under 120 lb)
pilots | |
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Skyhawk | 1984 - 1989 | 168, 188 | | Single surface. Low top end speed,
but it will turn on a dime and is
well-engineered. Heavy | |
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Vision | 1983 - 1986 | 160, 180, 200 | | Double surface.Good landing characteristics.
Poor penetration for double surface
| |
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Eclipse | 1986 - 1987 | 170, 190 | | Double surface. Next generation Vision | |
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XTC | | 205 | | Single surface trainer series
205 size used as tandem glider
| |
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