Oz Report
Volume 12, Number 60Tuesday, March 25 2008
1253 South Bedford Drive, Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
https://OzReport.com
"Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
- In this issue:
Tin Cup, it's time to re-subscribe Wills Wing prices in the USA Airborne prices translated to the US Moyes USA prices Aeros USA prices Icaro 2000⁣ US dollar prices The US prices Comparing similarly configured high end racing gliders Garmisch, Free Flight, the big hang glider show A semi-correction to the price comparison
Tin Cup, it's time to re-subscribe
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:29:10 am PDTDavis Straub|donations
Gerry and I are starting late this year on our little fund raising drive to get Oz Report readers who appreciate what we do to help support our efforts by re subscribing (donating). I wasn't settled long enough in one spot with good internet access to allow me to engage fully in the necessary fund raising efforts until this week (thanks to my brother, his home, and his very fast wifi connection).
We don't ask for your subscription in advance, we ask for it after you have agreed that the Oz Report is worth supporting. You don't pay unless you feel that you get value for money.
Speaking of value for money, by coincidence, this issue is our big money issue. That is, we examine here (and in follow up articles) the price of hang gliders in the US (and around the world). Check out the information below to get an idea of the kind of work we do here at the Oz Report and see if this information is valuable to you.
You can send $20 or more for a yearly subscription/donation. To pay for your subscription with your credit card or PayPal account:
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Davis Straub (Not to the Oz Report)
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These are our supporters (if you are not on the list and have donated to the Oz Report, email me and I'll make sure that you are recognized): http://ozreport.com/supporters.php. Some of you who I've missed in the past did write to me and made sure I knew just how important the Oz Report was to them. If I've missed you, please do tell me.
2 topics in this article: Davis Straub, donations
Discuss "Tin Cup, it's time to re-subscribe" at the Oz Report forum link»
Wills Wing prices in the USA
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:39:44 am PDT(Wills Wing Factory, California)
http://www.willswing.com/news.asp?newsSeek=341
The suggested retail prices on the Falcon 3's, Sport 2's and U2's have increased by $100, effective March 18th. The prices of the T2 and T2C have not changed.
The new retail prices are:
Retail Price
Falcon 3 $3,475.00
Falcon 3 Tandem $3,875.00
Sport 2 $4,475.00
U2 $4,875.00
T2 $6,275.00
T2C $8,285.00
This price increase represents about 3% on a Falcon and about 2% on a U2. It has been three years since our last glider price increase, and all of our costs have risen by much higher percentages during that period of time. We have held the line on prices up until now by continually increasing our efficiency, but at this time it is necessary that we also institute a small price increase as well. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
http://www.willswing.com/prod2.asp?theClass=hg&theModel=T2
Options: Note that all listed options are included in the price of the T2C
Slipstream 2 Control Legs (Downtubes) - No Charge -
Custom Sail Patterns - Quoted on Request -
205MT Leading Edge - No Charge -
205MT Trailing Edge - No Charge -
Color in #3 or #4 panel (per panel, plus Custom Choice of Colors charge) 01A-A6 $75.00
UVM10T Upgrade - P1 only 01A-A31 $75.00
Hydranet Leading Edge 01A-A3 $75.00
Hydranet Trailing Edge 01A-A3 $75.00
Carbon-Kevlar LE Insert 74x7.8 (need 2) 15M-2003 $100.00
Slipstream/Litestream Control Bar Wheel Kit 70M-1240 $140.00
Custom Choice of Colors 01A-A1 $150.00
PX All Mylar Top Surface 01A-A5 $150.00
12mm Batten Upgrade (T2 only) 01A-B11 $200.00
UVM10T Upgrade - Complete Top Surface 01A-A51 $300.00
Carbon Speedbar Upgrade (T2) 01A-B3 $420.00
More Options:
http://www.willswing.com/prod2.asp?theClass=hg&theModel=falcon3
http://www.willswing.com/prod2.asp?theClass=hg&theModel=u2
Discuss "Wills Wing prices in the USA" at the Oz Report forum link»
Airborne prices translated to the US
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:40:04 am PDT(Airborne factory, Redhead, NSW, Australia)
Airborne Australia
http://www.airborne.com.au/pages/hg_hanggliders.html
http://www.airborne.com.au/images/pdf/Glider_Retail_Prices_Jan_2007.pdf
In US dollars:
C4 Gliders
Glider C4-13.5 m/Drag D/Tube $7288
C4 Alternative Base Bar (One Required)
Speed Bar Round Type 2 $0.00
Speed Bar S/Line 1380 Type 2 $580
Speed Bar Carbon $1031
Options C4
Carbon Insert Climax Ii Set $269
Sting
Glider Sting 154-2xc $4173
Glider Sting 175-2xc $4822
Fun
Glider Fun 160 $3796
Glider Fun 190 $4049
Glider Fun 220 $4824
Options Fun 160 & 190
Speed Bar Option 160 & 190 $75
Shipping to the US is not included. These are the export prices adjusted for the current Oz dollar/US dollar exchange rate. From the Lookout web site it doesn't appear as though Lookout is a very active Airborne dealer, as it doesn't even mention the C4.
1 topic in this article: Airborne Australia
Discuss "Airborne prices translated to the US" at the Oz Report forum link»
Moyes USA prices
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:40:27 am PDThttp://moyesusa.com/downloads/MoyesUSA08RetailPricelist.pdf
As of January 1st, 2008.
HIGH PERFORMANCE GLIDERS | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LITESPEED RS | LITESPEED RS MYLAR - 3.5, 4 | HG LSRS -M | $6,995.00 | |||||
LITESPEED RS SMOKE - 3.5, 4 | HG LSRS -S | $7,195.00 | ||||||
LITESPEED S | LITESPEED 'S' DACRON - 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 | HG LSS -D | $6,795.00 | |||||
LITESPEED 'S' MYLAR - 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 | HG LSS -M | $6,995.00 | ||||||
LITESPEED 'S' SMOKE - 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 | HG LSS -S | $7,195.00 | ||||||
LITESPORT | LITESPORT DACRON - 3, 4, 5 | HG LSPORT D | $5,630.00 | |||||
LITESPORT MYLAR - 3, 4, 5 | HG LSPORT M | $5,830.00 | ||||||
INTERMEDIATE GLIDERS (faired K/post, round uprights & base bar) | ||||||||
SONIC | SONIC 165 | HG SON165 | $3,995.00 | |||||
SONIC 190 | HG SON190 | $4,095.00 | ||||||
SONIC 190 WITH VG | HG SON190VG | $4,195.00 | ||||||
XT | XT 145 | HG XT145 | $3,980.00 | |||||
OPTIONS | ZOOM FRAME WITH CARBON SPEED BAR | HGO ZOOM/CARB | $795.00 | |||||
ZOOM FRAME WITH FAST BAR | HGO ZOOM/FAST | $550.00 | ||||||
ZOOM FRAME WITH ROUND SPEED BAR | HGO ZOOM/ROU | $425.00 | ||||||
FAST SPEED BAR & FITTINGS | HGO FAST | $250.00 | ||||||
CARBON INSERTS | HGO CAR INS | $375.00 | ||||||
CARBON L/EDGE BACK SECT. FOR LITESPEED 'S' | HGO CAR LEB | $425.00 | ||||||
CARBON L/EDGE FRONT SECT. FOR LITESPEED 'S' | HGO CAR LEF | $800.00 | ||||||
CARBON DIVE STRUTS FOR LITESPEED 'S' | HGO CAR DS | $500.00 | ||||||
CARBON BATTENS - 4 X U/S (no. 1-2), 8 X M/S (no.7-10) = 12 BATTENS | HGO CAR BAT SET | $550.00 | ||||||
SONIC/XT - PX20 L/EDGE | HGO PX20LE | $120.00 | ||||||
SONIC/XT - SCRIM L/EDGE | HGO SLE | |||||||
SONIC/XT - SPEED BAR | HGO SB | $80.00 | ||||||
SONIC/XT - AEROFOIL UPRIGHTS | HGO AU | $150.00 |
Discuss "Moyes USA prices" at the Oz Report forum link»
Aeros USA prices
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:40:56 am PDTAeros Ltd|Foundation for Free Flight
http://www.flyaeros.com/resources/retail_price_list.pdf (this web page may still have the old prices). As of March 1st, 2008:
Beginner Hang Gliders | Retail |
TARGET-16 | $3,371 |
TARGET-16m - For Power Flight | $3,447 |
TARGET-21BI (new 2007) | $5,220 |
Three-Wheel Landing Gear For TARGET-21BI (new 2007) | $979 |
Hg Trolly (new 2007) | $914 |
Intermediate Hang Gliders | Retail |
DISCUS-12.13 | $5,046 |
DISCUS-12.13 - Al Airfoil Speedbar, Low Drag A-Frame | $5,916 |
DISCUS-12.13 / Model B (2-m-BREAKABLE) | $5,155 |
DISCUS-14.15 | $4,894 |
DISCUS-14.15 - Al Airfoil Speedbar, Low Drag A-Frame | $5,981 |
DISCUS-14.15 / Model B (2-m-BREAKABLE) | $5,003 |
DISCUS-14.15 / Model C (new 2007) | $6,090 |
DISCUS-15 / Model T (new 2007) | $5,111 |
Discus Parts - Options Ordered Separately | Retail |
Aluminum Airfoiled Speedbar With Low-Drag A-Frame, New Wires And New Keel Tube | $1,446 |
Sport Hang Gliders (12 Added 2007) | Retail |
Combat L – 13, 14, 15 (bainbridge Matrix Sail, Carbon X-Beam, Low-Drag A-Frame, Carbon Speedbar, Carbon Winglets) | $7,500 |
Combat L – 12, 13, 14, 15 (carbon X-Beam, Low-Drag A-Frame, Aluminum Round Speedbar, Carbon Winglets, Aluminum Battens) | $7,101 |
Combat L – 12, 13, 14, 15 (carbon X-Beam, Low-Drag A-Frame, Aluminum Airfoiled Speedbar, Carbon Winglets, Aluminum Battens) | $7,439 |
Combat L – 12, 13, 14, 15 (carbon X-Beam, Low-Drag A-Frame, Carbon Speedbar, Carbon Winglets, Aluminum Battens) | $7,613 |
Combat L - 12, 13, 14 (full Competition Set Including Carbon Speedbar, Carbon Le Inserts, Light 6m Bag, 10MM Carbon Battens, Dhv Certificate) | $8,498 |
Options Ordered With Wing | Retail |
Carbon Battens 8 Mm For Combat L Ordered Instead Of Alu Battens, Set | $464 |
Carbon Battens 10 Mm For Combat L Ordered Instead Of Alu Battens, Set | $696 |
Carbon Inserts Into The Leading Edge, Set | $316 |
Light Bags For Combat L (ordered In Additional To Normal Bags), Set | $261 |
6-METRES Light Bag For Combat L (ordered In Addition Of Normal Bag) | $168 |
Combat Parts - Options Ordered Separately | Retail |
Aluminum Round Speedbar For Low-Drag A-Frame, Corner Brackets And Quick-Pins Included | $348 |
Aluminum Airfoiled Speedbar For Low-Drag A-Frame, Corner Brackets And Quick-Pins Included | $783 |
Carbon Airfoiled Speedbar For Low-Drag A-Frame, Corner Brackets And Quick-Pins Included | $775 |
Carbon Airfoil Speedbar For Bautek/finsterwalder A-Frame Ordered Separately | $885 |
Carbon Airfoil Speedbar For Low Drag A-Frame, Set Of Brackets Included | $1,102 |
Carbon Battens 8 Mm For Combat L Ordered Separately, Set | $1,195 |
Carbon Battens 10 Mm For Combat L Ordered Separately, Set | $1,398 |
Carbon Airfoil Wingtips For Stealth/combat Ordered Separately (set) | $319 |
Upright Ww Slipstream (for Combat) | $95 |
Upright Ww Litestream (for Combat) | $95 |
Upright Bautek (for Combat) | $90 |
Upright Finsterwalder (for Combat) | $77 |
2 topics in this article: Aeros Ltd, Foundation for Free Flight
Discuss "Aeros USA prices" at the Oz Report forum link»
Icaro 2000⁣ US dollar prices
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:41:28 am PDTIcaro 2000
http://www.Icaro2000.com/Home.htm
http://www.Icaro2000.com/Products/Hanggliders/Z9/Z9.htm#6
Retail prices in US dollars Outside EU valid from 1.3.2008 VAT excluded
Laminar Z9 sail in "Square" (Dacron) $9,524
Options at order time
Sail in Diax - 60 LSP the new high performance laminate from Bainbridge $288
Sail in Diax - PP60P the high performance laminate from Bainbridge $288
MR competition A-frame in aluminum $772
MR competition A-frame in carbon $1269
Carbon battens $824
Carbon fibre stiffeners $275
Prices does not include shipping to the US.
1 topic in this article: Icaro 2000
Discuss "Icaro 2000⁣ US dollar prices" at the Oz Report forum link»
The US prices
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:41:45 am PDTKraig Coomber|Lookout Mountain Flight Park
1. The dollar has lost a lot of its value relative to the Euro and to the Australian dollar in the last year and the last few months. When I went to Australia on November 8th the Oz dollar was $0.85. In late March it was $0.93. This would normally push up the price of Australian goods in the US.
2. The Euro had also gone up significantly over this time period. This would push up the price of gliders made in Europe to the US, but I don't know how it would affect prices for gliders from the Ukraine (they have gone up since August 2007).
3. 7075 tubing is made in Switzerland (as I recall) and the cost of that aluminum tubing would, I assume, have gone up to Wills in dollar terms over the last three years. This could also be the case for other manufactures using non dollars funds.
4. It is somewhat difficult to compare prices across manufacturers because their basic glider contains different options and some options are available from some manufacturers but not from others. You have to make sure that you are comparing similarly configured gliders. I have done my best to provide you with the information you need to do that. Still it will be difficult.
5. I have contacted Moyes USA (Kraig Coomber) and Aeros USA (Deb McGlaughlin ) to get the latest pricing. Kraig and Deb have confirmed that these are the current prices.
6. Frankly, I am amazed that Wills Wing is able to maintain its prices over a three year period given the great pressure on the US dollar.
7. There does not appear to be an Icaro hang glider distributor in the US (Dangerous Toys is a distributor for the Icaro helmets), but you most likely can purchase Icaro gliders from hang gliding dealers.
8. Airborne may have a dealer in Lookout Mountain but their web site doesn't even list the C4. I don't have actual US prices for Icaro and Airborne and have had to do a calculation (which may be wrong, and likely is off a bit as the exchange rate fluctuates).
9. Yes, I am aware that Northwing is a US manufacturer of hang gliders, but they don't make a model that I could use in the comparison. You can find Northwing here: http://northwing.com/products_hang_freedom.shtml.
2 topics in this article: Kraig Coomber, Lookout Mountain Flight Park
Discuss "The US prices" at the Oz Report forum link»
Comparing similarly configured high end racing gliders
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:42:01 am PDTWills Wing T2C
We'll start with the Wills Wing T2C at $8,285 which includes all their options.
The Aeros Combat L with the carbon speed bar and the LE inserts at $7,929.
The Airborne C4 with carbon speed bar and LE inserts at $8,589.
The Moyes RS with the Mylar sail, Zoom A frame with carbon base bar, and carbon inserts at $8,165
Icaro Z9 with Mylar sail, carbon A frame, carbon inserts, $11,356.
Have I done this correctly? Are these comparable configurations? Moyes allows for even more carbon for the leading edges if you like. Carbon battens are available for the Combat L, Litespeed RS and Z9 (which raise their prices). The WW T2C already comes with the stiffer 12 mm aluminum battens, so it may be fairer to compare gliders with carbon battens with the WW T2C. What do you think (you can do it yourself)?
Please send in any comments and corrections.
1 topic in this article: Wills Wing T2C
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Garmisch, Free Flight, the big hang glider show
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 5:42:16 am PDT(Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany)
A.I.R. ATOS VQ|Harald Zimmer|Manfred Ruhmer|Primoz Gricar|Regina Glas|video|Wolfgang Kaiser|Wolfi Genghammer
Regina Glas, Aeros trolley (Primoz Gricar), AIR ATOS VQ (Felix), Wills Wing (Harald Zimmer - http://seagull-aviation.com/), Icaro (Wolfgang Kaiser), Moyes (Wolfi Genghammer), Manfred Ruhmer and more.
http://www.dhv.de/typo/Drachen.4797.0.html. DHV TV in German.
8 topics in this article: A.I.R. ATOS VQ, Harald Zimmer, Manfred Ruhmer, Primoz Gricar, Regina Glas, video, Wolfgang Kaiser, Wolfi Genghammer
Discuss "Garmisch, Free Flight, the big hang glider show" at the Oz Report forum link»
A semi-correction to the price comparison
Mon, Mar 24 2008, 7:34:04 pm PDTcarbon-graphite|Icaro 2000|Icaro Z9|sprogs
http://www.icaro2000.com/Products/Hanggliders/Z9/Z9.htm
The "basic" Icaro Z9 comes with carbon fiber sprogs. They are an $500 option on the Moyes RS. I don't see them as options on any of the other gliders. Readers can, if they wish, adjust the price of the Z9 accordingly.
I apologize for not reporting that Urs Kellenberger is a US dealer for Icaro. At the time I didn't consider listed dealers as dealers if they didn't have web pages. There was no listed web page for him on the Icaro web site: http://www.icaro2000.com/Dealers/US.htm, so I missed him. Sorry.
Urs pointed out the "problem" with the carbon sprogs, making for a less than perfect comparison. Thanks for that. He also mistakenly accused me of including VAT in the Icaro price, but later admitted his error (if somewhat grudgingly).
4 topics in this article: carbon-graphite, Icaro 2000, Icaro Z9, sprogs
Discuss "A semi-correction to the price comparison" at the Oz Report forum link»