[Darbbb]

There was a thread on this a year or so ago, but it got hijacked by a Target/Discus discussion.

I currently fly a WW Eagle 180. I am not moving up any time soon, but just looking ahead. I wonder how people who have flown both compare the Sport 2 175 to the Horizon 180? I am pretty sold as a WW guy in general, but want to be open-minded. I'd be interested in hearing anything about flying characteristics, set-up, towing, etc. Thanks.

BB

[Scorl]

I couldn't even begin to say which is better. I think in truth it's more like you can't really go wrong with either. I fly a 2007 Horizon 180 and think its a fantastic glider. I'm pretty small for the Horizon 180, but I haven't ever had any issues with "manhandling" the glider or having to work extra hard to get it to respond (I think this is often the case when your underweight). I do almost all my flying off a tow line and am perfectly confident in the way the glider performs on tow, both surface towing and Aerotowing.

Just from looking around at fellow pilots with sport 2's I would say I do like the curved tip wands on the Horizon over the sport 2's. They do a great job tensioning the wing tips and they're easy enough to put in and take out.

I have mixed feelings about the rubber edged down tubes on the Horizon, in some cases its really nice to have, and in others, it ends up being more uncomfortable. When they get a little old the rubber starts rubbing off on your shirt or skin while your holding the glider.

I've had excellent support from the Northing folks when I had to order parts. I've had to order parts on short notice and with urgent shipping and they made sure I got my parts.

Anyways, I'm sure you'll hear more from people about the sport 2's but those are my first thoughts on the Horizon.

[Darbbb]

That's helpful, thanks. And yeah, I wondered about those rubber edges....

[Darbbb]

Anyone else who has flown both and can compare the two?

[dangarlandut1]

I Have Owned Both the Sport 2 175 and the Horizon ET 180. Three primary reasons I sold my Sport 2 175 and Now very much enjoy the Horizon instead as my primary glider. (1) Noticeably Harder to turn the S2 175, and significantly slower to initiate roll (2) S2 175 weighed 73lb per Wills Wing when mine was made, they say a few pounds less now. The unusual, heavy 6061 Leading Edge Tubes are only found on this glider and the Falcon Tandem - all other Wills Gliders and the Horizon use all 7071-T6 light weight tubing. The Horizon only weighs 60 pounds, or even less now claimed by manufacurer for the newest ones. (3) Those Damn Tip Wands - The Sport 2 tip wands on my own glider were really difficult, drawing blood numerous times. The Northwing Horizon Tip Wands are SUPER EASY to install/remove, and do not require perfect technique and great strengh like the Wills Wing ones did on my glider.

FYI: if you fit the Sport 2 155 Size - get it! Amazing and much loved glider (I demoed one but I'm too heavy to own one). It' the Sport 2 175 size only that suffers most of the issues I've listed above.

[Darbbb]

[TomGalvin]

Is the Eagle wearing out? If so then those models along with the Sonic, Sting, and Freedom are roughly comparable to the Eagle in handling and performance. If you want a step up, then the U2, Litesport, Discus, Liberty is the class of gliders to look at.

[Darbbb]

Tom, It's not wearing out yet, and I plan to fly it for a couple more seasons. Just thinking ahead.

Brad