Jeff, the Pulse is the follow-on model of the Mark IV from Airwave or Pacific Airwave. They are very similar gliders, but the Pulse is a little easier to handle, and will be a few years newer. If the two gliders are close in price, go with the newer Pulse. If there is a BIG savings by going with the Mark IV, it is a worthy buy. I have a Pulse, and fly with a buddy who had a Mark IV. He flew both and told me he was surprised how much easier my Pulse was to turn. If you are brand new to flying, then you will likely gain skills and get into the mountains faster on a Falcon than on a Mark IV or Pulse. The Falcon has a very wide flare window, and all reports are that it is a joy to fly. You can land it on a postage stamp if need be. In our area we kid the local Falconeros about being able to press the DOWN button to land. Also, don't be misled if someone tells you a Falcon is only for beginners. One of the top international competition pilots in the country, Pete Lehmann, has been flying Tweety the Attack Falcon since last summer, and showing us all that it is pilot skill more than glider performance that makes the difference. For Pete's description of two recent XC days, one on his Fusion topless and one on his Falcon, look at our cub newsletter at
http://www.go-get.com/skyline/ go to the May issue, and read 'Bill's Fun Hill' by Pete Lehmann.
Cragin Shelton
: as much info as possible. I am looking at 3 gliders for my first wing. : Falcon, Pulse and a Mark IV. The mark iv is the one Im not sure
