In my 35 years on this planet I've learned one thing and that is that stuff often happens for no good reason. Therefor, the assumption that nearly everything is the result of a well thought out reasoning or careful analysis is therefor both wrong and extremely misleading. Any reasoning based on still making this assumption and trying to gain wisdom that way is foolish.




Larger then any of the "modern" spi equipped alternatives like FX-one, I-17's, Shadows, Bim-16, Jav-16, etc; all except maybe the Spitfires.

But far more importantly, the F16's are active ALL over the world and not localized to only one geographic area. F16's are build locally in the USA, UK, AUS and Thailand and all have been exported outside of their local area to far off places like Shanghai, Dubai, Finland and Singapore. All these places have several F16's sailing, so these are not just one-offs.

All the other classes can inhale as much air as they want to look big but they are all years away from even matching that.

But the thing that makes me smile the most is this. "Market leader" Hobie cat dares to ask 16.500 Euro's for the FX-extreme that is not fitted with a carbon mast, is 35 kg heavier, is 2.5 minutes per hour slower and 2000 euro's more expensive then a F16 ! Looking at the others; I-17R's and Evolutions; the situation isn't much better at all !

When do you know that they have lost the plot ?

When a bunch of semi-amateurs can create and produce a design (class) that is simultaniously superior and cheaper in every respect while gloriously withstanding atrocious conditions as encountered at the 2007 Alter Cup and 2007 F16 Global Challenge.

Seeker, your post said it right !

Wouter