Visiting a European glider club, it is common to see new Discus, Ventus, Janus, Duo Discus and other modern gliders. Club members pay modest dues and aircraft usage fees, as well as serving in different capacities as instructors, tow pilots, maintenance etc. In the USA, high performance gliders are usually owned by individuals. Partnerships are not very common. The American dollar has been making some dramatic increases in value, and a bank sent me an advertisement about borrowing money for aircraft, so I was curious what it might cost to buy a new glider.
Partnerships can be wonderful.
The latest technology becomes affordable. You share costs such as annual inspections and insurance, and have someone to retrieve you if you land out. On the used or new market, there are some off-brand gliders available for a lower price than a German manufacturer. A German built glider will most likely maintain or increase in value over the years. If you compare the used prices of off brand gliders, you will discover they lose value, and in many cases have no factory or dealer support.