2 point vs. 3 point tow

[RedBaron]

I have recently switched from 3 point to 2 point (pro tow?) and would like to report my observations / conclusions here.
I've had gnarly midday tows using both methods and thing I'm in a position to compare them now.

Advantages 2 point:
- the yawing is gone and my glider (Litespeed) tracks like on rails, which was the biggest surprise
- I feel more in control since I am now flying the glider without having a force pull on my glider
- cleaner, no more messing with a primary release, which saves a few minutes and adds .0001 glide points, a big plus
- no more reeling in of a long bridle, a big big plus
- the bailey barrel release doesn't wear the weak link out as much

Disadvantages 2 point:
- I think it's easier to lock out towing 2 point. Came close once, when I allowed myseld to get pulled into the left corner while my glider was entering a right turn
- tows feel slightly more demanding now, you've got to stay on the ball
- the bar moves back which makes shopping cart type turn inputs difficult, caught myself over-controlling several times

Conclusion:
Love it. Adds several degrees of freedom and forces me to stay more alert. Lockout danger can easily be recognized by the tow bridle getting closer to either downtube. At that point I'm ready to release if I can't immediately fix it.

[mcelrah]

Hi Janni,

I agree with all your observations but came to the opposite conclusion: I went back to 3-point because having the bar further aft with bad ergonomics for coordinated control inputs made me feel less in control. "Chaque un a son gout" - "to each his own".

- Hugh

[RedBaron]

I know what you mean. I feel more in control because I'm actually flying the glider now but I'm not sure whether I have more control. My tows certainly aren't looking any better .
Are the two methods the same in terms of control authority? Is it just a matter of getting used to one or the other? Or do you actually give up some control authority with 2 point?

[brianvh]

I've never pro-towed so I haven't much right to speak, but the whole reason for going 3 point was to get the pilot in a more natural flying position relative to the glider. I think it resulted in a better safety record. The dynamics of control of one system versus the other makes my head hurt, but I have to think the safety record suggests 3 point gives more control, or at least does a better job of keeping you out of the danger zone.

Other than eliminating the long bridle, what's the real point of pro-tow?

[theflyingdude]

If you're flying a slow-flying SS glider, like a Falcon, go with the three-point system. If you're flying a DS glider that doesn't require a lot of pull-in and bar pressure to go faster, then I prefer to pro-tow, but that's what we learned with back in the early days of towing and your mileage may vary.

[davidtheamazing1]

Where is Tad?

[mcgowantk]

I believe that towing from the shoulders gives me less control authority over the glider than when I used the three point tow system. When I am pulled farther through the control frame, I just feel that I don't have the same side to side mobility. That being said, I have not have too many problems towing from the shoulders. One issue that did come up, though, was that the bridle would sometimes brush against the base tube when I pushed out to stay with the tug in a thermal. Then, when I pulled back in, the base tube hit the barrel release and released me unexpectedly. Of course, I was in a thermal then and just climbed out, but I now try to stay heads up in my harness when on tow so that it is less likely to happen again.

Tom McGowan

[mikecosner]

if you have ever tried to pro tow any slow glider (single surface, 11m pulse, large sonic, etc) it is do-able, but really uncomfortable and can take ALOT of muscle to pull off, especially when it's rowdy. Generally it's not a pleasurable experience. I towed my 11m pulse midday in big spring in tx and had to pin off early because the bar pressure was absurd.

Three point towing can also be more forgiving as the tug is turning because falcon and even sport 2's will generally yaw themselves back into position with roll input. I feel like pro towing is just as safe with the right glider/equipment however it does seem to be a bit trickier to get back in place if you get yourself in a bad spot behind the tug. Especially if you are high on the tug, it can be harder (take more strength and time) to get down.

As far as "being more alert" while pro-towing, I think aerotowing either way should have our full, undivided attention.

coz

[mikecosner]

sorry i meant falcons will yaw without roll input