Not only have dollars changed in value over time, so have hang
gliders. When we compare a 1976 top of the line hang glider (SST) with a 2013
T2C, we are aware of the fact that the T2C is of much greater value. There are
many aspects to that greater value. The most important aspect is greater glide
performance going from 7:1 to 14.5:1. The T2C is a little more than twice as
valuable that the Super Swallow Tail based on this one parameter.

There have been a myriad of other improvements that Wills Wing has incorporated
into their newer gliders relative to what they were capable of when they built
the SST. All of these improvements have increased the value of their more recent
gliders. They include improvements that improve handling, increase longevity,
strength, safety, style, weight (oh, not so good), and wear resistance. But as I
have a hard time quantifying the value of these improvements I'll just ignore
them and leave it up to you to put  value on them.

If we account for this improved performance by multiplying the glider price (in
constant 1976 dollars) by the ratio of the SST best glide performance (7:1), by
the actual glider's performance we get a comparison that take performance
improvements into account. Here's what we get:

The early XC started out at $1,302 (in 1976 dollars), but as performance
improved the constant dollar prices for the same performance dropped to $700,
before climbing again in the eighties as costs required to increase performance
also rose. By 1997, the peak had been reached and with improved performance,
costs came down again to where the performance value of the T2 is $800, not much
more than the early XC. The T2C was still a little more expensive at over $1000
(due to the increase in performance).

What we see is that we are getting great value for our money. In spite of all
the changes in the last thirty plus years hang gliders are still affordable and
valuable.

We can also look at the Falcon class gliders, although the performance changes
have obviously been not as great (going from 7:1 to 9:1):

Again we see great value for money with prices for comparable performance
decreasing over time. Wills Wing has been able to incorporate increased value
into their gliders without increasing their costs.

Looking at both charts, you'll notice also how comparable the Falcon class gliders and Competition class
gliders are in value. I'm able to use the same vertical scale for both classes.
This is a profound statement about the rational pricing and the rational costs of
building these two classes of gliders. That addition costs are reflected in
additional value and that the gliders are priced to match value and cost.

The exception being the bling and other values associated with the additional
expense of the carbon fiber bits. Without carbon fiber hang gliders have always
been about aluminum and cloth (Dacron or Mylar). That constant is reflected here.

Next we'll take a tangent and see how we might think about this issue in
different ways.

But for now I hope that I have shown you that if we do the smart thing and use a
measurement device that is constant over time we have a much more rational
discussion about the comparative price and value of hang gliders (and other
products). It may not feel right, but it is righter than the alternative.