http://willswing.com/prod2.asp?theClass=hg&theModel=alpha

The Alpha is a new model that looks and flies like a lower aspect
ratio Falcon (less wing span, more area), and is intended for flight schools and
for pilots who value light weight, convenience, slow flying and easy take-off
and landing above other performance attributes. The Alpha 180 has about the same
span as a Falcon 4 145 but more area than a Falcon 4 170. The Alpha 210 has
about the same span as a Falcon 4 170, but more area than a Falcon 4 195.

The Alpha 180 uses the same F360 size control bar as the Falcon 4 145, and the
Alpha 210 uses a new F364 control bar size between that of the Falcon 4 170 and
Falcon 4 195.

The Alphas fly very slowly, and are very docile and easy in handling, take-off
and landing, and yet they have exceptionally good soaring performance – better
in fact in very light lift and small thermals than a Falcon. Unlike the Condor,
the Alpha is a fully airworthy, utility class glider, and can be flown in any
reasonable flying conditions, and purchased by new students or experienced
pilots. The Alpha is a better first purchase glider for most new pilots than a
Falcon, and almost as easy for first training flights as a Condor. In some ways
the Alphas are easier for students than the Condor, because they are smaller
gliders, and therefore easier to ground handle if there is wind. The Alpha’s
launching speed is not quite as slow as the Condor 330, but it is noticeably
slower than a Falcon.

The initial response to the Alpha from instructors and new pilots has been
extremely enthusiastic.