any pireps

Never been in one but i have been on some trips accompanied by one. My observation was that it went in and out of the same places as the accompanying cubs and husky's (near as makes no difference) while cruising slightly faster, on a fraction of the fuel. My impression was that it was built a little light for my taste, but I suppose that's how you get the performance. And, I'm a hypocrite to say that considering I'm building a wood-wing J3 clone in my basement right now.

I still have a j-3 wood wing i had rebuilt 20+ years ago but saw one for auction and was curious if anyone had flown one, i have 24x11 tires and a c85 stroker by don's dream (107 dyno)machines with a longer prop I have a friend that modified his and put a supercub seat in the front, if i were rebuilding i would consider, maybe wing tanks instead of the standard(pro's and cons of both), you can also put a larger baggage area in while rebuilding

I flown a friends three or four times. It handles nicely, visibility was excellent, sips fuel and more comfortable than a J3. It's faster too but what isn't?

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=235729&p=3560215&hilit=Rans+S+6#p3560215

Here is my experience with a S-6 and trying to determine gross weight

Check if the S-7 had similar structure or gross weight changes.
Similar looking airframes could have a big difference in value and capability.

Plus it shows the state of engineering...

As in every experimental Try flying it or one similar before you buy. They don't always fly as you would expect or the online reviews say .

The problem with the J-3 is gross weight. No matter what you do it is limited to 1220 lbs max and many wood spar airplanes were less.1100 lbs to 1170lbs gross. They perform great with the C-85 and mods but in the end get too heavy to be two place. PA-11 has the same problem. Adding tanks, metal prop, adjustable seat, baggage, tires. They push 870-900 lbs empty

The J-3 / PA-11 structure and wing attach fittings are quite a bit lighter and different than the 90hp no flaps PA-18 and up.

Here is a good article on some structural differences in J-3s. Many times I have had new owners bring them by the shop only to learn they are not really 1220 gross weight airplanes sadly. The wrong size gear Cabane V bolts is the most common thing to spot.
https://www.univair.com/content/J3-Gros ... Di6kW9pnwP

I wish someone would static test a full 1340 steel J-3 frame with all the updates and see if it would be possible to get to 1500lb gross. Same with a PA-12 to see if it were possible with no mods other than going to 4130 from mild steel parts to get to a higher gross.

Flew one on floats and quite liked it. Considered buying one and still might at some point...

charlie, and S-7 and an S-6 are not the same airplane, not even close. An S-6 is more ultralight-like in design and construction

S-7 wing construction.

http://www.kitlog.com/photos/project_48 ... A0004X.jpg

http://www.kitlog.com/photos/project_48 ... A0004V.jpg

On the S-7 No battens slid into the ribs like the Earlier S-6 wings but still the tube spars and tube ribs are not far off. No extruded spars or parts like the new Rans designs.

Later S-6ES wing has full stamped ribs. yes agreed the early S-6 was more ultralight like.
Did the S-7 get the stamped ribs later?

http://www.telfordaircraft.com/img/s-6es/11.jpg

Earlier S-7 has less gross weight 1232 lbs than the later S-7S at 1320.
Earlier S-7 were shorter then lengthened 21" Changes and evolution.

https://www.kitplanes.com/buying-used-rans-s-7-courier/

The point was look at the design evolution closely before buying used to make sure you are getting the version you want. Even though they are all the same base model number there may be differences.