Slider vs. tip up
 

Which do you prefer and why?

Tip-Up.

Visibility, access behind the panel, and ability to jettison (early models only).

I agree with Mel, about never wanting a 7 over a RV6. :)

But there is nothing better than a slider, along with a constant speed prop!:D

Try the advance search and change the age of the posts you are looking for (lower left). There are a number of these types of threads in the archives.

BTW, Tip-up for unlimited visibility! It is like sitting on a magic carpet with nothing in front of you.

Also, you will want a light, fixed pitch wood/composite prop too. (Just thought I would save you from posting that question.)

Catto prop, to make it easy. There, that decision is finished.

Practical considerations: If you live in a warm climate, the slider is preferable as you can slide it fully open once you're off the runway and get a great breeze. The tip-up can be opened to sit on its overhead lock (gives you about a 2" gap around the rear half of the canopy) but the airflow is nowhere near as great as on the slider. And doing so raises the glareshield, reducing forward visibility.

In flight, the tip-up visibility is amazing. I had never flown behind one until I flew the RV-6 that I eventually bought. It wasn't a criteria for the purchase, but I don't regret it for a second.

Seems there are less steps to constructing a slider.

Slider.... just because it's cool to open it up after landing to cool off. And cool to taxi with it open.

That being said, a buddy who used to own another slider RV-6 has just offered me a Meske slider/tip up conversion kit he bought for his slider -6 before he sold the plane and never installed. I think I'll take him up on the offer :D

Slider
 

Slider, because you can add a "tip forward" kit, and have easier access to the baggage area.

AND: You can hang your elbow out the side while taxiing, adding to the "cool" factor.

AND: For taildraggers, it looks much cooler on the ground when the canopy is open.

AND: You can leave the canopy open on the ground without worrying if it will slam shut, and break.

BUT: The inflight visibility is clearly (pun intended) better with the tip up.

AND: The behind-the-panel access is better with the tip-up.

All in all: Slider for me. YMMV and YOMV. :D

Bill
I did search for this topic prior to posting this thread and went through a few pages. I see the advanced search link but does a regular search limit the age range?

The plane will be used all weather. I have experience with wood props and Catto props in all weather conditions. I would take one of the newer Catto props with nickel leading edge. I would consider a plane with wood prop if the price allowed for the replacement prop I know I would eventually be installing.
Do these models have a tendency to be nose heavy?