Has anyone ever had any experience with one of the Diamonds?
A co-worker recently flew one with his son from the Atlanta area to (somewhere in Birmingham) and back. I heard it was a nice trip. And it was related to me that the craft's design is based on a glider's. [Long wingspan and light wing loading?]
I know that some flight schools use these, along with a host of the latest-and-greatest Avionics.
So HOW is a Diamond to fly and to handle?
From what I've gathered, it is a stick control (more like a joystick immediately fore of the front seats), trim in the center console, slider-type throttle, mixture and carb controls. (hmm...interesting!)
It seems that the front seats are not adjustable, but rather the pedals are positionable.
The wings are positioned behind the pilot, affording downward visibility rivaling a high-wing. Alas the Diamond is a low-wing aircraft.
That is as much as I've gathered so far...
What is it like to fly, for those of you have (enjoyed) it?

I am flying the DA40 now and that's what I finished my PPL in and working on my IFR now. It's a fantastic airplane compare to all of the one I've flown in the past and I've went through a few different plane to get here.

For the money whether owning or renting...the DA40 is the way to go. Good speed, good payload and burning only 7.5 gal/h at just about 130kts.

I like nice looking airplane...I am some how in the back of my mind believing that a sexy looking airplane fly better! 

The one I am flying now is an older model with regular gauges (electric) and Garmin 530/430 package. I mean even that is pretty fancy for an 180hp 4-seater. I do like the constant speed prop action...that's a nice plus.

Handling wise it's pretty rock solid but you'll feel the bumps thought with the high aspect ratio wing...no worst than a C172 really.

I love the composite construction - no panels held together with lumpy rivets is just awesome. I also definitely like the stick and rudder action although that leave you no room to sit stuffs in your lap...I had to buy the new 9-G kneeboards - they're great.

I also flow other with G1000 and that's even better. That's a whole lot of avionic for just an 180hp plane again some people may say. I think that's just the way of the future.

It's definitely a great first time owner plane after all the research I've done. The new model comes with the power flow exhaust as an option (CS) supposedly even faster.

Ryan