Tech Focus: Slingshot Phantasm Foils
Issue 91 / Mon 7th Feb, 2022
With one of the most expansive foil ranges in the industry, Slingshot has taken customising your ride to another level with the Phantasm line. Alex Fox tells us all about the system, carbon vs aluminum, and how to choose the perfect setup in this Q&A!
Hi Alex, thank you for taking the time to give us the low down on the Slingshot Phantasm Carbon Hydrofoil System! What is the overall concept of this system?
The overall concept of the system is simple; offer the highest performing foils for any foiler in any sport. With that as the main focus, we also wanted to allow customers to custom-build their setup based on their sport, desired performance and price.
Let's talk about the construction. What benefits does carbon offer over aluminum?
Well, the main performance advantage of carbon over aluminum is the lack of weight. However, this comes at a price. The Phantasm system offers both Aluminum and Carbon Masts. This allows riders to buy the system at a lower price than other premium foils on the market. This also gives riders the ability to add different masts to their foil quiver without breaking the bank. This is especially important if you are a foiler who likes to try different sports or lives in a location with shallow water.
Our carbon masts were in development for over two years. Tony Logosz experimented with so many different carbons and layups to achieve maximum stiffness. Right now, weight is top of mind for the consumer, but soon-enough "stiffness" will be the true metric of a carbon mast's performance. With more stiffness comes more control, more stability, and in turn, a more intuitive product. As riders progress beyond the beginner stages of foiling in any sport, they will want the stiffest masts they can find.
Are there any downsides?
There really aren't many downsides to carbon in our sports and applications. It is lightweight, extremely stiff, and extremely durable.
One system that can be adapted to work with kite, wing, sup, surf, and windsurf... did I miss any?! How many possible combinations are there?
The Phantasm platform has 12 lower combinations, 10 mast options, and 3 fuselage options. These options span across all sports and applications. There are countless possible combinations, and the goal is to ensure riders are able to build their foil setup based on their exact requirements.
With so many options, it could get a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we're a kitesurfing publication! Can you give us the rundown on the top choices for kite foilers?
For kite foilers, we have some amazing choices. The PFI 633 is the top option for the majority of beginner and intermediate kiters out there. It's smooth and predictable and is one of the easiest foils on the planet to ride and learn on. Our newest lower combination is the PTM 684. The PTM 684 shares some design heritage from our PFI 633 wing, except it has been unleashed. This means a little more speed and maneuverability while still giving riders plenty of lift and stability as they continue to progress. Beyond those two options, we have the PTM 730, PFH 657, and the PFH 581. These are both performance wings for more advanced foilers. The PTM 730 is rocket fast and super stable, whereas the PFH 657 and 581 are super quick but have pro-level maneuverability.
If a rider needs help figuring out which combination to start with, what resources can they use to narrow down the decision?
Our website has amazing resources to help you choose what foil is right for you. We also have our proprietary foil finder. This is a short online questionnaire that generates your perfect foil solution instantly after a few questions. This is an invaluable resource for the rider who is in-between foil options or is looking at Slingshot or foiling for the first time.
Foils, especially carbon foils, can be an expensive investment. Are the new Phantasm foils compatible with previous Slingshot foil systems? Can a user upgrade bit by bit?
They are, and yes, the Phantasm Lowers are compatible with Hover Glide Masts. We have a Hover Glide to Phantasm adapter that allows the Hover Glide users out there to buy a Phantasm lower for a significantly lower price than a full setup. Also, we offer countless a la carte wings, stabilizers, masts, and fuselages that allow riders to upgrade the performance of their foil setup as they progress.
Are the Phantasm foils travel-friendly? What sort of packaging or protection do they come with?
They are incredibly travel friendly. Every Phantasm lower comes with a state of the art convenient carrying case that can easily be thrown in a board bag. Inside of the carrying case, all of the wings are protected by neoprene wing covers to further protect your setup. The masts also come complete with a padded protected sleeve. Our design team thought of everything when it came to the Phantasm range.
For those that don't know, you started out as a pro kiter with some solid competitive accolades before taking on the role of Brand Manager of Slingshot. You're clearly a very talented foiler! Which Phantasm foils are in your quiver, and why?
Haha! I was, a long time ago. I do foil rather often since I live in Florida, which is known for its lighter winds. I am pretty exclusive on the PTM 684 lower combination and the 92 Carbon Mast. This is a great setup for me. It has plenty of speed but also great maneuverability and stability. I foil with my dad all the time; he and I ride the exact same foil set up. That shows the range of the PTM 684. It's a foil that I haven't outgrown yet, but it's friendly enough for my dad, who will turn 62 this year!
"Designed by Slingshot. Built by You." Tell us a bit more about what that means!
Our super talented team of designers have created one of the most modular, customizable and performance-driven foil platforms ever. It's up to you to custom build your setup based on your exact needs. Every single person has a unique need inside foiling. Your sport, skill level, conditions, location, and budget all determine what your setup should look like. The Phantasm foil range allows you to build your setup based on those needs.
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By Crystal Veness
Editor at IKSURFMAG, Crystal Veness hails from Canada but is based in South Africa. When she isn't busy kitesurfing or reporting on the latest industry news for the mag, she is kicking back somewhere at a windy kite beach or working on creative media projects.
