Slingshot Phantasm 730 Windsurf Foil in test

The Phantasm 730 Foil on land

The "Phantasm" (surf measurement: 5.58 kg) is Slingshot's successor to the "Ghostwhisper" model and is designed as an agile freeride and manoeuvring foil. At 103 centimetres, the full carbon mast offers plenty of ground clearance, but is rigid despite its length. The widened connection from the mast to the aluminium fuselage is also extremely rigid, is fixed with three Torx screws and, like all parts of the foil, has a very precise fit. Keyword "screws": Whereas in the past you sometimes needed half a toolbox for Slingshot foils, now one tool is enough - this is included in the scope of delivery, as are a matching bag, neoprene cover for the wings and copper paste to prevent corrosion. The mast and mounting plate of the Phantasm 730 consist of one part.

The Phantasm 730 Foil on the water

Is there really anything quieter than silent? After all, foiling is already characterised by a virtual absence of driving noise. But on the Slingshot Phantasm, everything seems a few decibels quieter. Presumably it's just the senses that are playing tricks on you, because it's probably the very low perceived drag that leads to this particularly smooth, fast and quiet flight feeling. The entire set-up feels very stiff and direct and, above all, very light-footed. Despite the large surface area of the front wing, the foil cuts through the water with very little resistance and the long mast transmits every steering impulse unfiltered. The foil requires some experience, it takes foot pressure very well, but also wants to be guided more. It is more playful than curled around the longitudinal axis and sometimes goes up faster than you might expect on your first few outings. The "oh shit" point comes pretty quickly. The point when you have reached the critical height at which the current usually breaks off and a major skid is unavoidable. But nothing happens on the Phantasm. This is followed by relief and then the realisation that the mast still has a reserve of around 20 centimetres compared to a standard 80 or 85 cm mast. More mast length equals more time to react is the simple formula - although the fast reaction of the foil partially relativises this. In any case, the flights on the second floor seem sublime, but are sometimes perhaps a flight level too high for beginners. However, advanced riders can utilise the agile "down-up" reaction and the long mast for immense momentum when jumping. Dive deep in front of the wave and then catapult into orbit with a long acceleration path - the foil hardly loses any speed and reacts directly and quickly - unlike somewhat slower, beginner-optimised foils such as the Severne Alien. It also goes through turns just as quickly, but only with a little more feeling in the foot, here too the foil needs to be guided, but then also offers plenty of potential.

surf conclusion

A light-footed and fast-looking foil with good jumping characteristics that zips through the water without much resistance despite having over 1400 square centimetres of surface area in the front wing. The workmanship is very solid and the components fit together particularly well. For advanced foilers, this is a fast board with plenty of potential for fast manoeuvres.

Info under www.slingshotsports.de