The Slingshot Phantasm Foil on land:
The Phantasm Carbonfoils are the spearhead of the new Slingshot collection, which will be successively launched in 2021. The designation "926" refers to the 92.6 centimetre wingspan of the front wing. The front and back wings come in full carbon technology, as does the comparatively long 92-centimetre mast. This not only proved to be rigid in the test, but also deliberately dispenses with additional parts - the mounting plate and mast are made from a single piece.
The connection between the mast and the 71 aluminium fuselage has been widened in order to achieve the largest possible contact surface and therefore a rigid connection. In the past, it was often necessary to have several tools to hand when fitting Slingshot foils, but this small shortcoming has been rectified on the Slingshot Phantasm - the tool supplied fits all screws.
Last but not least, the accessories supplied also emphasise the high quality standards - from the bag and cover to the screw grease, everything fits perfectly.
The Slingshot Phantasm in a practical test:
With a surface area of just over 1200 cm2 and a rather thin profile, the Slingshot Phantasm 926 Foil initially requires an active riding style. If you are passive on deck, you either need more pull in the wing or a board with high hull speed. However, with the right pumping technique, the necessary take-off speed can be achieved quickly, and the take-off itself is then quite harmonious, although the current sometimes breaks off again in the lowest wind range. Once in the air, the foil then convinces with very good acceleration, reaches a high top speed and offers pleasingly little drag. Across all speed ranges, the Phantasm doesn't have any problems - even at low speeds, e.g. at the end of manoeuvres, the airflow on the front wing remains surprisingly stable for a long time and carries you safely onwards.
Overall, however, the Slingshot Phantasm was designed to be more "agile" than extremely "stable". The foil is quite manoeuvrable around both the roll and transverse axis ("nose up, nose down"). The experienced wingsurfer appreciates this characteristic when pumping on the wave, jumping off or for loose turns from the ankle. The typical beginner, on the other hand, would like a little more inertia and stability to ignore minor load errors.
The control of the Phantasm is fantastic in any case, because the foil simply doesn't do anything unexpected: it can be pushed to top speed and never tends to rise uncontrollably, even in the upper wind and speed range - the best conditions for sporty freeriding or jumps to the second floor.
Conclusion:
Speed, control, agility - the Slingshot Phantasm 926 Wing Foil is a dream for wingsurfers with a little practice. If you can already pump and jibe safely and have already left large boards with over 100 litres behind you, this is a foil with a huge wind range and maximum range of use from freeride to freestyle to waves. Riders over 75 kilos will not be able to avoid a larger light wind foil, for lighter riders the Phantasm 926 can also be an all-rounder.
Area of application, control, quality
A little agile for beginners
Less stable flow during pump-up
Editor's note: Some details have been added to the original version of the test report.
You can find more foil tests HERE
