Roger Jackson had a couple Phantoms at OBX windfest last year. I rode
the 301 (the original, shorter & wider model) and was pleased but not
enthralled; it might just have been that the very small weedfin
installed on the board was holding it back from proper tracking and
planing. The 301 is now discontinued but looks similar in dimensions
to the 2008 Starboard "Rio" boards. I never got on the Phantom 320
that Roger had, but from watching other people on it, the 320 seemed
to glide and cruise more like a true longboard.
At the same windfest, Ride Hatteras had Kona and Pacer boards for
demo, and I rode either the Pacer 290 or the 300 (can't remember
which). The wind was less than 10 knots and I didn't like the pacer.
The sharp daggerboard stuck up through the deck where you would
otherwise stand in light winds, and the formula style fin required
deep water.
The Kona I liked so much that I bought it, so that should tell you
something! It was cheap, too. If I had more $$ I would get the
Phantom 380 for my personal use, but I still think the Kona or a wider
foam-deck board like the Rio or Start would be the best family day at
the beach board.
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