I'm thinking about buying one of the Phantasm foils for sailing in light air (average 8 knots where I live) on a flat water river.
Looking at the Slingshot website, the Phantasm range is offered with masts from 72 to 125 cm. I can appreciate that those who are sailing in waves and/or heavy chop may want the longer foil to stay away from the chop, but I'm wondering if there is really any advantage to having a longer mast when sailing on flat water.
Any advice on how to choose mast length would be much appreciated.
Select to expand quoteFoulweatherjack said..
I'm thinking about buying one of the Phantasm foils for sailing in light air (average 8 knots where I live) on a flat water river.
Looking at the Slingshot website, the Phantasm range is offered with masts from 72 to 125 cm. I can appreciate that those who are sailing in waves and/or heavy chop may want the longer foil to stay away from the chop, but I'm wondering if there is really any advantage to having a longer mast when sailing on flat water.
Any advice on how to choose mast length would be much appreciated.
The 125w is only carbon I believe and almost $2k. I got the 72 (for shallow water, haven't used yet), the existing slingshot 85, which is heavier but will work with the phantasm adapters, and the 103w.
The 103w is definitely harder to get deep enough out by walking out. It takes me about upper chest height to make sure I clear the bottom and I'm 6'1". The 125 would really need a swim out or a deeper launch I think, and seems like getting out far enough in swells (not flat water I know) would be painful.
That said I prefer the 103w because it gives so much margin for error when clearing chop and swells. Even on flat water it takes a lot of concentration out and seems so much taller than the 85. I have the aluminum and when riding high I do feel it flexing some but I think that's going to come to some extent with any longer mast. I still haven't foiled out with it, but that's on only about 5 flying sessions with that setup now.
It's really helped in jibes too, as a non proficient jiber, because of the extra room for error.
I have the carbon w103. Rarely have flat water here, but I still like the longer length even when it is flat. Like aero said, gives a lot of forgiveness when things get pitchy. You can also ride really high to get through lulls.
just depends on your local water depth and conditions!
92cm I use for wind foiling 99% of the time and that's because if I am on the intercoastal water ways it gets very shallow, and you would have to walk very far with a longer mast.... if I go ocean side even though I would love the 103W I would end up hitting the first and second sand bars heading out or in.
Either phantasm carbon mast is exceptionally stiff, obviously the 103W (wide boy) is quite the stiffy 
I have read several times from different experienced foilers that shorter masts make it easier to get going. I have the general impression that this is true, although I only use anything shorter than 85 cm when the tide is very low at the end of the session. Part of the reason, though, is that the 85 is the only carbon mast I have, and it definitely is better than all aluminum masts I have (65, 75, 85).
The foiler in Kalmus who gets going earliest is always on a 71 cm mast, even in 30 knots and 4 ft + chop. But she's winging.
I have the 103W Carbon, it is super stable especially for a heavy person (220lb). No wobble in the jibes which eliminates one confusing factor. It works great in flat water and provides confidence in swell. I think board volume/shape and pumping skills have more to do with getting going than mast length.
I also feel like I'm towering above most other people on the water which is fun. Not as fun as Tony's new 144cm mast 
www.instagram.com/p/ChoOagBOPOK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Light air, flat water I'd recommend the 87w carbon 87w Ali or 92 carbon
When I foil I aim to ride as close as possible to the water without touching down. I'd prefer to touch down than foil out. Any mast 85 or over gives you plenty of "room for error" on flat water. Obviously if negotiating chop and swell a longer mast like the 103 makes things easier.
Like aeroengr pointed out the longer the mast the deeper water you need and if you think foiling outs bad I think hitting the bottom's worse.
Select to expand quote65--85--- more responsive, lighter feel, better for shallow water
>85--- more forgiving, better for speed , course racing(upwind, downwind), easier to clear large chop
Select to expand quote2keen said..
Light air, flat water I'd recommend the 87w carbon 87w Ali or 92 carbon
When I foil I aim to ride as close as possible to the water without touching down. I'd prefer to touch down than foil out.
It's not only me, then. I figure as long as I'm not really touching, I'm okay. Long past the point of caring if I get an occasional touch and the nose of my board appreciates it. Get some grief from the local crew, though.
Can get an all carbon AFS foil in 85 or 95 cm for less (85 cm) or about the same (95 cm) as just the Slingshot carbon mast! And with SS you are stuck with an Al fuselage!
Select to expand quotePaducah said..2keen said..
Light air, flat water I'd recommend the 87w carbon 87w Ali or 92 carbon
When I foil I aim to ride as close as possible to the water without touching down. I'd prefer to touch down than foil out.
It's not only me, then. I figure as long as I'm not really touching, I'm okay. Long past the point of caring if I get an occasional touch and the nose of my board appreciates it. Get some grief from the local crew, though.
Low rider!! Love it
When I first got my van I was keen to "drop it" Lowrider Style but then I cam to the realisation that there are practical disadvantages to riding low. Maybe Fowlweatherjack should go the 103 after all
