Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my personal experience with Phantom Foils, especially for those considering investing in their gear.
I've been using Phantom since 2021, and during this time, I've had to replace three fuselages and three front wings - all part of the Iris R series. Despite always rinsing the gear with fresh water and using it under normal conditions, I've experienced repeated issues with corrosion and thread damage.
The most recent case involved a fuselage purchased in November 2024, which was only put into use in February 2025. After just 7 months of light use, the insert threads were completely compromised, making the foil unsafe. (Photos available.)
I contacted Phantom directly and explained the situation, hoping to resolve it under warranty - especially considering my long-standing loyalty and proper maintenance. To my surprise, they outright denied any responsibility, stating it was "lack of maintenance," and refused to offer a replacement or even a partial solution.
For a premium brand, this kind of after-sales support is extremely disappointing.
I'm sharing this here because I know many of us rely on honest feedback before investing in expensive gear. If you're considering Phantom, please be aware of:
Ongoing durability issues, especially in the fuselages Corrosion risk, even with proper care Lack of support, even for loyal customers
I'm no longer using or recommending Phantom products after this experience, and I hope this helps others make informed decisions.
Happy to provide more details or answer questions.
Cheers, Oswaldo
I also have the Iris R foil. Bought it used and used it by myself for 1.5 years now. Maybe 50 times during that time.
No issues at all. I use tefgel for all the srews and let the glider mounted often. I do not overtighten the screws of the wings. After saltwater use I always take the fuse of the mast and rinse everything. I also use some WD40 for the fuse to protect against corrosion. I have just minor little spots of corrosion on the fuse, I think with Aluminium fuses thats also the case with other brands, from what I have heared. You need a titan fuse for saltwater.
Worn out threads can easily be repaired with helicoils.
Still very happy with my Phantom gear, also performance wise.
very frustrating, sorry to hear. I haven't had any issues (using titanium fuselages though, but I doubt that the inserts are titanium). in addition to the tef gel suggestion by cad, I'd also suggest to not overtighten the screws. just tight is enough.
Select to expand quotecad184 said..
I also have the Iris R foil. Bought it used and used it by myself for 1.5 years now. Maybe 50 times during that time.
No issues at all. I use tefgel for all the srews and let the glider mounted often. I do not overtighten the screws of the wings. After saltwater use I always take the fuse of the mast and rinse everything. I also use some WD40 for the fuse to protect against corrosion. I have just minor little spots of corrosion on the fuse, I think with Aluminium fuses thats also the case with other brands, from what I have heared. You need a titan fuse for saltwater.
Worn out threads can easily be repaired with helicoils.
Still very happy with my Phantom gear, also performance wise.
Tell me more about the WD40. I agree that some corrosion is to be expected with aluminium fuse. Although since I have been on sab I notice very minimal surface corrosion, thinking european galvanize their **** better than china lol. Or more likely people who build in china aren't willing to pay for top quality.
I leave my foils on the fuse but I do try to rinse after each session
There is not much to tell. Just rinse the foil, dry it and spray some WD40 (or any other multifuntional oil e.g Ballistol) on the fuse and dry it with a paper or towel. This was recommended in the Phantom WhattsApp group and it seems to work for me.
Be careful not to spray it on the mast or the wings, or clean them afterwards.
I also had an older sabfoil before. Corrosion was much more an issue then with the Phantom.
Select to expand quoteoswaldo said..
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my personal experience with Phantom Foils, especially for those considering investing in their gear.
I've been using Phantom since 2021, and during this time, I've had to replace three fuselages and three front wings - all part of the Iris R series. Despite always rinsing the gear with fresh water and using it under normal conditions, I've experienced repeated issues with corrosion and thread damage.
The most recent case involved a fuselage purchased in November 2024, which was only put into use in February 2025. After just 7 months of light use, the insert threads were completely compromised, making the foil unsafe. (Photos available.)
I contacted Phantom directly and explained the situation, hoping to resolve it under warranty - especially considering my long-standing loyalty and proper maintenance. To my surprise, they outright denied any responsibility, stating it was "lack of maintenance," and refused to offer a replacement or even a partial solution.
For a premium brand, this kind of after-sales support is extremely disappointing.
I'm sharing this here because I know many of us rely on honest feedback before investing in expensive gear. If you're considering Phantom, please be aware of:
Ongoing durability issues, especially in the fuselages Corrosion risk, even with proper care Lack of support, even for loyal customers
I'm no longer using or recommending Phantom products after this experience, and I hope this helps others make informed decisions.
Happy to provide more details or answer questions.
Cheers, Oswaldo
I am a Phantom fan I've used the iris x pro for couple years now with now problems at all with corrosion or damage on my ali fuselage or any other components. I do wash off after every foil session then wd40 on fuselages and wipe down plus Tufgel all screws after brakeage on other brands iv had for me the Phantom is top level for quality and performance as with any sea sports toys you need look after them !
I have had to rethread alum fuselage screws that dissolved. The retaping tool kits are great... but drilling out the old threads is not fun!
That's unfortunate especially after normal use and care. I have had Phantom Iris X foils for almost 2 years and use in salt water with no fuse corrosion problems. Rinse in fresh water on the beach after each use. Similar to Cad's suggestion have also occasionally sprayed and wiped down with Silicone spray, probably not as long lasting as WD-40 or other marine options but less sticky/oily.
