Online Phantom Builder

[gnarlynick]

Was looking around their website and compared building a Phantom from individual parts vs. their online configurator. In summary, it's much cheaper to use the configurator, for example, the UC pump kit add-on is $80 in the configurator while it's $119 individually. I also couldn't find a way to purchase the trigger frame separately from their site, so the table below is missing that key component and all it's internal parts.

Configured an all blue anodized SC 12-round Phantom with an UC pump and freak bored 11" barrel and 45 grip frame in the configurator costs $532 before taxes/shipping. The individual parts listed in the table below (sans the trigger frame) comes out to $543.81 before taxes/shipping.

Description	Item #	Price
Internals & Hardware
Velocity adj rod & hex to slot adapter	34	$18.99
8-32 thumbscrew, front	26	$0.99
10-32 thumbscrew, rear	32	$0.99
1pc feed tube screw	37	$0.99
45 grip screws (x4)		$3.96
Spring kit (main, valve, pump return)	9, 19, 52	$15.99
Power tube & cup seal assembly	17	$43.99
Hammer assembly	18	$34.99
Bolt assembly	22	$34.99
Sub Total:		$155.88
Pump
Bolt rod assembly	25, 51, 52	$17.99
Dual rod UC pump kit	24	$119.99
Sub Total:		$137.98
Body (missing trigger frame)
Rear ASA valve body	5	$39.99
2.0 stock class breech	35	$59.99
45 grip frame	29, 53	$34.99
Sub Total:		$134.97
Feed & Barrel
11" Freak bored barrel (no insert)	3	$54.99
12 round feed tube	36, 44, 45	$59.99
Sub Total:		$114.98
Overall Total:		$543.81

Overall, I think I'm going to wait around and watch the secondary markets for a used Phantom, as I think I can find one that's been used for cheaper and replace any worn parts, as needed.

If nothing else, this was a good exercise to familiarize myself with the Phantom parts list and how everything goes together as I don't own one.

[Maxwell]

The used market feels pretty buyer favored right now so I'd agree with going used. It does feel like less are coming up for sale though. The trigger frame is the heart of the Phantom, and where the serial number is stamped so that might be why they aren't sold separate. You can buy with confidence knowing Phantoms and parts are still being produced and have been for as long as some of us have been alive.

[Sottyman]

Have you ever stopped to think the Phantom is probably THE longest-running production marker EVER? Sure, it's changed over the years but it's been in production since...87? Almost 40 years at this point. Just wild to think about.

[gnarlynick]

The used market feels pretty buyer favored right now so I'd agree with going used. It does feel like less are coming up for sale though. The trigger frame is the heart of the Phantom, and where the serial number is stamped so that might be why they aren't sold separate. You can buy with confidence knowing Phantoms and parts are still being produced and have been for as long as some of us have been alive.

They have the Phrame 2.0 available on the site individually, but I've read here that it's kinda plagued with velocity issues. Not sure where that stands these days. I've seen a few sold on eBay like last November around $200 so I'll be on the lookout for a deal like that.

[Maxwell]

Oh duh, I completely overlooked that. They don't interest me at all I really love the VSC but the issues are even more of a turn off.

[gnarlynick]

Ya, I don't have an issue with screwing a bottle on the rear of the marker. I even like the look of the VASA with the hard-line tubes to the valve.

[flyweightnate]

A couple guys here seem to have figured out the problem is internal valve volume. Fixable with a lathe or drill.

[flyweightnate]

One of the awesome things about Phantoms is that they don't wear out. They just get scratches and dirt.

If you buy used you can grab funky old anodizing patterns. Or go with black, and be sure that if you want new configurations, the parts will match.

We all have a drawer full of breeches, valves, pumps, feeds, and barrels, so as long as you have a good frame, bolt, hammer, and powertube, the rest will follow.

[gnarlynick]

One of the awesome things about Phantoms is that they don't wear out. They just get scratches and dirt.

If you buy used you can grab funky old anodizing patterns. Or go with black, and be sure that if you want new configurations, the parts will match.

We all have a drawer full of breeches, valves, pumps, feeds, and barrels, so as long as you have a good frame, bolt, hammer, and powertube, the rest will follow.

Good to know. I have Tippmann 98s and aside from the sear or hammer wearing over time, the things are nearly bullet proof. I don't really mind scrapes and scuffs on my markers, if anything, it gives them more character to look used.

[Impactfour]

I'd recommend starting with a used black phantom so you can mess around with configurations to figure out what feels best to you and then snag one (or five) fun colored phantoms in your favorite configuration(s).

The markets way better used and like everyone says the parts really don't wear and most of them are still being produced except for minor exceptions like the dropout changer

[bouford]

pm'd