Used Phantoms, should I bite? Plus a few more ?s from a pump newb

[eld_catharsis_1968]

Looking for some up-to-date advice on what to look out for when buying used Phantoms. Using the attached specimen as an example. I sent the seller a message and haven't heard back yet.

All the photos make it look pretty clean, seller's asking $225. The only downside I'm seeing is I would want to be able to convert it over to tubes and 12 grams, and I would want a barrel I could put an insert in given that paintballs have sized down. What do you all think? Worth the money plus the drive? What're some things I should watch out for?

I do have the money for a new Phantom via the Phantom Builder. But given I'm living full-time in an RV right now and looking for a one-gun solution I'd;

1: eventually like to have a custom anodize job,
2: want matching interchangeable open and stock class breeches,
3: will also want to swap between tanks and 12 grams, and
4: actually prefer the look of the airline now omitted on the 2.0

I feel like I might be better off watching for something used, sending the body into ASP to have the detents installed, finding an under-cocking pump handle and picking up a used Freak kit or something.

What do yall think?

Side question; what tube mag options are out there for the Phantom nowadays? I'd like a spring-fed mag option for playing non-stock class games. I never really did like hoppers. I know there's a proprietary spring-loaded mag tube out now, but are there other spring-loaded mag tube designs around? I've seen some photos and what look like some home-brews but no accompanying info with the photos I've seen.
ETA: just ran across Xemon's project. Looks amazing!

Thanks yall!

[El Gringo]

What's your overall budget?
I have a couple phantoms and can probably make it as you like. Too many spare parts

[eld_catharsis_1968]

I'll shoot you a PM!

[Hobbes]

I would keep looking. I think you can find something that ticks all your boxes here on MCB with nice anno and the parts you want. Just be careful, if you buy an acid wash, open class Phantom, and it doesn't come with the stock class body, you'll have a hard time finding a match (at least from my experience).

[eld_catharsis_1968]

Yeah I think I'm gonna let this one pass. He did respond, seems legit and said he would ship too. I'll prob wait a few days and message him again and see if he's interested in dropping the price a bit. After looking around at past sales it seems like you could be right.

[iamthelazerviking]

You could just get the 2.0 breech, UC kit, Freak barrel new from Extreme Velocity and throw em on an older used Phantom which is the way to go I think. I've heard a lot of issues with that hoseless 2.0 trigger frame and you can't remove either ASA from it.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

Yeah this is my way of thinking. I do like the idea of the hose-free design but I've heard of the issues people are having with them, and I actually prefer the look of the steel hardline. I might see if this guy will drop the price on his after a little while, we'll see.

[Chuck E Ducky]

I suggest finding a CCI branded one like you posted with everything you want. However that’s not a bad deal for what you are getting. You could easily drop a stock class Detent body you would need to buy a feed, remove that fore grip and replace it with a bucket. Gloss black match’s easy as well get it built how you want it then go from there. Or you could probably find exactly what you want and spend a lil more.

I do suggest sticking with CCI valve, internals, cup seals, and springs. Until EV gets their crap together or we get our aftermarket cup seals worked out. There feeds and body’s pump kits and freak bore barrels are good. Just stay away from there valve bodies, internals, and cup seals.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

Duly noted, thank you for the heads up. I didn't realize the EV guts were having issues. I really like their Freak barrels, they're very classy and simple which is in keeping with what I like about the Phantom's appearance to begin with.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Don't think you need to buy right now. The season is all most over for most of the country and people will be dumping gear all at once. For cheap! Phantoms pop up all the time. Maybe you would want a different nelson that pops up. Indian Creek Design's PRP? They got different better ano's and stock class feeds .

I would of gotten one till I got my Sterling. .

[Chuck E Ducky]

Not before me. I been hunting one… but I want all the CO2 valve fixings.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

The PRP's sure are purdy. I really like the looks of the MVP but there's no way I can cop that, esp. since they seem a little persnickety. I really do like the Phantoms, appearance-wise I think they are my favorite. The Sterling is a sharp-looking marker too though! What do you think of yours? Someone has one FS on here and I'm half-tempted to buy.

You know what I think is cool? That double-barreled Phantom. I think it's called the Phoenix? I'm a huge double barrel shotgun fan and have 3 of those. I've shot more stuff with my .410 SxS than anything else, most rabbits I got in a single season with it was 60. The old SxS is part of my Appalachian heritage after all.

If one of those ever pops up I'll be extremely tempted to buy it.

[Handy]

I don't want to besmirch ICD, the lever changer they made is excellent, but I was really disappointed in the PRP I had. I talked to them multiple times and got a couple different valves (Co2 and HPA), and had a heck of a time even getting it to shoot at a half useable velocity. Seems like it might work if you can get it to the exact right input pressure, but that made it so it wouldn't work with Co2 and HPA interchangeably, which my Phantom can do without complaint. All that to say, it has some cool design features, but they really dropped the ball on performance.

[Jonnydread]

The paintball season is never over if you don't mind icicles on your dingle.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

I loved playing in the winter. We used to buy Frostbite by the case. Man it hurts like hell when you get hit in the hands though!

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

The Sterling gets my love because it works without fail, easy bolt out the back design, and can auto trigger. Light and smooth pump stroke. Can't say I have a complaint about them. .

[Chuck E Ducky]

That Sterling for sale is my old one. It’s a good shooter. However I do think the Phantom makes a better Stock Class marker. The Sterling is definitely smother.