Jon Pyzel makes very nice surfboards. Not just nice to look at, although they certainly are that. He makes very nice surfboards that work. As John John Florence’s shaper since the three-time world champ started surfing, many of his surfboards are made for powerful waves. As the newest member of Pyzel’s Ghost Family, the Phantom Two is, as you likely figured out, an updated model of the OG Phantom.
“The Phantom Two is an updated version of one of the most popular Daily Drivers in our lineup, the Phantom,” Pyzel wrote. “A part of the Ghost Family, a step-down based off of the Ghost rocker designed to be your go-to board for slower, weaker waves in everyday conditions. Still highly capable in good waves as well, It has proven to be a great board for surfers of all levels.”
The Phantom is one of Pyzel’s most popular surfboards. That’s why the iconic shaper thought it was overdue for a tune-up.
“Over the years it has developed an almost cult-like following,” Pyzel continued, “so we decided it was time to make some updates that improve on the original design without taking away any of its best characteristics: easy speed, fast paddling, stability and maneuverability.”
When it was all done, Pyzel decided he should probably give it to someone trustworthy for a few laps. And who better to choose than John John Florence?
“At the end of that process we made one for John John (without telling him what it was) and his feedback after just a few surfs on it was simple: ‘This board is really fun, I really like it!’,” Pyzel said. “High praise from the best surfer in the world, and we knew we had succeeded in our mission.”
To make the Phantom Two, Pyzel took the Phantom, squashed it down a bit, and added some volume. Although the rocker is, like all the boards in the Ghost family, based off the Ghost’s rocker, Pyzel added a bit more in the last bit of the nose, just to make those late drops a little easier. The outline has a bit of a hip in the tail now, too, which adds responsiveness through turns.
“Depending on your ability, ride it around your height, a touch wider and about the same thickness as your Ghost or current HPSB, or go bigger and wider for those of you at more of an intermediate level,” Pyzel finished. “This is a Daily Driver board that will help raise your performance level without sacrificing the things that currently benefit you.”
