Looking for a set of Aluminum folding spars for an original 18m P.L. Phantom. Anyone know who's still holding some in their bins?

I've made my own using 0.433 tent poles, inserts, and endcaps.

You can order them from: http://www.questoutfitters.com/tent_poles.htm#TENT%20POLES

Note I thought maybe the thinner walled but larger 0.490 diameter poles might be stronger than the 0.433in thicker walled poles. Strength is nearly proportional to pi*4*D*2*w (D and d are the outside and inside diameters and a thin walled tube w=(D−d)/2).

0.433 walled at 0.030 gives Strength, 0.3263
0.490 walled at 0.026 gives Strength, 0.3200

They weigh the same but the 0.433 is slightly stronger and fits the arc sleeves.

I also used tent poles
Our Mountain Equipement Co-Op even cut them to size for me. They are identical to PL.

If you're in a pinch, I used to fly my phantom with bamboo rods about 1" in diameter

PistolPete's nailed it with Quest Outfitters. They are the folks that supplied Angus with the materials he used to make the spars he sold. You won't find better hardware.

How long are these spars?

An 18M phantom needs spars 140 cm long. Always check the arc setup faq for these questions. I have a copy online at http://philipbchase.com/arc-setup-faq/

Quote: Originally posted by pbc

PistolPete's nailed it with Quest Outfitters. They are the folks that supplied Angus with the materials he used to make the spars he sold. You won't find better hardware.

Thanks pbc


To save you time (lessons from some of my DIY experiments), I'd suggest you don't be tempted to use Bamboo or Metal/Plastic coated landscape stakes from your local hardware store.
:embarrased:


Strength is also a function of segment length. Long rods like landscape stakes will bend and crease; then maybe tear your arc sleeve.



Bamboo is flexible even when doubled up. They might not break but the flex will allow your Arc kite to taco under heavier loads. This is not fun and can lead to inverts, bowties, and long swims.

Thanks for the link Pete, I've got plenty of Phantom experience, they in fact aren't for me but another guy who bought phantoms from me and split a stock spar. I will get the supplies needed and make him some up, I was just looking for the easy way out if someone had a set sitting around in their old bins.

Pleasant winds to everyone

https://horizonkites.com/product/twin-skin-compact-sticks/