Phantom vs. Panther-- Which is Better?

[fattyre]

In my day dreams——

#1 1954 Blue Panther -crash rail seat, locking fork and a front drum

#2 pre 1955 Coach Green Phantom. -locking fork, drum and a brake light

 

[Fiftysschwinn]

It would be a green panther for me, It is the least common. Not a big fan of the Black Phantom, they made a lot of those.

 

[Porkchop & Applesauce]

What are your plans for the bike? Ride it? Hide it? Do you like to tinker or can’t screw in a light bulb? Both can be great or ride crappy. This question is like asking us what shoes to get without saying how the bike will be used

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Get the Panther, lots of Phantoms come along nice Panthers not as often.

 

[Fiftysschwinn]

I've owned three Phantoms over the years - two '53s in black and one '58 green. They are gone, but I still have my '52 Panther. I ddidn't consider the Panther superior to the Phantoms I owned, which were all good, original bikes. However, the Panther was the first nice, original ballooner in my collection. It's also a local bike, having been sold new by the Schwinn dealership that became a hangout for me and other collectors. 45 years later, it wandered back in to that shop, where I bought it.

I think the top tube lengths are the same on the Panther and Phantom, but I never measured to compare. It is a great rider, smooth and it feels lighter than its substantial weight.

View attachment 1926942

Perfect! Very rare to see decals in that condition on an original!

 

[1439Mike]

I believe if you have the choice between two good things you should take them both.

 

[Wolfmac]

With some late entries It looks like Panther now has a slight edge in the debate.

 

[soddruntlestuntle]

What are your plans for the bike? Ride it? Hide it? Do you like to tinker or can’t screw in a light bulb? Both can be great or ride crappy. This question is like asking us what shoes to get without saying how the bike will be used

It’ll be ridden and tinkered with. I’ll never own a closet queen.

 

[AS-1]

What are your plans for the bike? Ride it? Hide it? Do you like to tinker or can’t screw in a light bulb? Both can be great or ride crappy. This question is like asking us what shoes to get without saying how the bike will be used

It’ll be ridden and tinkered with. I’ll never own a closet queen.

That's what they all say.

 

[Wolfmac]

Hey all, the only thing missing in this thread are more Pics! Let's see those Panthers. Green on green, blue on blue