If you fingerwhip right, it doesnt make a difference AT ALL. It's the same to me on my phoenix integrated vs my friends district.
Dont fucking spank the deck.
Anyway, if you're getting a phoenix, just spend the few extra dollars and get the reventon. My phoenix (not reventon) is absolutely SHIT for grinds, because of the rounded edges. I've done downrails; a 6 stair, and an 8 stair, but it sucks. It's really scary, and you loop out a lot. Keep in mind, it COMES with a headset and brake, so its basically the same as the standard. V2i's are long, its gonna be a bitch to tailwhip on, coming from a RUP.