Ok I will elaborate.
The difference, we feel, between sticker uppers and a company like Phantom or Kooks, Slazenger is about control over the whole process.
We stocked sticker upper bats in the past - Mars, CP, Piri Piri etc. And they didn't have any control over the manufacturing process. They could request some very generic shapes and then have a huge batch made up, and simply sticker them up, as the name suggests.
However, Phantom has complete control. This is evidenced by the close working relationship with the bat maker, for example at short notice they produced a run of fuller Illusion bats, a change in shape mid season for a limited batch of only ten or so, which other companies could not do. They also offer fully custom bats, something which many sticker up brands simply cannot do.
Phantom designs everything about the bats, the stickers, chooses the grips, the shapes, absolutely everything. I don't see why because they don't make them they are intrinsically any worse, or worthy of less support, as has been suggested? Surely, having an established and world-renowned bat maker making the bats is only a good thing? Especially as Phantom are open about the whole thing.
My point being, they have control over everything. Literally the only thing they don't do is make the bats. And I don't think that's a bad thing whatsoever.
Yes, but they are micro details, which is proof that they are different from a lot of brands. Most brands like you said just get stock designs off softs manufacturers. Phantom don't. And I've given evidence of that.
Yes a strange, and I would say unfair, bunch we are. Just seems harsh to me to not even mention the price of other gloves, and rave about them, when a very similar, some would say better, glove comes on here and is cheaper. It seems some people have let their views about the brand sway their opinion of what are simply incredible softs!
CBD.