Layup:

The phantom is layed up or “rolled-wrapped” as five or six layers to make spine values of .440 and .380. The layers or wraps are of three types: concentric, linear and angled. The angle of two layers is kept confidential but most companies run a 45* angle on two layers. Phantom uses a different angle which has been researched to give a higher degree of straightness in production and over the life of the arrow; the phantom stays straight!

Resin:

The best resin mix is used on the phantom to ensure total curing. The curing takes place at a temperature that yields complete and uniform curing and the highest degree of straightness and strength. Improper curing by too little time or too little temperature is wide spread in the market yielding arrows that warp or crack easily. It takes time to build the phantom or any good shaft; rushing promotes junk shafts. Too much resin and too little carbon, a cheaper way to build, also results in poor performing shafts.
The phantom stays together.
Mandrels:

High quality mandrels or forming rods is essential for straight shafts. As the wraps are layed up on the mandrel rod they should already form a straight tube. Care in removing the tubes form the mandrel is also essential to ensure a straight shaft.

Exterior sanding:

Most manufacturers perform one sanding operation on the exterior surface. Phantom does more to get the best i.d/o.d. concentricity. In other words, the hole is down the middle everywhere in the phantom shaft and that makes them weigh the same, spine test the same and shoot the same. We call that grouping ability. Other companies take short cuts to get more shafts to market. That’s fine for the average bowhunter who can’t tell the difference.

Coating:

No coating is given to the phantom. This ensures glue adherence. Coatings cover the sins of the manufacturing process and phantom doesn’t have any.

Shaft ends:

The most likely place for bends in a carbon shaft is at the ends. Phantom ends are trimmed and cut square to ensure the straightest shaft possible.

Grading porcedures:

The first grading of the phantom is by straightness. The under .002” shafts are separated from the .002-.004” and over-.004” shafts. Each is spun-tested by hand to ensure that “vibrationless” feel in your hand. These straightest shafts are labeled as “pro gold” and sell for more $, of course. The .002-.004 or silver-label shafts shoot just as well and group the same as the gold-labels. That’s no so for other shafts because of lesser productions standards.

Painting:

Next the shafts are painted with the appropriate labels, gold, sliver or red.

Weight grading:

Next each shaft is weighed and shafts are matched to the grain.

Building:

A dozen arrows after fletching, inserts and points are installed should weigh to within 2 grains if you are doing it right. No human can shoot well enough to find a difference of 2 grains amoung a dozen arrows.