[t0ph3r89]

What is the appeal of these over a Phantom? Is there a performance difference between them or is it just the idea of having a from-the-ground-up custom marker?

[senghing27]

Pump stroke is far superior. Two pump arms to move the bolt instead of the phantom's one.
Fit and finish is nicer. Cocker threading is a plus.
Some say that carter's shoot flatter than a phantom's "lob"

If you have the money and want a high end nelson, these would be it.

[valkrie hunter]

^^ what he said

[splattttttt]

looks. Rarer, and you hang ontoo them, rather than flip'em constantly. Hate flippin.

[lucky duck]

Hand made ,Resale value , shoots darts

[Castro #66]

There is literally no performance difference as far as the shot is concerned (I can't believe we're still talking about that...) but the fit and finish of the Carter gun is generally superior, as each gun is made by hand. They're also Cocker threaded, and don't rely on detent rings (an arguable downside) to shoot right.

Nowadays, the leading reason is probably just the customization.