After writing about a few of the newest models of tool wraps from Just Enough Tools, we finally had a chance to try one out for ourselves. It just so happens that when JET offered to send one in for review it coincided with the launch of their newest top tier product – the JET Roll Phantom.
On the inside, the Phantom is like any other JET Roll II. The Three pocket tool wrap is sized to carry the essentials for your ride all in one convenient package. Where the Phantom sets itself apart is in the premium materials it’s wrapped in. Starting with industrial grade synthetic leather, the Phantom’s skin is extremely soft and slightly stretchy which happen to be great qualities in a tool roll. Add in a few extra details like a crystal button closure and custom stitching and the hand-made Phantom stands out from the crowd…
Typically on road rides I used to carry a pump, a spare tube, and a multi tool. Tire levers and patch kits are nice to have, but I would find myself not being able to find them before a ride and ultimately deciding I wouldn’t really need them. That’s one of the best parts about any tool roll like the JET Roll Phantom – everything you need for a ride is always in one place.
In addition to the patch kit, tire lever (or two), tube, and multi-tool, there is still enough room that you could carry a co2 inflator and cartridge instead or in addition to a pump. Speaking of which, if you want to carry a mini pump you can place the pump inside of the wrap and roll it closed which will hold the pump in place. I’ve found the Phantom to have enough room for most of my average road rides – some rides might warrant more than one tube but you can always stick an extra in your jersey pocket. For demonstration purposes I chose one of the largest multi-tools I had which the Phantom swallowed with room to spare.
A nice touch for tubes that aren’t wrapped in plastic is the JET Roll band. Essentially just a rubber bracelet, the band is the perfect size for keeping your tubes rolled up and tucked away inside the Tool Roll. The Phantom also includes a premium black leather strap for fixing to your saddle.
After sliding the strap through the two holes in the Phantom, the strap is passed through both saddle rails and back through the buckle for a quick attachment to your bike. Somehow even though it’s essentially a saddle bag, I think it looks better and it also is easier to use. With that said, I find myself putting the Phantom in my jersey pocket more than hanging it on the bike since I’m often switching bikes and like most saddle bags it can be a little noisy on rough roads.
Overall, the Phantom is an incredibly nice way to carry your flat kit on the road. The performance may not differ much from other tool rolls, but the JET Roll offers quality construction, premium fabrics, and is made by hand in the USA one at a time. One thing is for sure – as soon as you start using a roll like the Phantom you won’t want to go back to saddle bags or a pile of tools in your pockets again.
At $80 the Phantom in black, copper, cream, or titanium is a bit pricey even by JET Roll standards, but they are currently offering a free JET Roll Supersonic with the purchase of a Phantom. Or you could always pick up an original JET Roll starting at just $40.
