I'm thinking of getting a Phantom to go with the ships I have, and was wondering what best to go with it?

My thoughts are Whisper with VI, ACD, FCS and Int Agent . Also, Col V with VI and Tie X/7. The problem is what else? I have as well a Tie Adv, a bomber, and an Interceptor with 26 points to play with. I'm thinking of either Zertik Strom with adaptability (plus Accuracy Corrector), or Deathfire with bombs, EM and possibly a Plasma Torpedo?

With 26 points left to play with, how about Commander Alozen in the TIE Advanced equipped with Title, Advanced Targeting Computer, and Adaptability? This way you can get a free target lock (or, flexibility being able to move the TL around as long as an opponent's ship is within R1) to help paint targets for Colonel Vessery and it kicks in the ATC for the Commander's attack.

Commander Alozen (25): Title (-4), ATC (5), Adaptability (0) = 26

I assume you own the Imperial Raider expansion for the Title, ATC and Commander cards since you mentioned possibly flying Zertik.

Of the three options you suggested, Deathfire is the one to go for. Though, I'd probably be inclined to keep him cheap and load up Vess with a mod of some sort instead, probably Stealth Device.

Personally I'm a fan of control-type ships to slow down opponents. When I have less than 30 points to work with, I'll work in Omega Leader with the usual juke/comm relay loadout for exactly 26 points. If flown well it can be consistent damage with juke, slightly more tanky for lower ps opponents because of the always-on static evade, plus he wants to target lock so OL can call Vessery's shots before activation. This frees up Vess' actions to either focus or barrel roll to get into a better position.

But yeah, OL is probably a better option than any of those listed in the OP. He synergises very nicely with Vessery.

Deathfire is a grand addition as it adds yet another completely different ship to make your trifecta have completely different facets. If you have the experience to fly Bombers, that's a grand choice. However, Omega Leader is a ship no one wants around last; I would argue it's the Empire's go to at that price range. With this pic, you'll have a true "who to go after first" conundrum for your opponent.

LT. Colzet, X1, Fire control system, proton rockets, chips.

3 agility, target locks for Vessery, flips crits, and gives a whopping single punch at range 1.

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't own the raider, as its only me and my buddy playing at the moment, so we proxy cards, but the thought of Death fire with bombs, and LRS to support Col V sounds appealing. Might give him a go out next time I have a game, ready for getting Whisper!