So was about to pull the trigger on a few Phenix Recon 2 blanks, but noticed they come with a GIANT "Phenix RECON 2" decal about half way up the blank. Has anyone purchased any of these blanks before? It is just a sticker or is it superimposed on the blank. If it's not just a sticker, and actually on the blank itself, is there a way I can remove it? (I've read that citristrip will remove factory paint, maybe it will remove the decal as well?)

Decals are put on the blank before it is clearcoated.  If you remove it, you have matte black raw graphite underneath.  So unless you are going to strip the entire rod of finish (after removing all the guides), you'll end up with a rod that looks worse than when you started.  You' probably need to shave the decal off with a razor blade anyway since it is plastic, not finish.  If you otherwise like the rod, I say leave it alone.