Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum w/ACT
14" J&J Ceramic Barrel
20 oz CO2
Recommended Upgrades:
A new barrel.
Strengths:
Durable
Feel
Accuracy
Consistency
CO2 Efficient
No Chops
Ease Of Cleaning
Very Upgradable
Weaknesses:
Stock Barrel
Inside Is Complicated Compared To A Spyder
Not Amazing On CO2
Review:
The 98 Custom Platinum is my third marker in a year. I first bought a Spyder Xtra, and it started to chop balls. At first, it would chop a couple, but later it would chop almost half of my shots. After two weeks of this, I returned it to Dicks Sporting Goods, and got my money back. Although all my friends had Tippmanns, I still wasn't ready to make an investment in such an expensive gun. I was walking around Fleet Farm when I saw the JT Tac-5 Recon, and it looked SO cool! Right away I knew this would definitely own the Tippmanns. Well it didn't. It was way too heavy, not accurate at all, used a whole 9 oz tank in 200 rounds, and was overall just a piece of crap. I returned it, and got my money back. After these two problematic markers, my friend told me I needed to go buy a Tippmann. Well they all had regular 98 customs, so I decided I'd be different and get the Platinum. It was a great decision. It takes me seconds to take it apart, and nothing comes flying out like it does with the 98 Custom. Theres two take apart, the front part and the back part. For all the upgrades and all, you just need to take off a couple screws outta the back part, and make your upgrades. With the regular 98, you need to take the whole thing off at once, and sometimes springs come flying out. Other than the two part division, the marker is the exact same as the regular 98 Custom. It has a strong solid feel, and is overall a great marker.
Conclusion:
If you are a woodsballer and can't afford the A-5, buy this and get a nicer, quieter barrel like a Smart Parts or J&J (They're the best deal). You should also buy this if you are just getting into paintball, because there is zero maintenance required. For a beginner, I give it a 10, for an experienced player, I give it an 8. So my overall is a 9.
