Spyder or Tipmann

[monkbo6]

I played paintball many times and I want to get my first gun. I've narrowed it down to either a Tipmann 98 or a Spyder Shutter. I know the tipmann is much cheaper bu I've used shutter before and like it. I've never used th m98 and never owned a gun before. Whats you recomendation?

[Hsuve]

I recommend that you get a Java Compact 2000 and upgrade it with the money left. Or if you're a newbie, go buy some paint and play. :)

[BlindSeaman]

A lot of it is feel. Tippmans/Spyders can both have a HROF and be accurate. More importantly, is how comfortable you are with the marker, and how it fits you. The only way to try this out is to play with both, which, is sometimes hard to do. If you can, go to a local store and at least hold a tippman. Oh, another important thing is reliability, but both are plenty reliable so that isn't a problem.

[bobwill]

My basic wisdom is, Tippmanns aren't as heavy or as long as some people think; and, Spyders don't fall apart nearly as quickly as others think. Of course, I have a 7" drop forward, a 12" barrel, and am 6'4" so the length might not bother me for those reasons. :) I have a Tippmann 98 Custom and I love it, but I still admire several of the qualities of the Spyders. The techs at the local proshop told me, when I was getting ready to get my gun, and making the same decision you were making, that on average Spyder owners might bring their guns in for service about five times in two to three years, whereas a Tippmann owner might bring theirs in for repair work maybe one to three times.
If you do choose a Spyder, I would recomend getting a cheaper one, and spending the remainder on a really nice expansion chamber or a regulator, especially with winter comming up.
Other than that, I'll just say, Tippmanns are made in the US so it's keeping the economy going. :D (tounge in cheek statement if you couldn't tell.) You're going to replace the barrel on whichever you get so don't worry about which has a better barrel.
I will say, if you want something that you can use as a pistol the Spyder is going to be far more up your alley, my Tippmann is way to heavy for prolonged or even accurate singlehanded use, but that's also because my dropforward pushed the point of balance up farther towards the muzzle.

[spyderjava]

i would get a spyder. my dad has a tippman and it is a descent gun but it has downfalls. it is pretty damn hard to take apart compared to a spyder with a quick disconnect pin. i would definetly go with a spyder compact java and upgrade it. there is just as many upgrades for a spyder as for a tippman. with a spyder first get a new bolt, then expansion chamber, and then a barrel. with these you will be set for a long time!
:crazy:

[Ebonclaw]

I have a Shutter. A newbie shot sand through it. After a good cleaning, it still works, good as new. My vote goes to the Shuttter. I have not had ONE problem with this gun since I bought it, nor have I chopped a ball (9v Revy), nor have I broken one. I love my Shutter. For a full account of the story, go to the Gerneral Paintball talk and find the thread "Don't make the mistake I did"