Tippys and newbies

[AK47]

Are tipps more less a newbie type of gun?
thanks?

[FUBARFREAK]

i think there a higher priced newbe gu nthat can be made into a higher class marker. Tippmann's markers are good newbe marker b/c they can take all roughness newbe usally put there marker throw. Tippy can also be given zero care a still work(not at its super best) it is a great gun

[PaintballerX]

I agree fully. Tippy's (especially 98's/Custom's) are the best beginner 'gun to get, mainly because they can handle a beating. Also, this thing can be upgraded until it is as good in performance as a 'Mag or a 'Cocker! The best 'gun for a newb by far.

[Villhime98c]

I totaly agree with the two people above me. I believe if you are a begginer a Tippmann is the best gun to get. They may be a little expensive for some people, but trust me, they are worth it. Tippmanns (especially the 98s and 98c's) are extremly rugged. They can take some pretty bad beatings that only newbies would know how to inflict. They can also be upgraded to compete with higher end markers, as exlplained above. IF YOU ARE DECIDING TO GET A GUN AND YOU ARE DEBATING WHETHER TO GET A SPYDER, REBEL PIRAHNNA ETC., OR A TIPPMANN. GET A TIPPMANN YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!! My friends had kingman type guns such as spyders, rebels, and pirahnnas, every time we went to play they would always have problems with them. They finaly saw the light and got 98c's.

-98 custom
- 14" smart parts progressive
- Thunderpig tactical dropforward
-PB double trigger
-GTA X-chamber
-12 volt revvy

[skole]

First of all, I am a newbie to the sport. (To date, 1 very solid month of rec ball thanks to the holidays and at least 5000+ rounds). However, I have spent many hours researching what is what before I purchased anything.

I agree with the others who have responded, the 98 should probably be considered as a newbie gun.
There are definitely both cheaper and more expensive newbie guns, but I seriously doubt you will find a better, more reliable or upgradable marker on the market.

Most of my friends I play with have 98Cs. To date I am unaware of even a single mechanical problem, (these guys/girls are also newbies and there are is at least 9-98Cs and going up daily.) The biggest problem has been broken paint. 98% of that was Brass Eagle and should be expected anytime this crap is used.

Upon the advice of a dealer's service department my first purchase was a Spyder Shutter. It is approximately $80 bones more. To date I have experienced no mechanical problems with this gun either. There is a second Spyder out there with us and his experience has been similar.

There is also a few that have shown up with a Wally-World brass eagle markers and have already returned and replaced this joke of a gun wannabe, (even their most expensive marker with a bottom line and is the same $$ as a 98C.) The Brass Eagles's markers all bust paint in the barrel, even with quality paint. Just heed my warning, and DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANYTHING AT ALL THE HAS "BRASS EAGLE" IN ITS NAME.

OK, back to my comparison. I believe my stock Shutter is a little more accurate at distance, (50-75yds) than the stock 98C. Is this due to the longer stock Shutter barrel? Probably! (Shutter=12 in 98C=8 1/2 in.) Is it a significant difference? Nope! And, if you read much at all, you will find, the very first recommended upgrade on any marker is an aftermarket barrel. So, the next question should be, could you buy a better barrel with the $80 saved on the 98C. Absolutely!

Moving right along, the Spyder comes with a "regulator/pressure gauge" and an expansion chamber. The "regulator/pressure gauge on he Shutter is a joke and does little more than give you the bottle pressure. In other words it is a pretty little device that does nothing and will break someday. The expansion chamber on the other hand does seem to make a difference. However, as previously mentioned, the 98C is highly upgradable and expansion chamber are available for it all over the net for $40-45 bucks. I would recommend this.

Since beginning a month ago, I have taken my wife out to play. After one day of play, she demanded her own marker. I purchased for her a Custom 98 and I ordered an expansion chamber at the same time.

This has given me an opportunity to strip both guns down. I find the 98C is much easier to work on and this thing is built like a tank! The expansion chamber is really easy to install and anyone with a little mechanical ability can do this.

My only recommendation on tearing down the 98C is give yourself plenty of time to become familiar with it. It took me several tries to get it back together right. (Be careful with the front sight spring, as that little bugger will take off and get transported to OZ I guess. Mine went sprung and have yet to find it.)

In conclusion, I would recommend the 98C to anyone. If money is no object, go ahead and get a Spyder Shutter. (It has other features than mentioned that make the gun nice.) OR spend the extra $80 bones saved on the 98C on an expansion chamber and barrel.
Feel free to e-mail me if you prefer more info on either marker.
I have new barrels on order for both guns and will update the accuracy comment once both have been tested