The main feature is the ease of customizing the marker. The 98 custom combines all the great features of the model 98 with the ability to accept drop in kits for the Response Trigger, Electric kit, Flatline Barrel System, Double Trigger and Low Pressure kit. All of these kits can be installed with same tools that you use to disassemble the marker. We are sure the 98 custom is the most customizable marker you can buy.
Product Availability
The Tippmann Custom 98 is newer, so it should be commonly available, both new and used. Check out the Places to Buy links below for places to purchase it new.
Very customizable.
Lots of aftermarket upgrades you can get.
Built like a brick Sh!T HOUSE!
Short trigger pull.
Nice feel - doesn't make you feel like you're carrying around a cheap piece of sh!t.
Looks good.
Did I say very customizable?
Weaknesses:
Stock barrel - replace it right away; mine chopped paint like crazy and was LOUD.
Heavy - for those that are too weak.
Some upgrades are expensive.
A little big to carry around epecially with a flatline and no drop forward.
Trigger is a bit sluggish - almost seems like they made it that way, so that they could make the Response Trigger for it and sell it at a premium price!
Conclusion:
Don't get me wrong with my comments on the bad aspects about this 'gun, it's a good marker that will keep on going even after you hack a couple trees down with it. I've since moved on to something smaller, faster, and more accurate (Angel LCD). The Tippmann was my first marker, and I didn't have all too many problems with it. Like I said, it's built to take punishment - jamming it into dirt, throwing across the field when it starts to spray paint, and hacking down (small) trees were some of the torture tests I've put it through (definately don't do this with my Angel, mind you!)
Some upgrades you'll want to get include a 4 stage expansion (a 6 is too big, making it feel awkward) or a CO2 regulator, a D/F, a good barrel (14" FREAK is my #1 recommendation, although I also used the Flatline on it.. both work great depending on your style of play.. if you go with the Flatline, get an ADCO magnifying sniper scope with crosshairs), the RT trigger is awesome but expensive, a double trigger, and some rubber grips (DYE stickies don't fit too well, so you'll have to hunt around for others..)
Don't get the electro kit with this 'gun. Waste of money. By the time you add it all up, it'll be more worth your while to get a stock electro like the EM1. Same thing with air, more worth your while to get a marker that can take air without mods/upgrades.
With a FREAK system, you can use pretty much any ROUND paint you please. Especially if you're going to be playing at fields or in tournies where they might use any paint under the sun. For rec. purposes, I use ZAP's ProSeries, it's good, cheap, round paint (although I've heard of a lot of complaints about the shape of ZAP paint, I hardly had problems with them) and use a .689 insert. For the Flatline, I'd recommend Diablo's Inferno: the smaller bore paint will get a better backspin and go further - don't believe me? read about it yourself at tippmann's site. (Although I've never tried Hellfire or All Stars in the flatline before, I don't know what size is the "perfect" size for the Flatline). Marbs are great but the shell is thicker than Inferno, and cost a hell of a lot more - at least where I live.
It's a bit big to carry around especially without a D/F and a 20oz tank.
I wouldn't have spent so much time on this review if I thought this 'gun wasn't worth it. When I read through reviews, if they're short and sweet, I know that the people usually couldn't care less about what they post, just as long as they post something - and I ignore them completely.
Rating:
8 out of 10
Last edited on Saturday, January 29th, 2005 at 7:05 am PST
Tough as a tank.
Looks nice.
Tons of upgrades.
Works fine as stock.
Works well with CO2.
When upgraded can compete with any High End marker.
Weaknesses:
The stock isn't at its best, it's not bad, but I am getting CMI Tru-Flight.
Conclusion:
It's well worth the money you pay for it and if you dont have a lot of cash you can jst get this gun and upgrad it be work like a mag or Cocker. Hell, if you want an electro it takes that to, but I would go with RT. Better then the Spyders I've used.
I highly reccomend it to all level players. But if you want to show off your Angel or Cocker use it as a back up gun.
I've had my custom 98 for a couple months now and so far its pretty good. With the stock barrel i haven't had any ball breaks even though i was using brass eagle paint. I have a flatline on it and that improves the accuracy and distance by alot, if u can afford it get it. i was recently playing 2 on 2 and shot out both my opponents in the first round at long distances where they couldnt reach me. the integrated elbow is nice
Weaknesses:
The gun is pretty big lenghtwise, especially with a 20oz. co2 and a flatline on it. The stock barrel has really bad accuracy, get a new one. The shot to shot velocity consistency could be better but what do u expect without any regulator. My valve started leaking but i got that fixed and now it works fine.
Conclusion:
The stock parts are alright set aside the barrel. The gas line hasnt leaked on me yet. I would definitely get a new barrel like a flatline or a dye boomstick. Also i run remote on my gun, if u dont have one i would reccommend an expansion chamber. If u want the gun to be awesome get a dropforward. ive heard the response trigger kit works pretty nice but i dont have it yet so i couldnt tell you. With a couple upgrades, this gun can compete with some better markers like cockers if ur good enough. I would recommend this gun to starting players and intermediate players who want to pay for the upgrades. Yea..... and thats it.
I've had this gun for a week now i've played 5 games with my friends. And so far the gun has had no problems. It's never chopped balls or shot more than one ball.
Weaknesses:
Well as all people say the stoke barrel sucks, but is good for about 50 feet an closer. i've yet to buy a new barrel, but I'am going to get the DYE boomstick.
Conclusion:
All an all the m98 is good for low or high level play. And i suggest it to any player.
i just bought this product i think it is very impressive, it has an easy trigger pull,shoots fast and accurate w/o the stock barrel and is some what quiet. It hardly ever breaks balls and is easy to take apart.and has many upgrade options,it is cheap and performs well under any temps.
Weaknesses:
the only thing real bad about this marker is the stock barrel i suggest and upgrade to either a flatline,dye excel/boomstick. and expansion chamber could help too.
Conclusion:
this gun is a very nice gun,it performs well under any weather conditions and is a great gun for any level of skill,and is probably one of the best semi markers on the market today. if ure looking for a good marker to buy get this one, it Rulz!
Great gun. Shoots fast and almost never breaks a ball. I tested it on cheap Brass-Eagle balls from Wal-Mart and didn't break a single one (that was with a 500 box and the stock gun). Pretty accurate with the stock barrel at close to medium range, and quiet! I fired about 15 balls at my friend and he said he only heard the balls flying by and splatting. Also very balanced without a drop forward.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy stock and not as field-stripable as some guns.
Definetly buy a new barrel if you are going to be shooting long-range.
Also make sure you don't lose the parts if you strip it, the ball-detent came flying out on me and I didn't notice it was missing till I was triple and quad feeding!!!
Conclusion:
Great gun for rec ball and easily upgradeable to tourny level. Worth the price. Definetly better than rebels, spyders, & piranhas.
Rating:
9 out of 10
Last edited on Saturday, January 29th, 2005 at 7:06 am PST
This is a great gun for a beginner. I just started playing and i went out for a decent durable gun. I have always used rentals and a friend bought one these tippmans i borrowed it one round and i thought it was great. so i bought one. In stock form i will agree the gun isnt as good as some. Add a about $400 in options and this gun is awesome. We went out to play and got stuck playing against what people were calling "Pros" there were 5 of us and 6 of them 4 of us had tippmans with some heavy upgrades 2 flatlines and two boomsticks i have the response trigger and and the proteam car-15 stock my tippman looks like a Car-15 assault rifle the pros were all laughing as to how quick this round was going to be they all had Angels. Boy were they surprised from about 100 yards i picked off two of there front men in the first 2 minutes and the rest of there team went down in about 10 GO TIPPMAN
Weaknesses:
The price Stock the gun is kinda cheesey to make it competitive you need to spend some bucks but in the end if you put every optin into it is just as good as any angel for about 1/3 of the price. Just remember its not the gun its the person using it but the Tippy helps
This gun is all I will ever need...it has so many options...such as a drop foward, expansion chamber, and even has the flatline (great barrel)...it is simply the best gun on the market for the money! I paid $150 and I have had it for a few months now and I have already got my money's worth...the best attribute of the gun is its durability...you can absolutely kick the bajeebee's out of it and it will still perform the next time...I have kicked the crap out of the thing and the only thing it might do is scratch...big whoop!
Weaknesses:
The barrel they give you is a hunk of scrap metal that they cut off a bike frame and strap on the gun...it is absolutely horrible (that's why i got the flatline)
I've had this gun for about a month now, and I love it. The gun hasnt broken one one ball (even when i used Brass Eagle)! Some say the clamshell design is complicated and parts fly out when you dissassembly (which there is rarely a need to do). This is as untrue as saying a medium drink is smaller than a small. Have those of you who said this taken apart a Spyder? The damn velocity adjuster broke my freakin window! You just pull the pin and you have a lethal weapon! Another great thing about this gun is that it is VERY reliable, even in varying weather conditions, the ONLY time its broken down on me was when I didn't oil it and the "big loose oring" got caught and the gon wouldn't fire.
Weaknesses:
Not much, the silver one stands out like a sore thumb, and the foregrip is plastic and mine fell apart, I bought a metal one from Lapco. The stock barrel isnt the worst ive seen, need a good polishin'. I just got a Bigshot, also from Lapco. Its an awesome barrel.
Conclusion:
Over all this is not only a great beginners gun, but great for seasond veterans too. My only real recommendation is to get the RT kit over an electro upgrade. The RT is pnematic, no need to fear liquids!
this is a great gun. i really recommend this gun to newbees.and the price couldnt be better for what your getting.
Weaknesses:
like everyone has been saying the stock barrel but its not that bad like some people say it is. i would buy a new barrel if you really think you need it.
Conclusion:
buy this gun, it is well worth the money but if you have extra cash buy a new barrel
