Tippmann 98 Custom Review (2024) – Still Worth Buying?

Tippmann 98 Custom Review

The Tippmann 98 Custom is the workhorse of the paintball industry. This gun was first released in 1998, about 26 years from now. Still, it is one of the most renowned guns to date. So, what exactly makes this gun so popular even after all these years?

The short answer is durability and reliability. In fact, for this specific reason, it is also the most-sold paintball gun ever. In this Tippmann 98 Custom Review, we will look into different factors that make this the greatest of all time.

If you were to ask the paintball field near you about their recommendations for the most reliable guns. I’m sure you will find the Tippmann 98 Custom in their top 3 recommendation.

Enough of the introduction, right? Before we jump to the review, let’s first go through the specs Tippmann 98 custom has to offer.

Specification:
  • Body: Aluminum die-cast body.
  • Barrel: 8.5 inches 98 threaded barrel.
  • Firing Mode: Semi-auto.
  • Bore: .689 caliber.
  • Propellent: HPA and CO2.
  • Cyclic rate: 30 cps.
  • Weight: 2.9 lb.
  • Picatinny Rails for mounting scopes, sights, and lasers.
  • Tippmann’s proven inline bolt system.
  • Anti Chop technology (ACT) minimizes paint breaking.

Tippmann 98 Custom Review

Without further ado. Let’s review the different factors which make this marker so popular among paintball players. 

Tippmann 98 Custom Review

1. Durability

It is hard to talk about Tippmann markers without discussing their high durability. The outer body of the Tippmann 98 is made up of die-cast aluminum, which is not only super durable and sturdy but can easily take blows and hits without damaging the gun’s body. Aluminum is naturally prone to rust and corrosion which makes this gun suitable for all weather conditions.

Most paintball fields use this gun as a rental because of its low maintenance cost, super high durability, and bang for the buck price. No matter how rough things go in the field. At the end of the day, you will find your gun in one piece. 

2. Range & Accuracy

The range and accuracy of this gun are quite impressive. It comes with an 8.5 inches stock barrel which despite being slightly short, has an effective range of about 150+ feet. The iron blade sight helps in shooting the target with accuracy. 

Since the barrel uses a Tippmann 98 threading. You can find tons of aftermarket upgrades for the barrels. Moreover, Scopes and sight can also be attached to the rails in order to further improve the accuracy.

3. Ergonomics & Design

Tippmann 98 Infographics

The overall design of this gun is kept simple to help in future upgrades. That’s why you won’t see a lot of curves on this marker. Apart from that this gun has a very nice and comfortable feel. The foregrip of this gun has the actual indentation of your hand. Hence, making the grip very grippy. The black-coated paint provides a matte look and also makes the gun prone to weather and rust. The air tube is covered in a metallic braided pipe, which makes it prone to wear and tear.

In the platinum series. The receiver has a split design, which lets you take apart one half without disassembling the other half. The rear end of the gun has a sling attachment to hook any sort of stuff, which also gives you room for future shoulder stock updates.

Tippmann 98 custom is slightly longer than other markers which have their own pros and cons. This gun has plenty of room for hand grips, but a longer frame adds to the gun’s weight and makes it harder to hold for longer periods. 

4. Customizability

When it comes to customization and aftermarket upgrades, Tippmann 98 Custom has a lot to offer. The gun has the ability to accept a wide range of accessories thanks to Picatinny rails and a simple body design. Hence, earning it the title of the most customizable marker. This gun can literally be upgraded to a point where it becomes unrecognizable sometimes.

Tippmann 98 Customization

A few of the popular custom accessories are:

  1. 98 Custom Electronic Trigger
  2. Deadlywind Carbon Fiber barrel
  3. Red Dot Sight with Picatinny Rail Mount
  4. Cyclone feeding System

Moreover, it can also be equipped with shoulder stock, barrel shrouds, and custom mod kits to entirely change the appearance of this gun.

5. On-field performance

Tippmann’s proven Inline bolt system provides impressive shot power to this marker. The only downside? With great shot-power comes heavy recoil, which for beginners is sometimes hard to control. However, despite such impressive shot power, the Tippmann 98 doesn’t use much gas for each shot, thanks to the in-line bolt system. Hence, making it one of the most efficient markers as well.

Due to the short barrel and explosive shot power, the marker is slightly noisy while shooting. This results in a compromise in stealth which is an important factor of woodsball. 

Since it is a semi-auto marker. It has a firing rate of 8 bps without any upgrades and 15 bps with the addition of an e-trigger system. Pretty impressive, right?

6. Easy to maintain

Since it is a beginner’s paintball gun. Therefore, it was designed in such a way that it can easily be cleaned by a person who has little knowledge about paintball guns without screwing the gun. 

Nowadays, Tippmann 98 guns come with Anti-Chop Technology (ACT) which features a small spring that loads on top of your hammer. This spring hits the paint very gently, As a result, the chances of paint being chopped inside the breach of this gun have been reduced significantly. Although, Tippmann 98 doesn’t require frequent cleaning. Still, to enhance the life and accuracy of the marker, it is recommended to clean the gun after a long day of shooting paints.

It also features an elbow feedneck which can be removed in order to clean the insides of the gun. Moreover, if you accidentally drop this gun in mud or puddle, Just wipe off any mud or moisture with a cloth and lubricate the marker if needed.

7. Air Compatibility

The Tippmann 98 is both HPA and CO2 compatible, However, if you are a serious player who wants the best out of your gun then it is recommended to use an HPA tank for this marker. Although, CO2 tanks are cheaper than HPA. The sudden pressure drops in CO2 might ruin your gameplay. Moreover, several paintball fields have stopped filling CO2 due to less demand.

8. Price

The Tippmann 98 Custom is easily the best option for beginners who are just starting out and don’t wanna spend too much on a paintball gun. The features it provides in its price range are incredible. Even after the purchase, it is light on the pocket and doesn’t require frequent cleaning, fixing, and replacements.

Moreover, you can also upgrade and find replacement parts to further enhance the looks and on-field performance of this marker instead of buying a brand-new gun. Thus, again saving you some extra dollars. 

Pros
  • High durability and reliability
  • Easy to maintain, doesn’t require frequent cleaning
  • Less chances of paint being chopped thanks to Anti-Chop Technology
  • Bang for the bucks price.
Cons
  • The marker is slightly heavy to hold for longer periods
  • Recoil is greater as compared to other semi-auto markers.
  • Slightly noisy

What comes in the box?

What Tippmann 98 comes with

The Tippmann 98 platinum series box features the marker itself, a Tippmann 98 threaded 8.5 inches barrel, hinged elbow feedneck, and of course the user manual. It also comes with a spare parts kit consisting of a pull-through squeegee, barrel sleeve, Allen keys, an extra o-ring (in case you need to replace them), and lubricant.

Other alternatives of Tippmann 98 Custom

If you are looking to buy something like the Tippmann 98 which has similar features as well as an improved design, these are some recommendations from Tippmann.

1. Tippmann Cronus

When we talk about the Tippmann durability and reliability, the Tippmann Cronus is no exception to that. The features of this gun are similar to the 98 custom but with the addition of tactical elements. The Cronus can also be modified further as well. Moreover, it is lightweight and has less recoil than the 98 Custom.

2. Tippmann TMC Magfed

Due to the increasing popularity of Magfed paintball, thanks to extra realism and more skill-based gameplay. Magfed guns are in high demand. For those looking for a Magfed gun that is durable as well as has good aim and accuracy, The TMC Magfed is a perfect option.

3. Tippmann Stormer

The Stormer is another great Magfed marker for the Tippmann. It has the same Tippmann-proven In-line bolt system which allows you to shoot more paintballs without using much gas. Needless to say, the marker fulfills all the requirements of an entry-level marker, at a budget-friendly price tag. 

Tippmann 98 Custom – FAQs

What is the best barrel for a Tippmann 98 Custom?
How to clean the Tippmann 98 custom?
Can Tippmann 98 be used with HPA Tank?
Is Tippmann 98 good for speedball?
How long does the Tippmann 98 last?
Does paintball get chopped in Tippmann 98?
How fast does the Tippman 98 shoot?

Final Words – Wrapping it up

Overall, Tippmann 98 custom can be an important addition to your arsenal. The fact that most professional paintballers started their paintball journey with this marker is self-explanatory. These guns are built to last decades, they will go as long as you want them to go.

They are highly reliable yet easier to maintain. On top of that, it has a low price which attracts players who are going to buy a paintball gun for the first time.

On the other hand, It is also a great option for intermediate players who are looking for a reliable backup option, in case their main marker malfunctions. Moreover, with so many upgrade options this gun can compete with many mid-level markers if upgraded to the fullest. 

Happy Paintballing!

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