Paintball Buyer’s Blog

If you ask me, the Tippmann Custom Pro paintball markers are the most overlooked for best value in recreational level play. Its amazing how a lot of people seem to think its an entirely different marker than the Tippmann 98 Custom, which it is not. Basically, Tippmann figured that they would offer the 98 out of the box with three of the most common upgrades already installed… can you name all three?

First up, they added a better barrel to the Custom Pro. Its no secret that the 9″ stock barrel on the 98 Custom is, shall we say, entry level? It gets the job done, namely pointing the paint downrange with a wide bore to handle all kinds of grades (and age!) of paint that beginners tend to run through their markers. However, accuracy is not the best due to the huge bore diameter and overall finish. Hey, it helps keep the costs of the marker down! Well, they added a 14″ barrel with a slightly smaller bore and better internal finish to the Custom Pro… the same barrel they retail for $44.95. There’s one upgrade you won’t need.

Second, they installed a two-finger trigger from the factory. Also known as double triggers, these allow the shooter use two fingers instead of one for the triggerpull so more muscle and leverage adds to a lighter smoother ‘feel’. Plus, your fingers don’t get so tired when you’re in those situations where you have to lay down a lot of paint. Double triggers usually run $15-25 dollars retail, but then with the Custom Pro you don’t need to buy it.

While the tournament players sneer at dropforwards these days, they are still a very popular and in some cases necessary addition for many players. Tournament players generally use just an ASA and a smaller tank on their marker to keep a low profile. This generally makes for back heavy setup but it is not such a big deal in typically short individual tournament games. However, many woods players opt for a dropforward, which is a mount that moves the tank down and forward to shorten the overall marker length and bring the balance more under the grip for all day carrying. Kids and those with shorter arms often need a dropforward or they must hold their arms out uncomfortably when shooting. Most dropforwards range $20-35 in cost… but its included and already installed here.

So lets see…. you could buy a Tippmann 98 Custom ACT for $139 and add a barrel for $45, a double trigger for $15 and a dropforward for $20 for a grand total of $219.

Or, you could buy the standard Tippmann Custom Pro ACT for $159 and put that $60 towards a case of paintballs, a new mask or even three 20oz CO2 Tanks.

Like I said, most people overlook the Custom Pro as an option when shopping for their first paintball marker. Its already got what most players wish to add right out of the box, and the dropforward makes it an ideal first paintball marker for youth players. Available in Standard, Egrip and Digital Camo models, its highly recommended or someone wanting the best value in a rugged, reliable paintball gun.