We are all well aware that to win and be good at this sport you will need good equipment along with skill.
There are many high-end paintball markers in the stores, but not everyone has stacks of cash lying around to invest in paintball markers.
So today, we will be comparing two paintball markers for you, which are well customizable, the basic Tippmann 98 custom vs. platinum caliber paintball marker.
Tippmann offers these two promising and reliable paintball markers, which can easily trigger your indecisive switch, but we are here to help you out. So without further beating around the bush, let’s get to the main topic.

Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Marker (Black)

Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series Paintball Gun
Tippmann 98 Custom vs. Platinum
After reading this head-to-head comparison, you’ll know exactly which one is for you.
- Pricing
Before anything, we would like to start with the pricing of these two markers because this is what sets them apart. Compared to other brands, Tippmann has a way bigger name, and these budget-friendly markers have just added to their fame.
Both of them are similarly priced, and we would say they are, without a doubt, the best entry-level paintball markers in the market. The Tippmann 98 Platinum is a pinch more expensive than the standard one, but it is nothing substantial.
- Design and Durability
The Tippmann 98 and platinum caliber both have an all-aluminum die-cast receiver, which is beneficial in various ways. And the aluminum-made body makes both of these safe from all the drops and knocks, allowing to maintain a fresher shiny look for a longer time.
You might find one thing to be annoying about the designs of these products, which are the small barrels of the markers. The platinum series marker has a shorter barrel, but it is not that big of a deal since you can easily find high-quality barrels for the two of these.
Weight is not something the two of these have in common, the platinum series one is about 4.8 pounds, and the other one weighs in about a pound more, so about 5.8 pounds. With the advantage of being lighter, the former marker is more portable and is a bit easier to handle when you are on the field running around.
- Technicalities
Both the markers are semi-automatic and can run using compressed air. However, the 98 custom uses way less air or C02 while the platinum caliber marker gobbles up the air within a short time.
One of the very few differences that you might be able to spot between the two is the rail on top. The platinum caliber has new Picatinny rails, which can feet more additions and upgrades than the slightly dated rail of the custom.
Something worth to be noted, both the markers have around the same shooting rate of 6 to 9 shots per second.
- Ball Jamming and Chopping
This is where the platinum series has the upper hand over the Tippmann 98 custom. It introduces the new anti-chop technology – ACT, which is a design that helps to prevent ball chopping and provides a consistent shooting experience.
The specialty of this ACT is that it flawlessly maintains balls’ velocity throughout the shooting time and has an upgraded ball accuracy.
- Customizability
Customizability is something that makes both of these markers well-known in the world of paintball markers. Although they are not the latest and greatest, you can buy and attach upgraded parts to make it fit into your desired marker.
The small difference that lies here is that you will find a bit more upgrades for the Platinum series marker than the Tippmann 98 Custom.
Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Marker | Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series |
Pros
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Cons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the two paintball markers:
- What size of paintballs should be used with these?
As the user manual suggests, you should use a .68 caliber.
- Does the Tippmann 98 custom platinum series come with a barrel cover for the front?
Yes, it does.
- Do these paintball markers come with a cyclone feeder?
No, unfortunately, they do not. You will have to buy it separately.
- Are these markers better than Cronus?
Yes, we think both of them are better than Cronus.
- Will the package come with just the gun?
No, it comes with most of the things you need except the upgraded parts.
- Does the ACT make a real difference?
Yes, it really does. Without ACT, occasionally, you might see paintballs exploding out of the marker.
- Are both of these markers good for beginners?
Yes absolutely! They are perfect for anyone starting off and even for someone with some experience.
- Which CO2 tank would be suitable for these markers?
We would recommend you to buy about 20 oz CO2 tank, so it lasts you a while.
Final Words – Which One to Get?
After this thorough comparison, we hope you understand which one of these markers fits your needs. You have also probably come to the conclusion that these two have a lot of similarities with each other, and they do.
So, ultimately, it comes down to you and your budget. Although the Tippmann 98 Custom is a reliable, well-performing marker, with some extra dollar bills, you can get the slightly upgraded Platinum caliber one.
If you have some extra coins lying around, we will suggest that you purchase the Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series Paintball Gun.
You missed the real differences between the 2 markers.
The platinum has a cut away body for easier maintenance.
The basic has only one port for accessories so you will need a split t.