upgrade or get a new gun

I have a better question.  What is it that the 98 Custom cannot do now that you feel the A-5 will be able to do?  Not ripping on the markers here...but that's going to drive your upgrading decision. 

Perhaps there are certain key upgrades that will get your 98c to do what you want it to do for less than the A-5.  Perhaps the A-5 would need further upgrades to do what you are wanting it to do.  Perhaps you could upgrade the 98c but it would be cheaper to get the A-5 and do fewer upgrades to get what you want to achieve.  There are just too many variables here.

So, define what you want your marker to do and why you are upgrading (be it through mods or getting a new marker) and then perhaps these guys can give you some better choices.

Mike...here's the rundown as far as I can tell (any of you diehard Tippmann users please feel free to correct any misconceptions here).

Shoot further - Well, the 98C Flatline will generally give you more range than the A-5 Flatline.  A Flatline is the ONLY way you will get more range so even if you go out and get the A-5, the Flatline will still need to be purchased seperately.

Accuracy - Everything in life is a compromise.  The A-5 Flatline (since we discussed range) has better accuracy than the 98Cs.  However, most people will tell you that there are more accurate barrels out there for the A-5 and 98C, but of course none of them give you the extra range that a Flatline offers. 

Speed - I'm assuming you mean Rate Of Fire (ROF).  Out of the box the A-5 will give you a higher ROF since it has the cyclone feed on it.  Now, obviously you already have a hopper on  your 98C.  Is it electric?  A decent electric hopper like the Ricochet AK, will get you into the 12 Balls Per Second (BPS) range.  The Cyclone on the A-5 will feed up to 15 BPS.  Good luck acheiving that though with the mechanical trigger that comes with the A-5 though.  To get over about 12 BPS, you almost need to go to a Response Trigger (RT) or get an electric trigger.  Both options are available for the 98C and A-5.  I believe though it would take more than just an electronic trigger to get the 98C up to 15 BPS though. (the guys here can better explain this).

The question here is, what is better for you?  What is more important to you?  Lastly, how much do you want to spend? 

i would suggest the 98c   imean about the same stuff can b done and if oyu have money right now then just go for it with the 98    some suggestions for upgrades   

go for the E-grip (or whatever the equivalent is for the 98c)

x chamber

new barrel if you dont hav one ardy (lapco is my suggestion)

paintjob  (i saw a incredible white to blue fade that looked perfect)

dubbly finger  (before the auto thingy)

auto hopper  (halo or something)

you will be set

 keep your 98c... a-5 will jus make u spend more money....

 they are both very customizable but since your already have the 98 why not jus add to it.... you could turn your 98 into a kickass gun if u stick the right parts with it....