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Tippman 98 custom vs Alpha Black
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markermom View Drop Down
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    Posted: 18 October 2009 at 11:05am
I'm a mom of a boy who is new to the world of paint ball. He has a Tippman 98, but now is interested in the Alpha Black US Army version. I'd like to know more about the pros and cons of each and how they compare before he sells one to buy the other.  Thanks!
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oldpbnoob View Drop Down
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Not old, Not noob. May be Dave's grandma

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One big con is that fact that the resale on the 98 is going to be dismal. Depending on the model, used 98's sell for as low as $40-50.  There honestly is no functional difference between the two markers. Essentially the AB is a 98 in "Milsim" garb. The internals are nearly identical as is the performance, the AB just looks more like a real gun. If he has his heart set on an AB or Project Salvo(another derivative of the AB), you may want to consider looking at buying a used one off of Ebay. The AB's have only been out for a year or so, but used ones can be had reasonably as the resale is a bit low as well. Maybe you could even check local shops in your area, they may be willing to trade flat out or with a little adding depending on what upgrades the 98 has. Keep in mind, that technically, the 98 is a more expensive marker... as the AB is partially sponsored by the U.S. Army as a cheap introduction into the sport.
 
One downside of the AB/PS is that they are pretty much what you get. If he changes his mind later on and doesn't want a military styled marker he will be SOL, surely outta luck. They can be upgraded with ROF (rate of fire) mods such as E-triggers, Response Triggers(salvo only), but you cannot get away from the Milsim look of them.  
 
As a parent, I know how fickle kids can be. Good luck with it.
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.
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markermom View Drop Down
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Points: 2 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote markermom Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 October 2009 at 12:03pm
Thanks much!  What are the kinds of things that one would want to upgrade or change on the 98 and can't be changed on the AB?

My son also says, "Thank you for responding to us and telling us about it. Maybe I'll keep the 98 after all, but I'm still looking for a pretty good looking machine gun. Thanks."
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Listed below are some modifications that I have made to my 98.  All together I have put an additional $250-$300 into my gun (not quite sure what you are wanting to spend).  With these upgrades I am able to shoot fully automatic at around 15-20 balls per second.  From what I gather, your son is intrested in an automatic and with the stock and 14" barrel it gives it a more realistic "machine gun" look.  Hope I was helpful!
My 98c ACT setup:

E-Grip w/W.A.S.
Cyclone Feeder
Squishy Paddles
TechT Vortex Mod
Expansion Chamber
6 Point Car Stock
J&J 14" Ceramic Barrel
Polished Internals
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oldpbnoob View Drop Down
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Points: 5676 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldpbnoob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 October 2009 at 3:02pm
Originally posted by markermom markermom wrote:

Thanks much!  What are the kinds of things that one would want to upgrade or change on the 98 and can't be changed on the AB?

My son also says, "Thank you for responding to us and telling us about it. Maybe I'll keep the 98 after all, but I'm still looking for a pretty good looking machine gun. Thanks."
Basically, it is an appearance thing. 98's can be geared more towards a Speedballish look whereas the AB is essentially always going to look like a "gun". There are some other things such as expansion chambers that won't fit the AB. Not really much beyond that. About the only thing you are gaining from the AB is out of the box resemblance to an M4/M16 gun, and a lower initial price, but since he already has the 98, that is negated. What model exactly does he have? If he has his heart set on something that looks like a  real gun, there are upgrades that can be added. Keep in mind few if any of these 'upgrades" actually do anything for the performance of the marker. Stocks, foregrips, carry handles etc, can all be added to 98's, but none of them add any real performance and put more weight on the marker. It sounds as if your son is fairly young and more weight can add to discomfort. If this is the case, lighter is actually better.
 
 
 
 
 
 
"When I grow up I want to marry a rich man and live in a condor next to the beach" -- My 7yr old daughter.
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