Is an a-5 good to start?

I'm kind of partial to the 98's.  I would say get the 98 Pro-E if you have the money, or just the Pro-basic and upgrade to an e-trigger when you get the money.  I'm not a big fan of the Cyclone hopper, either.  If you got the 98, you could up the hopper to something that could eventually go on another high end gun, when you eventually upgrade your marker, too.  However, either way, 98 Pro or the A-5, you can't go wrong.  You may not shoot as fast as a higher end marker, but you'll easily be able to upgrade, fix and maintain it, all by yourself.  I see more high-end markers go into the shop for repairs, than I see the Tippies.  Also, the Tippies can take one heck of a beating and still fire great.  Believe me, if your a woodsballer, you'll be plucking off just as many people as those with DM5's.  Speedball is where you might be a little behind on the curve...

The A-5 is one of the best guns made. If however, you're short on cash, a 98Custom is about as good; it will almost never break and is very easy to maintain/customize.