[dustyshouri]

So Christmas is coming and I'm thinking of maybe upgrading my marker. Right now I have a Tippmann 98 Custom, barebones. The only upgrade I have put into it was a $30 14" J&J ceramic(which I absolutely love). So... For around $200 or so(I'm not sure who in my family has what budgets), what should I do?

I'll note I already have:
> A solid mask. I managed to luck out and got a mask in a package with anti-fog. It's comfortable enough and no fog so I have absolutely no problem keeping it until it runs its course
> Ninja 68/4500 Carbon Fiber Tank
> No feeding hopper yet(but I intend to get one as well)

Okay. So I'll start out by saying I actually love my 98c. I got comfortable with the mechanical aspect of it, and I like the reliability. With my 98c and my J&J barrel I pretty much have to do zero maintenance during an entire day of playing, not even cleaning my barrel; and I haven't had a single break in the marker since I've had it(since about the beginning of the year).

On the otherhand my brother-in-law got a Fenix after many recommendations and while the gun itself performs fine he seems to experience a blown o-ring every single time we go out and play. It got bad enough he considered returning it and getting another marker. His cousin also got a speedball marker, but I sadly don't remember which one he got, and he had an absolute horrible experience with it. I really wish I could remember the name but it had eyes and all the apparently measures to prevent breaks in the marker, but they still happened EVERY single round. It was so bad that he had to sit out every other game just to completely strip and clean out his marker because it was getting so filled with paint it wouldn't shoot anymore. He eventually ended up just playing with a back-up marker we had laying around. So those experiences have left me a bit wary with upgrading to electronic/speedball markers.

I'll also note that I, myself, am on a budget as far as paintballing goes. I can't afford to pour paint all over the field constantly with the ramping and such speedball markers offer. So rate-of-fire is of no interest to me. So on top of that, as far as hoppers go I intend to get one of the cheaper ones; my interest is more about upgrading from gravity fed than keeping up with high fire-rates.

So what can you suggest for that range(~$200)? What should I know about speedball markers and such if I upgrade to them? What about the experiences with my brother-in-law and his cousin's markers? I've heard great things about the Fenix around these forums reading, but his experience wasn't as great. I want a good, quality marker, and more importantly one that is reliable. I love the reliability in my 98c and I love the mechanical feel, but I'm also aware most around here feel upgrading from a Tippmann to another Tippmann is a waste of money. Also what to do about my barrel? It was only $30, and I know that's chump-change as far as paintballing/barrels go, but would if I get another marker would it be cheaper to just get another barrel or look into converting attachments?

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 03 November 2012 - 06:10 PM

[Aulldeath]

For under $200, you can get used Mini, which is very light, and a great marker. Brother has one, and he loves it. Don't let people say it's too small for anyone other then little kids, my brother is older then I (I am 21), he's over 6 foot tall, and not a small person.

You can totally single finger your gun, just have 3 fingers under the trigger guard, and 1 on the trigger, that is how I use my Luxes.

The J&J is a nice barrel, certainly better then most stock barrel, especially a 98C's.

If you get a Mini, you really don't need to get any internal or external upgrades. Comes with a LED board, which is very simple to operate, just hold the button to turn on, hold to turn off, all you really need to know out of box.


They only thing with the mini, is that since you are only used to using the feel of the 98C, it will feel a little strange, but most will.

This post has been edited by Aulldeath: 03 November 2012 - 06:05 PM

[soccer9kt]

I'd go with a woodsball gun in the Smart Parts SP1... Possibly the best woodsball marker ever made. $124 on ANS gear right now and if you would add an apex... UH! thats just the gun to get right there... Or, you could go a different rout and get a used marker... An Invert Mini or a Proto Rail... Either one is a solid marker.

[Aulldeath]

soccer9kt, on 03 November 2012 - 06:17 PM, said:

I'd go with a woodsball gun in the Smart Parts SP1... Possibly the best woodsball marker ever made. $124 on ANS gear right now and if you would add an apex... UH! thats just the gun to get right there... Or, you could go a different rout and get a used marker... An Invert Mini or a Proto Rail... Either one is a solid marker.

Ooh ya, I forgot about the SP1.
If you really want to keep the feel of your 98C, definately go with the SP1. It's a hell of a lot quieter, smoother, softer on paint, just all around better.

I have one beside me right now.

The apex is not necessary if you only want to shoot normal.

You could probably do the $124 ANSgear Sp1, and pick up either a All American Freak or a Dye UL, makes the gun even more amazing. Just make sure you get them in Ion Threaded backs.

Would total to be just about or under $200.

[iNF]

G3's, G4's and mini's are good guns. I bought my G3 with a dye ultralight barrel for a little under $200. The gun is great. The only problems i had were the occasional bolt stick, (Fixed by upping the dwell and using nice lube. Even high ends experience bolt stick/airlock.) The power button being so hard to depress (Fixed by taking it out and sticking a washer into it) and my solonoid "sticking" or something which i fixed by re-lubing it. You can get a lot of nice used guns for around $200.

[dustyshouri]

Ah also if it's of any interest since this would be a gift for me they'd probably be interested in buying new, so I don't think used is a viable route to go. I'm taking a look at the SP1 right now, I have heard of the Mini so I'll look into that, but if it really is small(even if I could fit it) I'm not sure if I'd get it. My hands cramp up very easily and I'd really like to avoid that possibility.

Thanks!

So is there anything to know about this SP1? The one on ANS is fairly cheap but it lists three firing modes(semi, 3-burst and auto), but another site(paintball-online) doesn't list many of the same features. It's looking pretty nice, but I'm not quite sold on the feed being in the center, thought. I'm also curious as to what the 9-volt is needed for? And anything else I should maybe know about it compared to the 98c or the other options? Oh, and also what sort of barrel threading it uses?

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 03 November 2012 - 09:57 PM

[REDCOBRA]

How many times do you go paintballing in a month or two , do you play in winter? If you go more than 2 times a month and play in winter, I would suggest asking for cash and saving then buying a better marker than what you are looking at perhaps an ETEK or AXE ( they are poppets so the change from a tippmann to them won't be much). Don't go from low end to low end, I have gone through the bottom feeder circuit of paintball , it's not fun . Electro's are intimidating to many but honestly , they aren't that bad ; You have so many resources which can help you fix it if something goes wrong. Oh and also , Don't assume speedball markers have to go fast or ramp , You can set the BPS any way you like , you can even set it to the BPS of a 98c.

Trust me , Don't go low end to low end , You will just be stuck looking at other markers and wishing you had them instead of yours...

[dertydood]

The GOG envy is also a good choice. It's a bit lighter and will suit your needs much better if you ever decide to play speedball. Plus it's upgradeable to Blackheart which gives you all the firing modes you need + eye sensor.

[Aulldeath]

Dustyshouri, on 03 November 2012 - 09:45 PM, said:

Ah also if it's of any interest since this would be a gift for me they'd probably be interested in buying new, so I don't think used is a viable route to go. I'm taking a look at the SP1 right now, I have heard of the Mini so I'll look into that, but if it really is small(even if I could fit it) I'm not sure if I'd get it. My hands cramp up very easily and I'd really like to avoid that possibility.

Thanks!

So is there anything to know about this SP1? The one on ANS is fairly cheap but it lists three firing modes(semi, 3-burst and auto), but another site(paintball-online) doesn't list many of the same features. It's looking pretty nice, but I'm not quite sold on the feed being in the center, thought. I'm also curious as to what the 9-volt is needed for? And anything else I should maybe know about it compared to the 98c or the other options? Oh, and also what sort of barrel threading it uses?

The gun is electronic, the 9volt goes in the grip frame. All you do is remove 3 screws on the grips and there is a battery harness.
Nearly ALL higher end guns have a center feedneck, you are supposed to tilt the gun a little to aim down the gun.

It uses Ion Threads for the barrels.

Don't let the fact that it is electronic dissuade you, that gun can go through a lot. Rain, snow, dirt, pretty much anything. Just don't recommend you take it for a swim.

[fatalreaction]

lol guy's youre missing the semi obvious... i know you said a lot of guys don't like upgrading tippmanns but you could.... Rufus dawg center feed kit, Regulator, TechT hammer, and get a decent loader.... i'm not trying to come off as a troll, Newb, or catch a lot of heat for it, i feel their viable options, keep in mind tippmann effect campaigned pretty successfully with 98's for a long time

[slipknot414]

fatalreaction, on 04 November 2012 - 08:03 AM, said:

lol guy's youre missing the semi obvious... i know you said a lot of guys don't like upgrading tippmanns but you could.... Rufus dawg center feed kit, Regulator, TechT hammer, and get a decent loader.... i'm not trying to come off as a troll, Newb, or catch a lot of heat for it, i feel their viable options, keep in mind tippmann effect campaigned pretty successfully with 98's for a long time

you could also get the double trigger kit and a new barrel

This post has been edited by slipknot414: 04 November 2012 - 10:55 AM

[dustyshouri]

REDCOBRA, on 03 November 2012 - 11:34 PM, said:

How many times do you go paintballing in a month or two , do you play in winter? If you go more than 2 times a month and play in winter, I would suggest asking for cash and saving then buying a better marker than what you are looking at perhaps an ETEK or AXE ( they are poppets so the change from a tippmann to them won't be much). Don't go from low end to low end, I have gone through the bottom feeder circuit of paintball , it's not fun . Electro's are intimidating to many but honestly , they aren't that bad ; You have so many resources which can help you fix it if something goes wrong. Oh and also , Don't assume speedball markers have to go fast or ramp , You can set the BPS any way you like , you can even set it to the BPS of a 98c.

Trust me , Don't go low end to low end , You will just be stuck looking at other markers and wishing you had them instead of yours...

We were going about once a month in the spring/summer but had to take a break to save up some more money. I think we're doing some this winter but I doubt it'll be as often as we were playing in the summer. And while I'd love to save up for a more high-end gun I just don't think it's probable for me to go the route of the more expensive guns; at least right now. I'm just trying to think up some paintball gift ideas for Christmas, and asking for money wouldn't be likely.

I can understand the concern of upgrading sideways instead of upgrading up, but a jump from a $100 to a $500-700 gun is quite steep.

As for upgrading my Tippmann, I'd be more willing if the upgrades weren't so expensive. I plan to get a decent loader(that's not Tippmann proprietary), and double trigger isn't that much interest for me. The only interesting one is the e-trigger, but I'm not willing to shell out $100 for one when I could just get a better gun. I already have a great barrel as well so no point in getting a flatline or anything. Also as far as regulators go, wouldn't my Ninja tank handle the regulation anyways?

I'm looking at the GoG Envy(with blackheart http://www.ansgear.c...nvywbhboard.htm) right now. Anything I should know about that as far as reliability and such? The eXTCy is also in the same pricerange(http://www.ansgear.c...allgunextcy.htm) what's the differences? Also finding some more videos on the SP-1 and it's getting GREAT reviews, and also lead me to the G-1(which is a bit more at the end of the price-range... however I can't find an SP-1 with blackheart already installed, so after a blackheart purchase they're nearing the same price). So much too look into

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 04 November 2012 - 02:41 PM

[dertydood]

Dustyshouri, on 04 November 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:

REDCOBRA, on 03 November 2012 - 11:34 PM, said:

How many times do you go paintballing in a month or two , do you play in winter? If you go more than 2 times a month and play in winter, I would suggest asking for cash and saving then buying a better marker than what you are looking at perhaps an ETEK or AXE ( they are poppets so the change from a tippmann to them won't be much). Don't go from low end to low end, I have gone through the bottom feeder circuit of paintball , it's not fun . Electro's are intimidating to many but honestly , they aren't that bad ; You have so many resources which can help you fix it if something goes wrong. Oh and also , Don't assume speedball markers have to go fast or ramp , You can set the BPS any way you like , you can even set it to the BPS of a 98c.

Trust me , Don't go low end to low end , You will just be stuck looking at other markers and wishing you had them instead of yours...

We were going about once a month in the spring/summer but had to take a break to save up some more money. I think we're doing some this winter but I doubt it'll be as often as we were playing in the summer. And while I'd love to save up for a more high-end gun I just don't think it's probable for me to go the route of the more expensive guns; at least right now. I'm just trying to think up some paintball gift ideas for Christmas, and asking for money wouldn't be likely.

I can understand the concern of upgrading sideways instead of upgrading up, but a jump from a $100 to a $500-700 gun is quite steep.

As for upgrading my Tippmann, I'd be more willing if the upgrades weren't so expensive. I plan to get a decent loader(that's not Tippmann proprietary), and double trigger isn't that much interest for me. The only interesting one is the e-trigger, but I'm not willing to shell out $100 for one when I could just get a better gun. I already have a great barrel as well so no point in getting a flatline or anything. Also as far as regulators go, wouldn't my Ninja tank handle the regulation anyways?

I'm looking at the GoG Envy(with blackheart http://www.ansgear.c...nvywbhboard.htm) right now. Anything I should know about that as far as reliability and such? The eXTCy is also in the same pricerange(http://www.ansgear.c...allgunextcy.htm) what's the differences? Also finding some more videos on the SP-1 and it's getting GREAT reviews, and also lead me to the G-1(which is a bit more at the end of the price-range... however I can't find an SP-1 with blackheart already installed, so after a blackheart purchase they're nearing the same price). So much too look into

The cool thing about the extcy, is that it accepts many of the aftermarket parts that were designed for the ion, such as an upgraded bolt which will make it more efficient. The only problem, is that neither the excty or the envy accept autococker threaded barrels, which is pretty much the industry standard nowadays.

[dustyshouri]

Ah well right now I'll be honest, I'm either looking at the SP-1 or the G-1. The SP-1 looks AMAZING and is everything I want out of an upgrade: very reliable, miniscule amount of ball-breaking, mechanical feel of my 98c, and the 3-mode is just a nice topping for me.

However, if I'm looking at either the SP-1 or the G-1 which would be better? As I said the G-1 is obviously a bit more expensive(but I'm not fully aware of whatever budget relatives may be working with; though once I get a blackheart board for the SP-1 the prices are somewhat comparible). But since I don't know the budget I can pitch the SP-1 as low-end and G-1 as higher end. Does the G-1 do everything the SP-1 does, but better? I also watched an unboxing of it and I love the boxing.

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 04 November 2012 - 03:15 PM

[PieCars]

As far as I know, it's basically the same thing. Before it was the GoG G1, it was the Smart Parts SP-1, and it kinda just got re-released under a new name. Don't get me wrong, there are some differences, since the G1 is a newer release.

After doing some looking around, I found this thread: SP1 vs. G1

Hope I could be of some help!

EDIT: you mentioned you're on a budget, and you also like the mechanical aspect of the 98c. Have you considered playing pump?

This post has been edited by PieCars: 04 November 2012 - 04:43 PM

[dustyshouri]

Um, I have briefly looked into pump but I know it's a very different type of experience and not sure if I want to put money into it yet.

Okay so budget is apparently around $250. The SP-1 is way below that line(at least on ansgear, it's only $125) so I'm interested in upgrading it with the blackheart board... but I can't find any dealers with the SP-1 blackheart preinstalled on it. However the blackheart boards I'm looking at state they're for the G-1; would this be compatible with the SP-1, since I can't find any dealers are outright state that they're for the SP-1. And if I were to buy the board itself would it be difficult to install into the SP-1?

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 04 November 2012 - 05:21 PM

[fatalreaction]

i'd say the thing with 98 upgrades is that their the middle of the range when it comes to price plus their very simple to swap over... but one thing you get for the money is nearly bullet proof reliability

This post has been edited by fatalreaction: 04 November 2012 - 06:10 PM

[dustyshouri]

fatalreaction, on 04 November 2012 - 06:07 PM, said:

i'd say the thing with 98 upgrades is that their the middle of the range when it comes to price plus their very simple to swap over... but one thing you get for the money is nearly bullet proof reliability

As much as I love my 98c I think I'd rather a new gun. In fact for the price of the e-trigger I could just get the SP-1... I'll forever carry my 98c though for a back-up, especially since my group runs electronics that seem to fail a lot.

[fatalreaction]

well may i ask why are you wanting to go electronic? you can get very similar results with a response kit which is still mechanical, the only reason to go with something like an SP-1 or G-1 over a 98 is really rate of fire... and that "milsim" look with all the rails

This post has been edited by fatalreaction: 05 November 2012 - 12:26 AM

[dustyshouri]

fatalreaction, on 05 November 2012 - 12:24 AM, said:

well may i ask why are you wanting to go electronic? you can get very similar results with a response kit which is still mechanical, the only reason to go with something like an SP-1 or G-1 over a 98 is really rate of fire... and that "milsim" look with all the rails

Because I was looking for an upgrade in quality, and the SP-1 has everything the 98c has and so much more for a price comparable to just the e-trigger upgrade. I don't WANT to go electronic, but I was looking for a better marker and the SP-1 has everything I was looking for. It has the durability and feel of my 98c but with upgraded performance. The fact that most reviews praise it, and I can't seem to find anyone saying bad about it, helps reaffirm the recommendations. Honestly I was this close to going with an eNVy which was quite a bit different than what I was looking for, but I'm really glad someone pointed me towards the SP-1.

It'll suck to worry about a battery on top of everything else(especially if I also get an electronic feeder), but I think the pros outweigh the cons. I really don't want to keep pouring money into my 98c when I know eventually I'll end up with like $300 worth of upgrades and I could have gotten a much better marker instead. I'm especially not seeing the point when the SP-1 is just as reliable in terms of ball-breaks(or from what I've been reading, even better) and such as the 98c.

Another question though for those with the SP-1. If I get the SP-1 without the blackheart board, and install a blackheart board, does that mean I'll have two 9-volts in the marker, or does it hook up to the pre-existing wiring and battery set-up already in the marker?

This post has been edited by Dustyshouri: 05 November 2012 - 12:44 AM