Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Tippmann Introduces Next-Generation 98 Custom Paintball Marker


New Platinum Series improves legendary Tippmann paintball marker with eight all-new features

BUFFALO GROVE, IL - Tippmann Sports is proud to announce that the company's legendary Tippmann 98 Custom paintball marker has been significantly enhanced with several new features. Tippmann's new 98 Custom Platinum Series is a next-generation paintball marker that combines everything players have long respected about the original 98 with eight exciting new features - all added to make the marker easier to upgrade, modify and maintain. The most significant change is a new Split Receiver Design, which provides easier access to internal components for simplified installation of accessories and upgrades such as electronics, stocks, magazines and other modifications.

"We're really excited about the 98 Custom Platinum Series," said Denny Tippmann, Jr., Senior Vice President of Research and Development. "When designing this marker, we needed to be careful to maintain the integrity of the original 98 while incorporating some pretty significant enhancements - and we've accomplished just that. In fact, many of the changes incorporated came from longtime 98 users who had some great suggestions."

In addition to the Split Receiver Design, other new features incorporated into the 98 Custom Platinum Series, include:
An Easy-to-Remove Power Tube Design with self-sealing/locking gas line, which makes cleaning and maintaining the marker quick and easy;
Full Depth Pockets for ASA, which eliminates the need to loosen the ASA bolts when disassembling the marker;
Secure Front Sight Spring and Trigger Pins, which makes the marker easier to service and reassemble;
New Barrel Porting and a Matte Finish, which improves marker air efficiency and reduces reflective glare;
Picatinny Rails, which makes adding a carry handle, scopes and other accessories a snap;
Redesigned, Vertical Front Grip, which offers improved stability and added texture for a more secure feel;
Redesigning Sling Mount End Cap, which allows players to easily attach a variety of different sling styles.

Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series

In conjunction with the launch of the 98 Custom Platinum Series, Tippmann is also introducing a new Quick Thread Flatline Barrel, which attaches as easily as any other barrel to save players significant time and effort.

"Initial response to the new 98 has been extremely positive," Tippmann added. "We expect the 98 Platinum Series to appeal to a broad range of players - from newer players who seek out durability and ease-of-use to more seasoned players who really respect the 98's proven performance and reliability."

All of the new Platinum Series enhancements will be incorporated into Tippmann's complete lineup of Tippmann 98 paintball markers - including the 98 Custom Pro, 98 Custom Tactical Edition and Ultra Basic models - beginning February 2008. Tippmann will also be rolling out a durable new rental marker, which offers the same features found in the new 98 Custom Platinum Series with the exception of the Picatinny Rail and the Sling Mount End Cap.

Tippmann Extends Marker Warranty to Two Years


New industry-leading warranty offers players added confidence and peace of mind

BUFFALO GROVE, IL - Tippmann Sports recently announced that the company will be standing behind its legendary Tippmann branded paintball markers with a new, industry leading two-year warranty. The first-of-its kind warranty, which will be prominently highlighted on all product packaging as well as the company's print advertisements and website, officially went into effect on January 1, 2008. There will also be a grace period to cover those players who purchased a new Tippmann paintball marker in late 2007.

"Our exclusive two-year warranty really speaks for itself," said Patrick Ehren, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Tippmann Sports. "We're extremely confident when it comes to the durability and reliability of our products - our markers have proven themselves in the field for more than 20 years. "In today's environment, as consumers are making their purchasing decisions, they want to know they won't be abandoned by the manufacturer after the purchase. This new warranty gives them that peace-of-mind and sends a very clear message that Tippmann stands behind its products. The level of support and service our company provides is simply unparalleled in the paintball industry."

For additional details, consumers are encouraged to speak with a certified Tippmann dealer, or simply call the company at 1-800-533-4831. Those who recently purchased a Tippmann marker, but haven't activated their warranty are encouraged to register today in the Customer Service section of Tippmann's website - www.tippmann.com

For more than 20 years, Tippmann Sports has been dedicated to quality manufacturing and the pursuit of cutting-edge technology and design. The company serves the paintball industry from its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tippmann Sports' complete line of paintball markers and related accessories can be found at paintball stores and fields as well as mass retail and sporting goods outlets throughout the world.

TSSOC partners with Lapco Paintball for 2008!


TSSOC partners with Lapco Paintball for 2008!TSSOC has partnered with Lapco Paintball, manufacturers of the most accurate and versatile barrels in the industry, including the legendary Big Shot, the two-piece Snap Shot, and the latest edition - the Apex-ready Big Shot. This barrel combines the accuracy, distance and reliability of the .689 bore Big Shot with the ability to add the control and versatility of the Apex tip. Lapco continues to set the standard in barrel design and performance!

"LAPCO is happy to announce our partnership with TSSOC. We searched for an elite team that represented teamwork, respect, community, and above all else, is out there to have a good time. We’re positive TSSOC will represent our company well and lookout for them on the east coast in 2008!" said Paul Schinkel, Sales and Marketing Manager for Lapco.

In addition to legendary barrels, Lapco manufactures other mil-sim accessories including sight rails, mag kits, grips and bottom-line adapters for a number of markers including the Tippmann paintball product line. Tri-State Special Operations Command will be using Lapco barrels and marker accessories at all 2008 scenario events.

http://www.tristatespecops.com/

T.S.S.O.C. becomes Tippmann Sponsored Team

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

new to paintball, what tippmann paintball gun should i get?


"I personally love Prolites and 68-carbines, which can still be found on ebay quite cheap. Most people will point you in the direction of a tippmann 98 custom as a first gun. I'm not fond of their ergonomics but I can attest that they'll go through literally millions of rounds before something goes wrong."

"Out of anything Tippmann has ever made, I'd have to cast my vote for the Pro/Carbine's as well. If you want something that IS still in production, then the Tippmann A5 paintball gun is probably a good choice. I'd steer clear of the Tippmann X7 paintball gun and their newest Army gun whatever it's called. The quality control on those seems to be lacking."

"I agree with all of the above. The Tippmann 98 custom will be the easiest tippmann semi to work on but the SL will be the easiest of all. In my tear down kit for the SL I have a 1/2" dowel rod for popping out the valve and a 3/16"(?) wrench and thats all. I can pull a sl apart in about 15 seconds if I practiced enough. I could have it back together in less than 30 and I am positive about that.

But you might never "need" to take it more apart than removing the barrel and bolt.

The guns mentioned in the other posts are bomb proof.

I cant reccomend the Tippmann A5 paintball gun especially for a beginner."

"Having owned a couple tippmann a-5's i'd honestly recommend them as a beginner (no offence chem-x)

they seem to work well and you just need to put a couple drops of oil in them every once in awhile, and with the cyclone you shouldnt have to worry about out shooting the gun and chopping that way (barrel breaks could happen but that depends on paint)

the only thing ive found complex on some is the vert air adapter with the oring,washer and spring other then that you shouldnt have any problem with disasembly and assembly plus they are very upgradable

hope this helps and if youve got any questions feel free to shoot me a pm"

"Having owned/used Tippmann 98's, A-5's, and Pro/Carbines, I like the Pro/Carbine the best. Better construction (extruded aluminum vs cast aluminum) which leads to better tolerances and thus better consistency and performance. They are absolute tanks. I've never seen one go down. The local field still has a few left in the back as emergency rentals. Recently at a big scenario, they ran out of rental 98's and loaned out some Carbines. They obviously hadn't been serviced or used in ages, and yet they all worked flawlessly. The rental 98's, though used more and maintained more frequently, had more issues. The A-5's I've seen have had more issues yet.

If you are looking for sheer reliability, the Pro/Carbine is champ. But it suffers from a heavy trigger pull (can be fixed with new springs), few aftermarket parts, and it is out of production so it might be harder to find.

My order of recommendation is Pro/Carbine, Tippmann A-5 paintball gun, then 98. The A-5 comes before the 98 because it has the cyclone feed, which when working properly, will allow you to shoot basically as fast as you can pull the trigger.

If you just want to get an easy to find gun, go play, and have some room for the marker to grow with you, then I recommend the Tippmann A-5 paintball gun."

"Not to turn this into a vs thread, but personally, I'd go with a Spyder instead of a Tippmann (since that's what I did when I was new). They're not quite as rugged, nor quite as mil-sim'able (if that's what you're going for), but they are ridiculously cheap (<$100 for an electronic or <$75 for a mechanical on eBay NIB) and SUPER easy to maintain. Personally, the only thing I think newer Tippmann's have going for them is the Flatline (and Apex tips now pretty much bring this to any marker you want), durability and Cyclone feed. They are set up so you can run over them with a truck and they still work, but if you ever do need to field strip them (especially 98s) it's a pain. Spyder paintball guns are pull one quick strip pin, slide out internals, swab, lube, reinsert. There are lots of upgrade and customization options available for Spyders, making them a great newbie marker out of the box and something that can grow with you. Anything from aftermarket bolt-ons to Spimmy (electropneumatic, ala Intimidator) and pump conversions can be done.

If you insist on going Tippmann, I'd spring for the A5 with a Flatline. It's very prolific so parts and upgrades are plentiful, you won't need an expensive hopper thanks to the cyclone feed, and while it's newish it's still pretty well proven to be durable. Older models such as the 98 or prolite/carbine are going to be cheaper, but the older you go the more money you're probably going to want to spend on upgrades or peripherals. Also, parts for anything before 98s can be tricky to find. This part is purely my opinion, but the ergonomics are much better than the 98; the A5 is set up to be aimed, the 98 is set up to be shot from the hip Rambo style. I'm a big fan of the much older Tippmanns (SMG, 68 Special, Factory F/A) but I think they started going awry when they tried to "dumb-down" their markers and relegated themselves to rental/newbie status with the 98 series. The A5 is a step in the right direction, although I'm not sure the Tippmann X7 paintball gun and new Alpha are following in it's footsteps.

How much $$ are you looking to spend? That will determine what you can get to some extent."

via http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/tippmann/30751-new-paintball-what-tippmann-should-i-get.html