| 68Caliber.com Reviews
The Platinum Series is Tippmann's ultimate interpretation of the Model 98 design. Every part of the marker was looked at when Tippmann engineers went about the task of improving the 98 design. Among the changes made were simplifying field stripping of the marker by adding a cut in the left side of the die-cast receiver so that you don't have to completely split the marker in half to service the hammer or install upgrades like an electronic trigger. This alone is a major improvement over previous M98's, since all too often when splitting the receiver, the front sight spring or ball detent would get lost or out of position. Removing 5 screws gives the player full access to the gripframe and hammer. Reassembly is greatly simplified as well, since you don't have to juggle the marker's internals around while making sure the detent and front site spring stay in place. Tippmann remade the casting molds for the M98, including cutouts for intstalling various trigger groups like RT and their well-known electronic grip. A picatinny rail sits on top of the marker, which has become the standard for adding accessories like sights, carry handles and the like. It also protects the front sight, which also functions as a release for the feedneck. Now it's less likely to bump the marker and have the hopper fall off, which in a game situation could not only prove to be extremely embarrassing, but would effectively take you out of the game. The Platinum Series also incorporates Tippmann's A.C.T., which is an anti-chop technology that keeps the marker's bolt from chopping a ball if one doesn't fall completely into the breech from the hopper. The rear cap now incorporates a sling mount so various types of assault slings can be used on this marker. Even the ultra-reliable powertube valve was redesigned and simplified, now using the gas line to hold it in place and saving players from removing two more screws to remove the valve for servicing. On the right side of the receiver there are two tapped holes with plugs in them, to make installing an RT option a much simpler exercise. Out of the box, the Platinum series comes with a hopper and the stock barrel, which is 8.5" long and has a much improved internal finish over earlier M98 stock barrels. Tippmann uses a stone honing process on their stock barrels now, which accounts for the improved internal finish. All that's required to go out and play is a CO2 bottle/HPA bottle, paint and a mask. With the marker's short barrel, long body setup, it has a distinctive tommy gun feel, especially when firing from the hip. In stock configuration, the stock non-motorized hopper is more than adequate to keep up with the single mechanical trigger. For this review we tested the marker as stock, but with the addition of either an RT or Electronic trigger, stepping up to a motorized or force-feed hopper would be necessary.
With additions of accessories recoil would become less prevalent because of the added weight. Adding a stock would be helpful as well, since it'd give more control of the marker. As expected, perceived accuracy was worst with the stock barrel and the RecSport. We added an aftermarket 14” Tippmann Sniper barrel that normally sees duty on my personal '99 model M98, "Fat Bastard". With this barrel pointability and perceived accuracy improved, but at the cost of overall marker length. For the typical M98 user, this is a plus since a long, rifle-like feel is precisely what scenario and mil-sim players want. Along with the marker itself, Tippmann made improvements to their Flatline barrel system, fitting it with 98 acme threads to make installing a Flatline a screw-on proposition. During testing we didn't encounter one ball break or failure to feed, since the relatively heavy recoil of the marker did a fine job of keeping paint agitated in the hopper. The 98 Platinum Series is a loud marker with the stock barrel, but the addition of the 14" Tippmann Sniper barrel reduced sound signature somewhat. Tippmanns have a distinctive 'chunk' sound when firing, and RT and Electronically triggered 98's have that distinctive chattering roar which makes them popular in Mil-Sim and Scenario Circles. In the Scenario and Mil-Sim World, the Tippmann name is revered for the rock-solid reliability and upgradeability that players want. With the Custom 98 Platinum Series, Tippmann took the already legendary reliability and upgradability of the 98 to the next level. For those wanting the easiest path to upgrade and play with a reliable marker, the Platinum Series is where it's at. MSRP for the basic Custom 98 Platinum Series is set at $169, with other configurations that include an E-grip and other upgrades and accessories costing more. The stock finish is a matte black, but the Platinum Series can also be ordered with a DigiCam camouflage finish. For more information on the Tippmann Custom 98 Platinum Series, check out www.tippmann.com © Copyright 1999 - 2006, 68Caliber.Com |
