What is Tippmann known for in paintball? Tippmann is the most recognizable name in mechanical paintball markers, built on rugged blowback designs that survive rental abuse and milsim conditions. Founded in 1986 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the brand has supplied entry-level guns to fields for almost forty years and remains the default starting point for new players.
If you are weighing Tippmann against the other major manufacturer most beginners consider, see our breakdown of Tippmann vs Planet Eclipse.
The Tippmann Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98 Custom | Mechanical | Rentals, first marker, mods | $130–$170 |
| Cronus | Mechanical | First-time buyers, budget kits | $120–$170 |
| Cronus Tactical | Mechanical | Milsim look, scenario play | $150–$200 |
| A5 | Mechanical | Cyclone-feed scenario players | $200–$280 |
| TMC | Mechanical magfed | Magfed and milsim | $230–$320 |
| TMC Elite | Mechanical magfed | Magfed players who want the upgraded body | $300–$380 |
| Stormer | Mechanical | Updated Cronus replacement | $130–$180 |
Brand History
Tippmann started as a half-scale machine gun manufacturer before pivoting to paintball in the late 1980s. The original Tippmann SMG-60 used .62-cal paint and was one of the first semi-automatic markers on the market. The company moved to .68 caliber, released the legendary Model 98 in 1998, and cemented itself as the industry’s workhorse brand.
GI Sportz acquired Tippmann in 2014, and after the GI Sportz/Tippmann Sports bankruptcy in 2020, the Tippmann brand was sold to Quantum Capital Partners. The current Tippmann USA operation continues to design, assemble, and ship markers from Indiana, and the lineup remains active with new releases like the Stormer and ongoing TMC variants.
The Core Models
Tippmann 98 Custom
The 98 Custom is the most-rented marker in paintball history. It is a blowback semi-auto with an aluminum receiver, in-line bolt, and a parts catalog so deep that almost any cosmetic or functional upgrade is available. Fields love it because it survives drops, mud, and indifferent maintenance. Players love it because it costs less than $170 and accepts every sight rail, stock, and barrel made for the platform.
The 98 is heavier than modern markers (around 3.5 lbs without air), and the blowback action kicks more than electronic guns. Neither matters for recreational or scenario play.
Tippmann Cronus and Stormer
The Cronus replaced the older Model 98 Tactical as Tippmann’s entry-level option and shows up in most beginner kits sold at big-box stores. The Stormer is a refresh of the same platform with cleaner ergonomics and an updated grip. Both are mechanical blowbacks with the same internals as a stripped-down 98. They are good first markers and honest values, but neither has the upgrade depth of the 98 Custom.
For a deeper look at where these fit, see our best paintball guns for beginners breakdown.
Tippmann A5
The A5 is a scenario and woodsball staple. Its claim to fame is the Cyclone Feed System, a mechanical hopper that ratchets fresh paint into the breech with each shot, eliminating the need for a battery-powered loader. The A5 also accepts response triggers and electronic upgrades that push its rate of fire well past stock spec.
A5 owners tend to keep their markers for years and modify them heavily. The A5 has a smaller current footprint than the 98 Custom but remains the brand’s flagship for milsim crowds.
Tippmann TMC and TMC Elite
The TMC is Tippmann’s magfed marker. It accepts both standard hoppers and 20-round magazines, which makes it a flexible pick for players who want to try magfed without committing fully. The TMC Elite adds an upgraded body, improved internals, and a higher price.
If magfed paintball is your interest, see our roundups on magfed paintball and best magfed paintball guns.
Why Tippmann Markers Last
Tippmann’s reputation is durability, and it is earned. The aluminum receiver, simple blowback action, and parts-friendly design mean a 98 Custom from 2005 can be repaired with off-the-shelf parts today. The trade-off is shot quality. Tippmann markers are louder, kick harder, and use more air per shot than electronic markers from Planet Eclipse, Dye, or SP. For most rental and recreational play, none of that matters.
Tippmanns also run on CO2, which is increasingly rare in modern paintball. Most premium markers require HPA. If you are buying your first tank, see our CO2 vs HPA comparison before committing.
Tippmann vs the Competition
Tippmann competes most directly with Spyder, Valken, and Empire on the entry-level mechanical end. It does not compete with Planet Eclipse, Dye, or SP on the high end because it does not make electronic tournament markers. Players who outgrow a Tippmann typically move to a Planet Eclipse Etha 3, Emek, or a Dye Rize CZR rather than upgrading inside the Tippmann lineup.
For specific head-to-heads, see Tippmann vs Planet Eclipse and our breakdown of the three types of paintball guns.
Who Should Buy a Tippmann
Buy a Tippmann if you want a marker that survives drops, takes upgrades cheaply, and runs on whatever air you can find. The 98 Custom remains the best value in mechanical paintball, the A5 is the best mechanical pick for scenario players, and the TMC is the cheapest serious entry into magfed.
Skip Tippmann if you want a smooth, quiet shot, a tournament-legal electronic trigger, or a marker under three pounds. Those are Planet Eclipse, Dye, and SP territory.
Tippmann FAQ
Are Tippmann paintball guns still made?
Yes. After the 2020 GI Sportz/Tippmann Sports bankruptcy, the Tippmann brand was sold to Quantum Capital Partners, and Tippmann USA continues to design and ship markers from Fort Wayne, Indiana. New releases like the Stormer have launched in recent years, and the 98 Custom, Cronus, A5, and TMC remain in active production.
What is the best Tippmann paintball gun?
The 98 Custom is the best Tippmann for most players because of its durability, low price, and unmatched upgrade catalog. The A5 is the best for scenario and woodsball players who want the Cyclone Feed System. The TMC is the best for magfed play.
Can Tippmann paintball guns shoot electronic?
Stock Tippmann markers are mechanical, but the 98 Custom and A5 both accept aftermarket electronic trigger frames (E-Grips and Response Triggers) that push rate of fire to 15+ BPS. These are tournament-legal in most recreational contexts but not at NXL or PSP events that require dedicated electronic markers.
Is Tippmann better than Spyder?
Tippmann is more durable and has a deeper aftermarket catalog. Spyder is lighter and cheaper but builds with thinner aluminum and fewer reinforcement points. For long-term ownership, Tippmann wins. For a one-season rental replacement, Spyder is acceptable.
What air does a Tippmann use?
Tippmanns run on either CO2 or HPA. The brand was designed in the CO2 era, and most models still tolerate CO2 better than modern electronic markers do. HPA is recommended for cold weather and high rates of fire because CO2 pressure drops in cold conditions.
