a new 98 Custom. From what I understand it's now all about the upgrades. I play at a park that is 50-50 woods to speed and want to build the 98 so that it's a solid marker in both environments. Any recommendations for upgrades would be helpful even if it's, "you don't need anything, it's fine right out of the box."

I would first sugest a better barrel and a reddot site. if you want more then I would get a Response Trigger and some kind of a better hopper.

I have a 98 custom with out the picatinny rail on top and want to put a sight on. How can I do that cheaply (I already have a sight but the mount is for a picatinny rail. Could I attach a picaatinny rail (like the ones for regular hand guards on an M16) like this.. TAPCO WEAPONS ACCESSORIES : 3-PIECE RAIL SET - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

I want to put the sight on the receiver Not the barrel

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Guns I have: 98 custom X2
Guns I want: not enough room in this sig

I'd get a barrel and a hopper ( cyclone or motorized ) and then spend your money on air and balls. Red dots don't help much IMO, and rails and crap just add weight.

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cyclone, a barrel, and don't forget to get HPA if you haven't done so already. A 68/45 ninja is great. If you are going to play speedball I suggest you get a short barrel as in under 12". The tippmann 98 doesn't weigh a whole lot more than a "speedball" gun, but the added length makes it more awkward to run. ( I have noticed this once i started using my etek)and Also get an e-grip. I suggest the APE Rampage Board IMO for the same price that tippmann gives you you are getting a better deal

yes, red dots do help a whole lot. some people just prefer to miss more.

I recommend a new barrel too, but think a regulator should be second. It'll make that new barrel show its true potential, and is good investment in the long run as it'll help with shot to shot consistency, which means more balls on target and less wasted. You may or may not want stock, thats up to you, as I think the performance increase is debatable.
And if you want to put shrouds on there I say go for it, just be sure it works for you and that the added weight doesn't hinder your performance/comfort. Also if you buy something you don't want or doesn't work for you there's a great buy sale and trade section on here.

Good luck, have fun, and welcome to the forum.
O, and heres some rep to get you started.

So your trying to say that he'll miss without a red dot? lol wow.

I can line up just fine and faster by just looking down the barrel, Ive made some very impressive shots like that. If you have time to line up with a red dot then you hae plenty of time to just line up your targets with the barrel.

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an obama? whats that?

if you just walk in your shots all the time you give the other guy warning to duck. with a reddot you can make the first shot count.

What im saying though is that you don't always have to walk in your shots,

Ive made like a 35yard shot by just lining up with my barrel I took 3 shots and all hit the guy I was shooting at, If you know where your gun shoots I personally dont think you need a red dot. If you like them and they help your game than thats great! But when your saying that without a red dot your just spraying and praying thats not true.

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an obama? whats that?