Compare the Empire Trracer and Tippmann 98 Custom Basic side by side: price, specs, firing modes, weight, and maintenance — and see which paintball gun is the better buy for your style of play.
| Empire Trracer | Tippmann 98 Custom Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Budget | Budget |
| Typical Price | $60-110 (used) | $85-130 |
| Operation | Pump (blowforward) | Mechanical inline blowback |
| Firing Modes | pump | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Gravity hopper | Gravity hopper |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA/CO2 |
| Operating Pressure | ~300 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 2.4 lb | 3 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
The Empire Trracer and Tippmann 98 Custom Basic are both budget paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. The two land close enough on price that cost alone is unlikely to settle it. For a higher rate of fire and tournament-style play, the Tippmann 98 Custom Basic pulls ahead with its electronic firing modes, while the Empire Trracer keeps things simpler and more rugged. At 2.4 lb the Empire Trracer is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire Trracer is built with casual pump and rec in mind. The Tippmann 98 Custom Basic is built with rentals and budget woodsball in mind. Bottom line: pick the Tippmann 98 Custom Basic for rate of fire and tournament play, or the Empire Trracer for all-day comfort.