The stock barrel on a Tippmann 98 Custom is the weakest part of an otherwise bulletproof marker. It’s short, unported, and not bore-matched to paintballs. Swap it and you’ll see immediate improvements in range and accuracy without touching the internals.
The three barrels below are the actual upgrades worth buying. Everything else is either a minor change or a rebranded version of one of these. All three use standard Tippmann 98 threading, so they drop in without adapters.
| Barrel | Best for | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Apex 2 | Versatility, trick shots | 14” or 18” | Adjustable porting lets you curve shots |
| Tippmann Flatline | Pure range (+30ft) | 13” | Internal curve imparts backspin |
| Tippmann 16” Sniper | Accuracy, quiet shots | 16” | Smooth bore, ported muzzle |
Empire Apex 2 Barrel System
The Best Tippmann 98 Custom Barrels
#1: Empire Apex 2 Barrel System
Perfection, thy name is Apex.
The Empire Apex 2 Barrel System is the best aftermarket barrel upgrade for the Tippmann 98 Custom, and it isn’t that close (maybe with one exception, our first runner-up below).
What makes the Apex 2 so great?
- Comes in either 14″ or 18″ barrel lengths, though 14″ is all you’ll really ever need
- Adjustable ramp switch gives you 9 levels to customize your curve and spin
- Redesigned internal section for longer, flatter shots on top of those reality-bending curves
- Easy, tool-less disassembly
- Durable aluminum construction
The best criticism I’ve ever seen for the Apex 2? The adjustable ramp switch is too good and you might get carried away with fancy trick shots.
Case closed. This Tippmann 98 Custom Apex barrel is one of the best 98 Custom aftermarket parts, period.
#2: Tippmann Model 98 Platinum Flatline Barrel
Tippmann Model 98 Platinum Flatline Barrel
Designed for range and accuracy, the Tippmann Model 98 Platinum Flatline Barrel is designed for the Tippmann 98 Custom and Tippmann 98 Custom Pro. It’s different than the Flatline Barrel upgrade for the A5, which also made our list of the best barrels for the Tippmann A5.
The Flatline works by increasing backspin on your paint, which increases your range by 30 feet or more compared to the stock 98 Custom barrel and other lower-quality 98 Custom aftermarket barrels. The Flatline doesn’t quite have the range or trick shot prowess of the Empire Apex 2 Barrel System, but that’s why I picked the Apex for best Tippmann 98 Custom barrel.
#3: Tippmann 16″ Sniper Barrel
Tippmann 16″ Sniper Barrel
The top Tippmann 98 Custom long barrel, the 16″ Tippmann Sniper upgrade gives you better accuracy downrange thanks to its high-polish, smoothed-out inner bore and channeled muzzle porting, the latter of which also reduces sound for improved stealth.
Note that the Tippmann 16″ Sniper Barrel for the 98 Custom isn’t the longest 98 Custom barrel (the Empire Apex 2 has an 18″ barrel system as well), but you won’t see much (or any) improved accuracy with a 2″ longer barrel.
Related Reading
- Best paintball barrels for accuracy — barrel picks across markers
- Best barrel for Tippmann A5 — same question for the A5 platform
- Best paintball guns — if the 98 Custom isn’t working for you anymore