i recently bought a 98 custom and i read that everyone wants to know about it (newbies) so i have compiled this list of 98c ups/downs... the 98c is a good gun for beginners (wish i would have gotten it instead of that damn piranha) it is good because you can customize the whole gun, which is why i bought it. if you buy it, get a different barrel because the stock barrel is not what we'd like to call excellent. the trigger could use some work too but its not bad. it is kind of a pain in the ass to take apart, but it's all right. i couldnt compare it to a spyder, because ive never used one... the sight isnt all that great, and the second handle is a little close, but i have long arms. it is a good starter gun and i would recommend it to the newbies(or maybe a spyder?)