Investing in the finest paintball equipment may have a major impact on your performance and experience.
Well today, we’ll look at the best paintball hoppers, which are quite a vital part of your gear. A paintball hopper is essentially your magazine.
It stores many paintballs (capacity is dependent on the model), which drop into your paintball gun right before you fire it.
If the hopper isn’t very good, your paintballs might not drop smoothly enough for your marker to fire. Or it just might not hold enough paintballs for the entire session. The worse would be if it was too heavy!
There are many ways in which a paintball hopper can affect your game. So it’s important to ensure you pick a good one.
Well I’ve done a lot of research and comparison, as well as performed some of my own hands-on tests, and these are the best paintball hoppers out there.
Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Hopper
If you’re looking for a paintball hopper that is excellent but don’t mind the cost, then the Virtue Spire IV is for you.
In terms of performance, this electronic paintball hopper is one of the best out there. It stands out due to it’s consistency, dependability and ease of operation.
The Proactive Feeding logic enables the hopper to start feeding the instant the first shot is fired and continues to provide automatically without relying on continuous sensor readings until the stack is complete.
The assembly and disassembly process is a breathe of fresh air as it is is quick and easy.
It comes with a large capacity of 220 or 280 rounds depending on which option you choose. Do note the 280 hopper is slightly larger in size.
The Virtue Spire IV’s durability has certainly improved from previous models.
Notable Features
- Proactive Feeding Logic
- Capacity: 220-180 paintballs
- Feed rate: 15 balls/second
- Jam Proof Feeding
- 3-eye feeding technology
- Toolless lid
- Compatible with the N Charge Battery Pack
Dye Proto Primo
The Dye Proto Primo Paintball Hopper is an excellent low-cost solution. The loader, which sorts and funnels paintballs as you fire, enabling a constant vertical feed, is a significant plus point.
What’s better is that since it’s gravity-fed, you won’t have to worry about battery life. Even without batteries, it still runs flawlessly.
In addition, the Dye Proto Primo hopper has a fast feed rate and is simple to refill. It also has quite a big hole that enables it to blast more than 8 balls per second. It is, nevertheless, somewhat heavier than comparable hoppers on the market.
The hopper has a large capacity and holds up to 200 paintballs.
This hopper is perfect for anybody new to paintball and wants something reliable and easy to pick up on day one.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 8 balls/second
- Spring-loaded lid
- Comes in multiple colors
- Works without batteries or motor
Tippmann Cyclone Feeder System
The Tippmann Cyclone Feeder System is easy to suggest. This loader is a great option, especially for Project Salvo, Alpha Black Elite, and Custom 98 paintball markers.
Given that it does not require batteries, it is convenient and user-friendly.
It also has an air-assisted loading mechanism that reliably feeds paint into your paintball gun at a rate of up to 15bps.
The feeder sprocket is linked to the hopper’s air system, which is a huge plus since it ensures a more synchronized ball feed.
Most people who have used this paintball hopper claim it works well on the paintball field. It can fire at a high rate without causing the hopper to stop feeding.
It also has a high feed rate and a jam-clearing system, and it’s waterproof so that you can use it in any weather.
This hopper is ideal for anyone who goes out into harsh elements with their paintball and wants their hopper protected from nasty weather.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 15 balls/second
- Synchronized ball feed
- No batteries required
- Quick-release elbow
Empire Paintball Prophecy Z2
The Empire Paintball Prophecy Z2 Gun Hopper is one of your better options, particularly if you’re looking for something sturdy with a fast feed rate.
The hopper can carry up to 200 paintballs at a time, making it ideal for extended competitive games. The small profile will make moving around the playing field more effortless than ever before.
It also has a sound-activated function and the ability to shoot quickly. One disadvantage, however, is that the battery casing quality is very average.
This hopper is perfect for anyone who wants one that will last a long time, can hold hefty loads, and feed quickly.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 40 balls/second
- Available in multiple colors
- Automatically clears most jams
- Ultra-lightweight design
Bunkerlings CTRL Electronic Hopper
First up, this Bunkerlings CTRL Electronic Paintball Hopper is undoubtedly a head-turner. It is one of the smallest and lightest loaders in the market today. Pro tip: a smaller hopper enables a better view and makes you a smaller target for opponents!
The RRP price is too high for my liking. However, if discounted to something around the $200 mark and below, I think it’s worth considering.
The CTRL has an angle indicator, a gyro-system that tells you when it has been positioned level, which will help you make the first shot the right shot.
Above all, the logic feeding system is proven and awesome. It’ll feed your marker as soon as it starts shooting rather than waiting on the shot activation, making your paintball marker a little quicker and more responsive.
A spring ramp (link) is a must for going through the last few paintballs.
Notable Features
- Enhanced Proactive Feeding Logic
- Capacity: 200 paintballs (pretty impressive considering the size of these)
- Weight: 14.4oz
- Jam Proo Feeding
- Upgraded glass-filled nylon lid
Empire 2017 Halo Too Paintball Loader
At this price point, it is one of the best intermediate loaders on the market.
Featuring a rip drive at the bottom lets its user quickly fix jammed paintball issues.
The Halo Too uses a matte black polycarbonate shell that gives it that extra durability by being able to withstand hits easily.
One of the best things about this hopper is its toolless battery doors, giving you the ability to make battery changes and easy.
It feeds 20bps which helps the hopper keep up with all markers on the market.
Operationally, it is ultra-quiet.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 180 paintballs
- Feed rate: 20bps
- Tool-less battery doors
- Weight: 14oz
- Excellent battery life
- Very durable
DYE LT-R Electronic Paintball Hopper
The DYE LT-R paintball hopper is one of the best options if you want an electric paintball hopper.
The revolutionary loading technique is one feature that sets the DYE LT-R distinct from the competition. This kind of technology combines high functionality with excellent dependability and feed rates.
Mind-blowingly, more than 30 balls can be fired per second using the hopper.
It’s also excellent in terms of battery efficiency. It’s primarily because it just takes three AA batteries to operate.
The hopper will generate more than 80,000 balls shot count at total battery capacity.
The hopper also boasts tool-free maintenance. This is in the form of uncomplicated, intuitive, and quick assembly or disassembly procedures and experience.
With just a single button press and a simple locking tab slide, you’ll be able to clean it easily.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 30+ balls/second
- Anti-jam trigger
- Tool-less assembly
- 100,000 shots on just three AA batteries
Tippmann SSL-200
The Tippmann SSL-200 paintball loader has many great features you will want to take advantage of.
It uses bend sensor technology to activate the loader and avoid paintball jams and chopping.
Another notable feature of the paintball loader is the adjustable O-ring neck for a snug fit on most markers.
The fact that it is lightweight is a significant benefit that makes it easy to handle. Additionally, its quiet operation provides you with the added assurance that you’ll always be discreet.
The LED low battery indication is an added benefit.
This hopper is perfect for anyone looking for a reasonably priced, smooth loading system.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 15 balls/second
- Runs on just one 9v battery
- Fits upon most guns on the market
- LED on/off battery indicator
- Quiet operation
Virtue Spire IR² Electronic
You should look to the Virtue Spire IR² if you’re seeking one of the finest paintball hoppers on the market.
It’s one of the most dependable hoppers with a stunningly sleek appearance. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced paintball players, with a capacity load of 200 paintballs.
The built-in slide-to-unlock mechanism, which enables rapid assembly and disassembly, is another notable feature.
The Intelligent Proactive Feeding capability provides the hopper with a quick, reliable and consistent experience. It feeds proactively rather than reactively, like many other hoppers out there that use traditional IR sensors.
Furthermore, the sprint anti-jam is built into the hopper, eliminating the possibility of jams.
Notable Features
- Intelligent Proactive Feeding
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 20 balls/second
- Toolless lid for quick change
- 3-eye feeding technology
- Comes in multiple colors
Empire Halo Too
The Empire Halo Too Paintball Loader is one of the smoothest and fastest hoppers available.
It has a feed rate of 20 paintballs per minute and fires at a speed of about 180 balls, and it has a lightweight and compact construction.
The hopper’s shell is made of a variety of high-quality materials, including polycarbonate, which is highly long-lasting.
Furthermore, the hopper has an LED display that indicates when the battery is low. You may also alter microphone sensitivity, motor speed, and feed stack monitoring using the sound-activated software.
This is a hopper ideal for anyone looking to buy an inexpensive but reliable paintball hopper with some cutting-edge technology such as an anti-jamming design and a lightweight, durable body.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 180 paintballs
- Feed rate: 20 balls/second
- Polycarbonate body, able to take a lot of tough play
- Low battery indicator
- Runs on 4 AA batteries
HK Army TFX 3.0 Paintball Hopper
Another excellent hopper is the HK Army TFX Paintball Loader, which has a 230-round capacity.
Just like other high-end hoppers, it comes with toolless maintenance making the assembly and disassembly process simple and easy.
Its Combat Contour shell is made of high-grade impact-resistant material, making it extremely durable whilst also boasting a very sleek and low-profile design.
The Laser Eye System realizes when it is low on paint and signals the assembly to rotate in intervals, allowing paintballs to feed with less interruption.
The TFX loader has an epic feed speed of 22+bps.
Using USB-C charging, the battery life is so good it gives 30,000 shots.
But hold on; there’s more. This water-resistant model has anti-jam technology in the form of the Soft Touch Paddle system, which agitates and loosens any jamming in operation.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 230 paintballs
- Feed rate: 22+bps
- Swoop Stack Assembly
- Anti-jam technology
- Toolless maintenance
- USB-C charging port
Valken Paintball V-MAX Plus
The Valken V-MAX Plus electronic loader is a very popular model, and it is easy to see why.
Valken took a slightly different approach to the newer and modern loaders, where the V-Max Plus has fewer complex features. Fewer features do also mean fewer complexities and problems.
The V-Max+ can feed 30+bps, ideal for both speedball and scenario guns and gameplay.
Featuring an anti-jam reverse feed feature which alternates each time you press it.
Its capacity is 220 paintballs, which is more than most hoppers in the market.
Toolless assembly and very light at under 1 pound.
The V-Max+ is a solid choice in this price range.
Notable Features
- Feed rate: 30+bps
- Capacity: 220 paintballs
- Weight: >1 pound
- Reverse feed feature for jam prevention
- Toolless assembly
Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Loader
Among Dye’s hopper models, the R2 is one of the most well-known. While a little was more costly than other versions, it is well known for its feed rate and capacity.
Its adjustable capacity enables players to choose between 200 or 260 rounds without needing extra shells, parts, or tools.
The R2 hopper features a larger mouth design that makes feeding a breeze. The patented Rotor Force Fed technology boasts an unbelievable feed rate of 30+bps.
Its new anti-jam rubber feed arms sound subtle but do wonders, in my experience.
Although it comes with a low-power indicator, you’ll never use it as the hopper boasts exceptional energy efficiency at 100,00 shots.
Although purely aesthetic, the R2 is available in a wide range of color options, enabling you to personalize your marker.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 or 260 paintballs
- Feed rate: 30+ paintballs/second
- Comes with anti-jamming technology
- Power conservation capabilities
- Easy and quick assembly and disassembly
Planet Eclipse PAL Loader Hi-CAP
It’s important to note that this loader works with any gun; it doesn’t just work with PAL-equipped markers, although it does work better with them.
The PAL Loader Hi-Cap is a battery-free, air-assisted, gravity-fed loader.
Essentially the PAL system is triggered by the marker’s firing, then uses air to connect and push the tray within the hopper to feed.
You do need to ensure your marker is PAL-compatible, like the EMEK.
A good choice for entry-level recreational level gameplay and is undoubtedly value for money.
Notable Features
- Entirely pneumatic operation – No battery required!
- Tough GRN shell
- Compatible with both 0.50 and 0.68 caliber paintballs
- Capacity: 250 paintballs
GENx Kit
The GENx Kit Hopper is a simple, high-capacity gravity-fed hopper that carries up to 200 rounds.
It’s compatible with all conventional paintball markers, and disassembly is easy as it comes apart directly through the middle.
The only issue is that the feeder’s neck is similarly made up of two sections which may mean uneven mounting for some. Generally, most users shouldn’t have a problem with it.
The GENx Kit hopper’s cover is transparent and spring-loaded. This makes it easy to see when you need to reload your ammunition.
The material it is made with is sturdy, durable, and will withstand almost any situation on the field.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 20 balls/second
- Works with multiple paintball markers
- Spring-loaded clear flip top lid
- Easy to disassemble for quick cleaning
Empire 200-Round
Empire, with its 200-Round hopper, has done it again. Special polymers are used in the manufacturing of this device. Consequently, you’ll have a hopper that can take a battering and function properly.
It’s built to last and designed for those who like a more rigorous style of play.
You won’t find any fancy designs or features on this paintball hopper, but it works effectively and should endure just about everything you can throw on the field.
Keep in mind that this hopper is gravity-fed and fully hollow. As a result, there aren’t any drive belts or battery lights. However, it accomplishes its goal for a tenth of the expense of other electronic force-fed hoppers.
This hopper is perfect for anyone who wants something straightforward, simple, and easy to use. It doesn’t have a lot of frills, but it is functional and does the job.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 200 paintballs
- Feed rate: 20+ balls/second
- Created with tough polymers
- Weight: 4.97 ounces
- Fits most if not all .68 paintball markers
HK Army Pinokio Speed Paintball Hopper
The Pinokio Speed paintball hopper is the next stage in
the advancement of straightforward, dependable, and fast-feeding hoppers.
The Pinokio Speed is made of a robust nylon shell which eliminates feed neck breakage.
The new Pinokio Speed is extraordinarily light, weighing less than 15 ounces even with the two 9-volt batteries it utilizes for power.
It’s also very simple to use, as you can clean the Pinokio Speed in seconds. A quick-snap battery door allows you to change batteries without any tools.
Featuring an upgraded ‘P’ board provides it with an impressive feed rate.
This is a perfect hopper for anyone who needs a fast and ultra-reliable device. Even with its tiny size and heft, it still packs a punch.
Notable Features
- Capacity: 180 paintballs
- Feed rate: 25 paintballs/second
- Uses Bend Sensor paint detection system
- Created with ultra-light nylon construction
- Easy to clean and dissamble in seconds
What Is The Best Hopper For Paintball?
It might not be the fastest hopper on the market, but the Tippmann SSL-200 electronic loader is the best. It’s a great hopper for both beginners and more advanced players.
One of its best features is how quiet it is. Playing in stealth wouldn’t be an issue for it at all. The hopper is also very durable and strong, despite its small size.
That means it can take quite a beating and be used for years without replacement. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and still has a large capacity and fast feed rate.
What Is The Lightest Paintball Hopper?
The Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader is incredibly light yet can still pack a considerable punch. Even at just a little over one pound (1.05 to be exact), this hopper can still keep 200 rounds inside of it.
Plus, it remains stable and robust even when firing 30 balls per second.
Yes, it’s the lightest paintball hopper, but the lightweight doesn’t compromise its capacity, feed rate, or strength.
It is a sturdy loader despite being as light as a feather.
Why Do People Put Paintball Hoppers On Backwards?
If you ever see someone with a paintball hopper on backward, it’s likely because it was just an amateur mistake. The shooter is probably inexperienced and didn’t realize they were setting up their hopper in the wrong direction.
However, some people prefer their hoppers to be put on backward. Why? Because some people feel that the feed rate speeds up when the hopper is placed in an unnatural, awkward position.
Although that shouldn’t be the case, some people swear it is. However, I would advise everyone to set up as it’s meant to be.
What Is A Hopper In Paintball?
A paintball hopper is used to feed paintballs into a paintball gun. It stores the paintballs until they are placed into the gun’s firing chamber.
- The kind of hopper you use on your gun affects the speed with which you discharge paintballs as well as the precision with which you aim.
- Choosing the correct hopper size also decreases the time you have to reload and the distractions you experience when playing paintball.
Think of a hopper as a storage space for all the paintballs you’ll be firing. As you can imagine, you must select a hopper that can hold a large number of paintballs and can also load and fire them quickly.
These two features are impacted by the hopper’s capacity and the feed rate, which is the speed at which the balls are entered into the chamber of the gun and fired.
Many hoppers are customizable and can be swapped out onto different guns. However, not all paintball gun hoppers are universal, and you must choose one that is appropriate for your marker.
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