If you’re new to paintball, you may be scratching your head at the mention of a hopper. Investing in the best paintball hoppers can make a huge difference.
A paintball hopper is an effective device that connects to the paintball marker or gun. It carries several rounds of balls that drop into the marker before firing them. Having several rounds helps you to fire them quickly without interruptions.
However, you may not find the best paintball hopper if you’re not well-equipped with the appropriate knowledge. Every hopper is different from the other, and you need to invest some time to scrutinize and evaluate the best available models.
Fortunately, we’ve made your purchasing journey easy by reviewing the best paintball hoppers there and a comprehensive guide to help you make a wise decision.
| Paintball Hopper | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader | 180 ball | View |
| Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Loader | 200 or 260 ball | View |
| Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loader | 200 ball | View |
| Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader | 200 ball | View |
| Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Paintball Loader | 200 ball | View |
| Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loader | 220 ball | View |
Table of Contents
Best Paintball Gun Hopper Reviews
Proto Primo Paintball Hopper/Loader
Click Here to View Current Price on Amazon.com
If you’re looking for an affordable paintball hopper, this is a good bet. The Proto Primo Paintball Hopper/Loader funnels and sorts the paintballs while shooting, which leads to a constant vertical feed. This paintball hopper has a carrying capacity that can handle up to 200 paintballs. With this paintball loader, you don’t have to worry about battery life since it has a gravity-fed design. It operates effectively without any battery. Additionally, it has fast feed rates and an easy reload process.
Features
- 4 color options
- 200 ball capacity
- Clear spring-loaded lid
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Operates smoothly without a motor or batteries
- Has high feed rates
Cons
- Heavier than other hoppers
Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader
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The Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader is specially designed to suit every style of paintballing. This electronic loader uses patented DYE technology to deliver impressive feed rates and outstanding performance. Once the batteries are fully charged, the hopper is capable of firing more than 80,000 balls. With this hopper, you will enjoy an effortless and fast assembly and disassembly process, thanks to its tool-less maintenance. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and maintain by just pushing a button and sliding the locking tab.
Features
- 10 color options
- 200 ball capacity
- 1.05lb weight
- Anti-jam trigger
Pros
- Impressive feed rate
- Tool-less assembly
- Highly efficient battery
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
- Prone to jamming
Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers
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This paintball hopper is among the most reliable hoppers out there. The Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loaders come with a sleek design and have various attractive colors. This is particularly the best choice for beginners and intermediate players since it can hold at least 200 paintballs. It’s easy to disassemble thanks to the built-in slide-to-unlock feature in this model. Additionally, you can enjoy the game without the risk of jamming, thanks to the sprig anti-jam drive in it.
Features
- 6 color options
- New nylon back shell
- 3-IR sensors
- 200 paintballs capacity
Pros
- Easy to disassemble
- Sleek and compact design
- Less risk of jams
- Low and comfortable profile
Cons
- A bit expensive
Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader
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The Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader is one of the most durable, quickest, and smoothest hoppers out there. This loader has a compact and lightweight design and a feed rate of 20 balls per minute. The shell of the hopper is constructed with polycarbonate which makes it super durable. Additionally, it comes with a LED display that alerts you when the battery is low.
Features
- Low battery indicator
- Polycarbonate shell
- 180 ball capacity
- 20+ bps rate of fire
Pros
- Excellent fire rate
- Anti-jamming design
- Durable design
Cons
- The tank is a bit heavy
Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers
Click Here to View Current Price on Amazon.com
This paintball loader is a compact device that’s easy to maneuver. It has a paintball capacity of 220/280 and is ideal for most competitive tournaments. Surprisingly, it can be connected to your Smartphone to alert you when it needs a reload. Additionally, it’s available in several different colors, thus offering exceptional functionality.
Features
- 12 color options
- 220 round capacity
- Dual LED Reload indicator
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable shell
- High ball capacity
Cons
- It may require manual shaking to activate the feed
Levels of Paintball Hoppers
Buying a paintball hopper can be a daunting task. Ensure you choose one that’s compatible with your level of competition. Here’s what you need to know.
Beginner
If you’re a beginner, you do not need to purchase a paintball designed for professionals. You can go for something portable, lightweight, and easy to handle. Most gamers look for an economical hopper, but beginners can make it a priority. It’s advisable to look for electronic or gravity-loaded models of paintball hoppers. Gravity models don’t depend on batteries to run, so they rely on the skills and movement of the novice.
Most simple models have a prolonged feed speed with eight-plus balls per minute. When you compare the simple models with the electronic models, they are easy to handle.
Intermediate
The mid-range paintball hoppers are ideal for those who have learned the game skills but have not reached professional levels. The mid-range hoppers are more expensive than other models since they have impressive and varied features. When firing the paintball from a gun hopper, the mid-range hopper will give you the best results. Once a paintball is released by pulling the trigger, the next one will be ready no matter how much you want.
Professional/Legend
If you’re a professional gamer who has been into the paintball game for some time, investing in an advanced paintball hopper level will be an excellent option. These models have a high capacity with a fast feed speed rate when compared to other options. These paintball hoppers designed for professionals have highly equipped and designed motors. With these paintball hoppers, you’re guaranteed a consistent and efficient performance without jamming. Additionally, the specially designed sensors ensure that everything goes as planned and is monitored at every step.
FAQs
What’s the ideal paintball hopper shot capacity before battery replacement?
This depends on the version of the paintball hopper and the selected model that you own. Some models can fire up to 50,000 shots before draining the battery. If you play paintball more often, you’ll have to replace batteries after some months.
Do Paintball Hoppers Come With Batteries?
In most cases, they do. This is especially true if you buy an electronic paintball hopper. This is because batteries are needed to make the hoppers or loaders function.
Paintball Gun Loaders Buying Guide
Unfortunately, choosing a paintball hopper isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are hundreds of options out there, and choosing one that suits your gaming needs may be challenging. Here are some crucial factors to consider before making a purchase.
Size and Weight
Always look for a paintball hopper or loader with the right size for the number of paintballs you wish to hold. You don’t need the biggest hopper; go for one with the right size as per your needs. A properly designed hopper can carry at least 50 balls, while advanced ones can hold hundreds of balls that allow you to shoot continuously.
Compatibility
It’s crucial to determine whether your favorite paintball hopper is compatible with your marker. Fortunately, most hoppers are designed in a way that they fit in most markers. However, you’ll still need to inquire if the hopper you want to buy fits the model. This will prevent the unnecessary costs of returns and guarantee that the hopper will work with your paintball gun.
Rate of Fire
When looking for a hopper, go for the options that have an excellent rate of fire. Here you need to understand what’s needed on the paintball battlefield and the type of trigger that matches it. It’s advisable to go for a hopper that lies between a mid-range and high-end model. If you’re a beginner, look for a basic or simple mode.
Durability
This is another crucial consideration you need to keep in mind. Most hoppers are constructed with plastic, but the material varies. Therefore, you should go for a model that won’t break or crack. It should also withstand tough or rough circumstances. If you want an electric hopper, remember that it relies on a proprietary system to feed the paintball into the feed neck. Also, you can look for models that are gravity-reliant. However, these models should come with a durable outer cover to withstand shots and drops.
Speed Feed
This is a crucial part of the paintball marker mechanism and is fitted into the hopper lid. It’s circular and small to facilitate loading. Speed feed enhances hopper refill and makes the refilling process quicker.
Feed Rate
If you’re skilled in paintballing, you should go for a hopper that improves your skills. Some hoppers come with a very high feed rate that gives you an advantage over other players. You should always choose a hopper that suits your expertise level and comfort.
Style
If possible, go for a hopper that has a style that matches your paintball gun. This works well for players who want their hopper and gun to match perfectly. Paintball hoppers are available in various colors, so it’s to find one that suits your gun.
Budget
Hoppers are available in various price ranges depending on their brand, material, effectiveness, etc. If you’re a frequent player, look for a top-notch hopper that improves your performance. If you rarely play the game, a hopper with a low price tag will work well. It’s crucial to make a decision based on your expertise, budget, and experience.
Conclusion
When looking for the best paintball hopper on the market, make sure to check the features and qualities of each product and choose one that suits your paintball level. Pick one from the products reviewed above and take your paintballing to the next level.
Happy paintballing!
