12 best paintball hoppers

Paintball hoppers, also known as loaders, are an essential component of a paintball marker (gun) used in the sport of paintball. These devices are responsible for feeding paintballs into the marker's firing chamber, ensuring a continuous supply of ammunition during gameplay. Here's what you need to know about paintball hoppers:

  1. Function:

    • Paintball hoppers are designed to hold and feed paintballs into the marker's firing mechanism, allowing players to shoot with accuracy and consistency.
    • They help prevent misfeeds and ensure that the paintballs are loaded properly, reducing the risk of jams and interruptions during a game.
  2. Types of Paintball Hoppers:

    • Gravity-Fed Hoppers: These are the most basic and affordable type of hoppers. They rely on gravity to feed paintballs into the marker's chamber. While simple and reliable, they may have limitations in terms of feeding speed, especially during rapid firing.
    • Electronic Hoppers: Also known as force-fed or agitating hoppers, these use battery-powered mechanisms to force or agitate the paintballs into the marker. They offer faster and more consistent feeding, making them suitable for high-rate-of-fire markers.
    • Mag-Fed Hoppers: Designed for mag-fed paintball markers, these hoppers hold and feed paintballs from detachable magazines, mimicking the appearance of firearms with magazines.
  3. Capacity:

    • Paintball hoppers come in various sizes, with different capacities ranging from 50 to over 200 paintballs. The choice of capacity depends on the player's style and preferences.
    • High-capacity hoppers are favored by players who engage in fast-paced games with a high volume of fire, while lower-capacity hoppers may be preferred for scenario or milsim (military simulation) games.
  4. Speed and Performance:

    • The speed at which a paintball hopper can feed paintballs is a crucial factor for players who need rapid firing capabilities.
    • Electronic hoppers can feed paintballs much faster and consistently than gravity-fed hoppers, making them popular among competitive players.
  5. Maintenance:

    • Regular maintenance is essential to keep a paintball hopper functioning correctly. Cleaning and lubrication may be required to prevent jams and ensure smooth operation.
    • Battery replacement is necessary for electronic hoppers to maintain their performance.
  6. Compatibility:

    • Paintball hoppers are designed to be compatible with various paintball markers, but it's important to ensure that the chosen hopper matches the marker's feed neck size and type.
  7. Cost:

    • The cost of paintball hoppers varies depending on their type, brand, and features. Electronic hoppers tend to be more expensive than gravity-fed ones.
  8. Safety:

    • Paintball hoppers are generally safe when used correctly.Players should always follow safety rules, including keeping the marker's safety on and wearing appropriate protective gear.

In summary, paintball hoppers are a critical part of a paintball marker, ensuring a steady supply of paintballs for players during games. The type of hopper chosen depends on a player's style, budget, and desired level of performance, with electronic hoppers offering faster and more consistent feeding for competitive play. Proper maintenance is essential to keep the hopper functioning reliably.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best paintball hoppers on the market
  

Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader

Dye

Based on 371 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing the LT-R, the latest addition to DYE’s family of innovative loaders. LT-R was created to provide every style of player a loader that retains the quality performance that’s needed to win at a price tag that’s unmatched. The LT-R utilizes proven DYE loader technology that fuses top-notch functionality with mind-blowing feed rates and reliability. Trusted quality and proven consistency have made the DYE Rotor platform the number one choice in loader technology among paintball players worldwide. Patented Rotor technology provides smooth, consistent, and rapid feeding. This is made possible by the combination of the LT-R's constant feed carousel and the opposing rotation of the Rotor center arm.



The LT-R features a simple toolless design with a low profile shell that allows for a 200 ball capacity. The patented spring-loaded floor tray makes sure that paint ends up in your gun. Adjustable feed tension and a built-in anti-jam release trigger makes sure your patented constant feed hopper can handle any paint and condition. The interchangeable carrier/spring lid allows for a quick and easy change between lid and optional DYE Quick Feeds. LT-R sets the standard for battery efficiency, powered by only 3 AA batteries allowing the hopper to get 80,000+ balls shot count. The LT-R has a variety of upgrades such as color kits, quick feeds, and high capacity tops.

  • Provides every style of player a loader that retains the quality performance that’s needed to win at a price tag that’s unmatched.
  • Patented DYE loader technology that fuses top-notch functionality with mind-blowing feed rates and reliability. Patented Rotor Force Fed Technology, 30+ balls per second.
  • The LT-R sets standard for battery efficiency, powered by only 3 AA batteries allowing the hopper to get 80,000+ balls shot count.
  • Adjustable feed tension and a built-in anti-jam Sharkfin release trigger makes sure your patented constant feed hopper can handle any paint and condition.
  • Trusted quality and proven consistency have made the DYE Rotor platform the number one choice in loader technology among paintball players worldwide.

User questions & answers

Question: Can a standard rotor speed feed go on this
Answer: Hi Johnny,Yes, a standard Rotor 1 Quick Feed will fit on the LT-R. Same thing with the color kits.Hope this helps!Thanks,Dan @ Dye
Question: Will this be good on a semi auto marker like a tippmann cronus or gog g1m? will the balls be constantly getting jammed because im not shooting fast
Answer: We always recommend that players use an electronic hopper like this one so the answer is Yes, this will be good even on a tactical marker. What is really good about electronic hoppers is that they create a ball stack from the hopper down into the marker. This means that every time you shoot a ball, the next one is right behind it ready to go. Not only will this provide you a more consistent shot, but it will help prevent bolt breaks in markers that don't have electronic eyes. We very much recommend this hopper and it will work well regardless of the speed you are shooting, fast or slow.
Question: How many balls would it need before it needs a new battery and what kind of battery
Answer: Hi Bryan,The LT-R runs off three standard AA batteries. Depending on use, the LT-R can last up to 40,000 shots before batteries need replacing. Leaving the hopper on in-between playing and other factors can reduce this number but overall the battery life should be more than enough to get you through a few weekends of play!Hope that helps,Dan @ DYE
Question: Virtue Spire 200 or should I get this
Answer: I play with a spire and keep the LT-R in my bag as a backup. I have loaned it to a friend to use and they were able to play all day without any issues. The LT-R is essentially a normal Rotor without the windows (which no one ever used anyway). It's dependable but will occasionally jam.

Product features

Dye Precision LT-R Paintball Hopper

Tool-less maintenance makes assembly and disassembly a rapid, highly intuitive, and effortless process. A simple slide of the locking tab and a push of a button enables the breakdown of the LT-R for basic cleaning and maintenance.

Dye Precision LT-R Paintball Hopper

The Constant Feed Rate feature ensures a feed rate of over 30 balls per second, far exceeding pro level requirements. Rapid/Constant Feed is made possible by the combination of the LT-R Loader's Constant Feed Rotor Carousel and the opposing rotation of the center Rotor arm. The result is a smooth, consistent, rapid, and dependable feed performance.

Dye Precision LT-R Paintball Hopper

In the event of oversized or out-of-round paint a simple squeeze of the Sharkfin Trigger located on the underside of the LT-R releases the jammed paint immediately.

Dye Precision LT-R Paintball Hopper

Rapid Reload feature with the optional DYE Quick Feed makes reloading a quick and easy process. The LT-R has a transparent locking lid, integrated into an interchangeable dual density carrier, which allows for fast loading and a secure closure. The LT-R has a 200-ball capacity and a revolutionary spring-loaded collapsing floor.

The same color kits and Quick Feeds that worked on the Rotor 1 will work on the LT-R.

Designed for the Art of Winning

JT Paintball Hopper, Black, XX-Large

JT

Based on 214 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Have fun with friends and family members while playing a game of paintball with the JT Paintball Hopper. Its huge capacity can store and efficiently load 200 colorful paintballs. This plastic paintball hopper comes with a spring-loader lid that feeds balls smoothly onto your marker. You can determine how many paintballs are remaining by looking through its clear, translucent lid. This paintball gun accessory is lightweight and easy to carry.

  • Plastic construction
  • Holds 200 paintballs
  • Clear spring-loader lid

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit a .68 cal
Answer: Yes it will.
Question: Will this fit a .50 caliber
Answer: Yep
Question: Will this fit a .50 caliber
Answer: Yep
Question: will this fit tippman 98 custom
Answer: Duh yeah it will

Proto Primo Paintball Hopper / Loader

Dye

Based on 618 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dye Proto Primo Paintball Loader / Hopper

  • 200 ball capacity
  • Primo loader helps sort and funnel as you shoot for a consistent vertical feed
  • Featuring a positive shelf designed to relieve pressure on paint balls
  • Comes with a clear spring loaded lid for easy reloading
  • Powered by minimal agitation of the gun

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit my project salvo without blocking the sight
Answer: Yes it will impede the sights on the marker itself. It will also block off any view from a sight mounted on the top rail.
Question: Will this fit spyder victor
Answer: Yes it will I have multiple guns including yours and will fit
Question: can you get a speed feed for it
Answer: No, no speed feed available
Question: Most hoppers tend to pop open on me, how likely is this to happen
Answer: It popped open on my once but it was on a table with other guns and got caught together but on the field it has not popped open on me

Empire Paintball 200 Round Loader, Black

Empire Paintball

Based on 553 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Empire Paintball 200 Round Loader, Black

  • Holds 200 paintballs
  • Made of tough polymers
  • Extremely durable

User questions & answers

Question: Does this hopper work on a tippmann gryphon without any adaptor
Answer: Yes, as long as you have on the original feed neck attached.
Question: will a speed feed work with it
Answer: It should
Question: Will this fit the Azodin kaos 3 and also could you change the cap and put a quick feed one
Answer: this will fir the kaos no problem, depends on the quick feed, look into exalt paintball to see which one fits
Question: Will it fit a spider victor
Answer: As long as it is .68 caliber

Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers

Virtue Paintball

Based on 401 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Being Built To Win means we stay one step ahead of the game, so you can win yours. With the Spire IR we wanted to see if we could make the best loader in its class at the lowest price. For you guys it also means that low cost no longer gets you bargain performance. The Spire IR builds on established design and with proven results on the field, making it the most trusted loader in the market. With Intelligent Proactive feeding, the Spire IR will feed even more reliably than the Spire 200/260 without ever pulsing. The Spire series has won more professional tournaments since its inception than any other loader in the sport of paintball. The Spire IR becomes the best loader any player can buy at this lower price. Packed with features the Spire IR continues with design philosophy that's Built to Win - Smaller, lighter, easier to use and more reliable than any other loader in its class.

  • [Built to Win] - Durable nylon shells | Consistent feeding | Never jams or pulses | Smaller, lighter, and easier to use
  • [Intelligent] - 3-eye feeding technology continuously monitors paint | Improved sensors for a quieter and more efficient loader
  • [Reliable] - Proactive feeding logic and optimized electronics extend battery life | 9-ball raceway feeds consistently at high rates of fire
  • [Soft on Paint] - Flexible rubber fingers feed even the brittlest paint consistently without breakage
  • [Convenient] - Toolless lid for quick change to a speed feed | Compatible with the N Charge Battery Pack

User questions & answers

Question: does the camo version come with original lid and speed feed as shown in photo
Answer: Yes it does
Question: Will this fit my proto maxxed rail
Answer: I use mine with my proto rail maxed. You have to loosen the marker's adjustable feed neck almost all the way to get it to fit the neck of the virtue, but that's what the adjustable feed neck is for. If u don't have the adjustable feed neck on your proto though, I would be careful with this purchase. The feed neck clamp feels tight on it when I close it, but no issues with that. I love the virtue with my proto.
Question: Does the black one come a speed feed
Answer: You have to purchase the speed feed separate.
Question: Does it make the paintball market automatic
Answer: It will be able to load paintballs for automatic fire, but your marker needs to have that functionality.

Valken Paintball V-LITE 200 Round Paintball Fast Loader - 68 Cal - Black

Valken

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Gravity Fed 200 round capacity paintball loader, integrated floor to prevent jams and reduce pressure on the ball stack, faster feed rate than conventional gravity loaders, spring loaded see through clear lid.

  • Gravity fed 200 round capacity paintball loader
  • Integrated floor to prevent jams and reduce pressure on the ball stack
  • Faster Feed RATE than conventional gravity loaders
  • Spring loaded see through clear lid

Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader, Matte Black

Empire Paintball

Based on 339 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The invert halo too is the best performing loader for the money. With a cost that is less than half the price of some top loaders, the outstanding performance of this paintball loader will make this an easy choice for most players. The ultra-quiet belt drive will force-feed 20+ balls-per-second, allowing your marker to throw plenty of paint at your opponent. The freeway anti-jam keeps the loader from jamming and breaking balls, so you`ll still be shooting while others are busy scraping paint. The new, matte black polycarbonate shell can withstand any hit and can easily fit 180 paintballs. The onboard computer directs the sound-activated feeding and allows you to program the motor speed, microphone sensitivity and feed stack monitoring. But of course, with a name like halo, you knew you`d be getting the ultimate in paintball loader technology. Put this loader on your marker and invert will make a believer out of you too. Features: - 20+ bps rate of fire - ultra quiet belt drive - freeway anti-jam for continuous feeding - sound activated - 180 ball capacity - low battery indicator - 1 hour auto shutoff - customizable - matte black finish.

  • Multiple Materials
  • Made in USA
  • Low battery indicator
  • Lightweight loader feeds 20 + balls per second
  • Polycarbonate shell can withstand the hardest of hits
  • 180 ball capacity
  • According to legendary paintball pro Billy cranks, "this is the best loader for the money"

User questions & answers

Question: How does this feel on the azodin kaos? works well
Answer: There is no real issues with this hopper. Feels good and works great. Just use really good brand of battery's. Duracell pro work great. Last a very long time and a lot of games. Even after sitting for a month still worked for over 12games play in a day.
Question: Does it fit on a semi auto Azosin kaos
Answer: Yes, this loader will fit your marker.
Question: Will this fit on a tippmann u.s army project salvo paintball gun
Answer: Yes, this has a standard feed neck and will attach to the Project Salvo.
Question: How many shots before you have to change the batteries? Also, what type of batteries does this hpper take
Answer: I'd say the hopper lasts between 6000 - 10000 rounds takes AA or 9volt.Use it on my upgraded mini and work perfect

Mercury Rise .50 Caliber Paintball Loader/Hopper

Mercury Rise Inc.

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

🥇Only compatible with standard .50 caliber Paintball Markers. 🥇Holds up to 250 Rounds of .50 Caliber Paintballs. 🥇Spring-Loaded Flip Top for Faster Re-loads. 🥇Durable. 🥇Split-Shell Construction Completely Disassembles for Thorough Cleaning. 🥇Gravity Fed Loader. 🥇No batteries required.

  • Only compatible with standard .50 caliber Paintball Markers
  • Holds up to 250 Rounds of .50 Caliber Paintballs
  • Spring-Loaded Flip Top for Faster Re-loads
  • Durable
  • No batteries required

User questions & answers

Question: Does this fit a mercury venom .50 paintball gun
Answer: Hello, yes. This product fits Mercury Rise Venom Semi Auto .50 Caliber Paintball Gun Marker.
Question: Is this internally or externally threaded
Answer: Hello, you don't need threads to install this .50 caliber paintball hopper on a .50 caliber paintball gun. You just simply insert it into the feedneck of the paintball gun and tighten the screws on the feedneck. That means there is no thread on Mercury Rise .50 caliber paintball hopper.

Maddog 200 Round Paintball Hopper Loader - Black

Maddog

Based on 121 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Perfect for your paintball gun. Maddog's 200 round gravity fed hopper is the standard loader in paintball. Compatible with all standard paintball markers on the market. Spring-loaded flip top lid shuts tightly and opens easily for faster re-loads. Heavy duty split-shell construction completely disassembles for thorough cleaning.

  • Perfect Hopper for Your Paintball Gun! Compatible with All Standard Paintball Markers
  • Holds up to 200 Rounds (.68 Caliber Paintballs)
  • Spring-Loaded Flip Top for Faster Re-loads
  • Durable, Split-Shell Construction Completely Disessembles for Thorough Cleaning
  • Gravity Fed Loader, No batteries required

User questions & answers

Question: will it work on any .68 cal paintball gun
Answer: Fits any standard paintball marker with a feedneck. Tippmann, Spyder, Azodin etc
Question: Can i put a speed feed lid on it
Answer: I believe you can
Question: Douse it fit an azodine kaos
Answer: In some guns you got to buy a fit in tube to use it. But it's a very good product.
Question: Can i put a speed feed on it
Answer: I dont thing so but its very nice and light weight

Empire 2017 Halo Too Paintball Loader - Black

Empire

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Empire Halo Too is the best performing paintball loader for the money. With a cost that is less than half the price of some top paintball loaders, the outstanding performance of this paintball loader will make this an easy choice for most players. The ultra-quiet belt drive will force-feed 20+ balls-per-second, allowing your marker to throw plenty of paint at your opponent. The Freeway Anti-Jam keeps the paintball loader from jamming and breaking paintballs, so you'll still be shooting while others are busy scraping paint. The new, matte black polycarbonate shell can withstand any hit and can easily fit 180 paintballs. The onboard computer directs the sound-activated feeding and allows you to program the Motor Speed, Microphone Sensitivity and Feed Stack monitoring. But of course, with a name like Halo, you knew you'd be getting the ultimate in paintball loader technology. Put this loader on your marker and dominate of the field. Empire Halo Too Features: * 20+ bps * Rip Drive * Ultra quiet belt drive * Freeway Anti-Jam for continuous ball feed * Sound activated feeding * Tool-less battery door * 180 ball capacity * Low battery indicator * 1-hour auto Shut-Off * Requires 4AA Batteries (Sold seperately) * Matte black color

  • New 2017 Electronic Empire Halo Too Paintball Loader
  • Matte Black Polycarbonate Shell Can Withstand Any Hit and Can Easily Fit 180 Paintballs
  • Ultra-quiet belt drive will force-feed 20+ balls-per-second
  • Rip Drive, Tool-less Battery Door, 1-hour auto Shut-Off, Low Battery Indicator
  • Onboard computer directs the sound-activated feeding and allows you to program the Motor Speed, Microphone Sensitivity and Feed Stack monitoring

User questions & answers

Question: Is this the “v2” version
Answer: The newest version available from Paintball Discounters.
Question: Will it fit a spyder victor
Answer: Pretty sure the maddog azzodin & spider are very similar,I currently have it on on a Khaos 3 from Maddog.
Question: how long will the battery last before you have to change it out
Answer: I played 6 hours straight and left it on the whole time and battery is still good.
Question: Will this work with the Azodin Blitz 3 paintball gun
Answer: Yes this is a great loader for the blitz 3 marker.

Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers

Virtue Paintball

Based on 142 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Everything you love about the Spire III with upgraded performance and improved reliability. New Proactive feeding logic that works more reliably. Virtue iFI wireless integration with compatible markers. Upgraded cosmetics. Toolless electronics for easy N-Charge battery pack installation. Spire IV Proactive Logic The Spire IV features all new proactive feeding logic. Unlike previous Spire models, which required constant sensor readings from every shot (with the potential for adding in extra unnecessary spins while shooting, and could potentially result in slow rates of fire from a sensor malfunction), the Spire IV features the new Proactive Logic. Now your Spire IV starts feeding the instant the first shot is fired, and continues to feed automatically, without relying on continuous sensor readings until the stack is full. This is the same proven technology incorporated into the CTRL loader, which works more consistently and reliably on every type of marker. Spire IV iFI Wireless Technology The Spire IV has been upgraded to work with the Virtue Ace wireless iFI platform. This new feeding technology allows for a tight integration between the loader and the marker and also maintains backwards compatibility on guns without iFI technology using the new Proactive Feeding logic pioneered on the CTRL loader. When the Spire IV is paired with the Virtue Ace or iFI compatible boards, the loader maintains instant communication with the marker's eyes which allows for significant improvements as both the gun and the loader are now synced together for faster and more consistent feeding, stopping and idle performance. And if the gun's eyes are turned off, dirty or if the Spire IV is used on a different gun, the Spire IV automatically transitions to the new proactive feeding mode, which will automatically feed with every shot until the stack is full.

  • [Performance] - iFI integration with compatible markers | Proactive feeding logic for consistency and reliability
  • [Integration] - Wireless programming through Apple / Android App | Toolless N-Charge installation | Toolless quick-change speed feed adapter
  • [Durability] - Single hinge-mounted unit for increased durability | Magnetically attached drive assembly
  • [Convenience] - Dual LED reload indicator with integrated smart spring ramp | Toolless tray disassembly for easy cleaning
  • [Style] - Upgraded cosmetics | Injected Virtue logos | Numerous coor options to match your gear

User questions & answers

Question: does the speed feed and charger bundle come with the rain lid too
Answer: Yes the loader still has the rain lid installed. The Speed Feed and N-Charge are in their own packaging in the Box and must be installed once received
Question: Will it still be under warranty though virtue paintball
Answer: Yes, this carries our warranty.
Question: What’s the warranty? Spire offers a lifetime warranty if you buy directkly them
Answer: Virtue has great customer service.
Question: I'm trying to update my Spire 3 firmware, but it will not connect. It shows up in bluetooth settings, but it refuses to connect in the app. Note
Answer: Make sure both your phone and app software is up to date. Also try giving your phone a restart.

Product features

Spire IV Paintball Loader

The Spire IV features all new Proactive Feeding logic. Unlike previous Spire models, which required constant sensor readings from every shot occasionally adding in unnecessary spins while shooting, and potentially resulting in slow rates of fire from a sensor malfunction; the Spire IV features the new Proactive Logic.

Now your Spire IV starts feeding the instant the first shot is fired, and continues to feed automatically, without relying on continuous sensor readings until the stack is full. This is the same proven technology incorporated into the CTRL loader, which works more consistently and reliably on every type of marker.

Virtue Spire IR Electronic Paintball Loader and VIO Ascend Mask Bundle

Virtue Paintball

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price
  • Bundle Items Included: Virtue Spire IR - Black and Virtue VIO Ascend - Black
  • [Built to Win] - Smaller, lighter, easier to use and more reliable than any other goggle and loader in their class
  • [Intelligent & Reliable Loader] - Proactive feeding using improved sensors to give a constant stream of paint | Never pulses, never jams | Quiet and efficient
  • [Goggle Protection] - Flexible with rigid protection zones | Increased coverage | Efficient single-piece design allows maximum ventilation
  • [Goggle Clarity & Comfort] - Large peripheral field of view | Distortion free optical clarity | Lightweight combination of protection, rigidity, flexibility, and comfort

User questions & answers

Question: What caliber does the hopper use
Answer: 68 caliber paintballs.
Question: Wondering if the spire ir in this combo is the spire ir or the spire ir
Answer: Currently (12/30/20) this combo has the original Spire IR included, not the Spire IR².
Question: Can you mount a camera on this mask
Answer: Yes you can. I have the HKArmy mount on mine. Works great.
Question: Does this hopper come with flexible rubber fingers or would you have to buy it separately
Answer: The Drivecone paddles are flexible rubber in the Spire IR, comes included.

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