You’ll need the best electronic paintball hopper for your marker during paintball games. It’s a critical tool for any player that wants to improve their performance. Electronic hoppers make the reloading process easier so you can focus on other things.
However, choosing the best electronic hopper isn’t as challenging as selecting a pair of goggles or the best paintball gun under 1000. But still, there are plenty of things to consider before making a final decision.
To that end, the article compiles useful tips and tricks to help you understand best paintball hoppers more. Read on to discover!
What Is The Best Electronic Paintball Hopper?
The Dye LT-R Electronic paintball loader is the best hopper for those who prefer to use electronic paintball markers.
It is an affordable paintball hopper that works with all electronic markers and comes with a durable steel frame.
Comparison Table
It also has a large capacity that can hold up to 200 balls simultaneously. So you can play more games before running out of ammo.
This loader is also easy to set up and is water resistant. Overall, Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader is one of the most popular products on the market today. It has a high rating from customers.
The Best Paintball Hopper You Can Buy Today
1. Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Loader
(Best for Intermediate-level Players)
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The LT-R is the newest addition to Dye’s family of outstandingly innovative loaders. The Dye LT-R provides all styles that a player needs for quality performances at an amazing price tag.
The hopper features the popular Dye loader technology that combines next-level functionality with great reliability and feed rate. Like other Dye loaders, the LT-R uses rotor technology which offers smooth, rapid, and consistent feeding.
Its low profile shell and simple tool-less design can carry 200 paintballs. Also, the LT-R has an impressive firing rate of 30 paintballs per second which is super cool.
Additionally, the perfect hopper has a built-in anti-jam and adjustable feed tension, which enables it to handle any condition and paint.
However, this hopper lacks the low capacity warning; if you aren’t keen, you might run out of balls.
2. Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader
(Best Durability)
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According to most paintball players, the Empire Halo Too Leader is the best-performing paintball hopper for the money. It offers consistent performance, making it an easy choice for many paintball players.
The Empire paintball loader has an ultra-quiet belt that can drive 20+ balls per second. This means the electronic model can throw several paints at your opponent.
The Freeway Anti-jam feature is another player’s favorite. It prevents the loader from breaking paintballs and jamming while on the paintball field. You’ll be able to shoot several times as others are busy scraping paint.
3. Proto Primo Paintball Hopper
(Best Lightweight)
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The Proto Primo paintball hopper by Dye is affordable and lightweight. The Proto paintball loader has several interesting features that make it a kill. Firstly, it has a teeny mechanism that prevents jamming.
You’ll love its firing rate; that’s better than other hopper models in its range. On design, it’s stylish and sleek; this adds to its consistent delivery during the paintball game.
The hopper only weighs 0.07 kilograms and is thus considered lightweight. It has a vertical feed design that ensures the paintballs properly load into the marker.
Though Proto Primo is gravity-fed, you don’t need to shake it to supply paintballs constantly. A simple tilt or shake does the job.
Lastly, the hopper is available in various colors, so you have an array of options for this. But keep in mind that prices do vary according to colors.
4. Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Loader
(Best Capacity)
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The Dye Rotor R2 is among those with the most radical innovation in their industry. The paintball hopper is popular for its reliability and mind-blowing speed feed.
The dye Rotor features a highly innovative multi-capacity shell that allows players to either 200 or 260-round capacity.
You’ll also love the hopper lid, the quickest change lid system. It makes changing between traditional polycarbonate lids and dye quick feeds so effortless.
The hopper does have a large mouth design opening that ensures quick, effortless, and efficient loading.
5. Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loaders
(Best for Performance)
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Virtue paintball is a popular company, and it has released several hoppers, including Spires I, II, III, IV, etc. However, in today’s market, the Virtue Spire IV is the most promising in the series because of its incredible features and performance.
The Virtue Spire IV comes with better reliability and upgraded performance. The hopper features a new proactive feeding logic that is more reliable.
Virtue Spire IV can hold 220 and 280 paintballs which are amazing for any serious paintball player. However, Virtue Spire IV is not lightweight and is probably the heaviest hopper on the list.
Additionally, it has units that have wireless programming and connect to Bluetooth. Although Virtue Spire 4 is expensive, it has some amazing features, such as an instant feeding system.
6. Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loaders
(Best for Beginners and Middle-level Players)
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The Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball hopper is built to win, making it stay ahead of the game.
The Virtue Spire IR is simply the best loader in its class that’s available at the lowest price. The Spire IR uses the trusted Virtue Paintball design, making it one of the most trusted loaders in the market.
With its intelligent, proactive feeding, the Spire IR feeds more reliably without pulsing. The Spire IR is smaller, lighter, easier to use, and the most reliable hopper in its class.
However, its speed feed and spring ramp are sold separately. It adds to the total cost of the mid-range hopper.
7. G.I. SPORTZ Level Loader
(Best Low-profile Hopper)
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Are you ready to take your paintball game to the next level? If yes, try the G.I. Sportz. The G.I. Sportz is constructed from high-impact nylon, making it durable and ultra-light.
Its low rise, super low profile adds to its playability. You’ll play without worrying about unnecessary exposure while in the field.
It has a jam-proof drive system that enables you to use brittle paintballs. This feature also eliminates popcorning and clogging.
8. Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Paintball Loaders/ Hoppers
(Best Balanced)
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The Bunkerkings CTRL electronic paintball hopper is well-balanced and will feel this way on your best paintball sniper riffle. In addition to its amazing feel, this best paintball hopper won’t affect your field of view, thanks to its smaller profile that also looks great.
Its internal CTRL drive is upgraded and has flexible and soft fingers that are ultra-soft on fragile paint and eliminate jamming.
Generally, this hopper’s interior has smooth edges, reducing the chances of broken paint when diving. Another interesting feature is that the CTRL activates feeding as soon as you start shooting.
9. Valken Paintball VSL Tournament Electronic Loader
(Best High-capacity Hopper)
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The Valken Paintball VSL or Valken Switch Loader is another high-performance hopper. The hopper got its name because it’s the only paintball hopper that switches from 68 to 50 calibers in seconds.
Its features don’t stop there; the hopper can switch between high capacity and low profile without tools. It can do this without the need for a shell kit.
Finally, the hopper’s lid has the press fit to switch easily, a great additional feature. However, the hopper doesn’t have a battery indicator, so it’s difficult to know its battery level.
10. H.K. Army TFX Paintball Loader
(Best Professional Grade)
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The H.K. Army TFX paintball hopper is professional grade and loads quickly. It loads 22 paintballs in a minute and is available in several colors. The paintball hopper also weighs a couple of ounces, making it lightweight.
You can easily and quickly move with it in the field. Plus, the hopper is easy to remove; you can do this quickly. Overall, the H.K. Army TFX paintball can be a great upgrade for any players that want to play professionally.
However, unlike most paintball at its level, the H.K. Army doesn’t have a high jam rate.
11. Empire Paintball Prophecy Z2 Gun Loader
(Best Lightweight Model)
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The Prophecy Z2 paintball loader is one Empire’s prophecy. The Prophecy loader Z2 monitors the fire rate and drive force and automatically clears the jam. Therefore you won’t miss a shot.
The Empire Prophecy Z2 paintball hopper also performs extra proactive measures than paintball hoppers from other brands. It has among Empire Paintball hoppers that are so advanced. Its feeding system is so easy to use.
It has an ultra-light design, super strong-reinforced composites, and a low profile. The paintball hopper will surely supercharge any player in the paintball game. However, it lacks an indicator, a feature that most paintball players love.
12. Maddog 200 Round Paintball Hopper Loader
(Best Entry-Level Loader)
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The Maddog 200 Round paintball hopper is the best for beginners. You’ll love it because of its compatibility with almost all the best beginner paintball guns on the market.
It has a spring-loaded flip-top lid that opens easily and faster plus shuts tightly; the lid allows for faster reloads.
The other amazing feature is its durable, heavy-duty split-shell construction that can easily disassemble for cleaning.
Why You Need The Best Electric Paintball Hopper?
The best electric paintball hopper is the one that suits your needs. A great electric paintball hopper will take your game to the next level.
If you are a beginner, go for a simple model that is easy to use and maintain. An intermediate or advanced player should get a more complex model with high-performance features.
Also, check out some bonus features, such as auto-feeders, auto-dippers, and traps. These add even more fun to the game. They help prevent balls from going astray or falling into the ground during play.
How To Pick The Best Electric Paintball Hopper?
What would paintball be without a cool paintball hopper? That’s right, nothing. The best paintball hopper is an essential part of your paintball gun. It assists the player in quickly loading paintballs and replacing them with new ones quickly and easily.
This article explores choosing the best electric paintball hopper for your paintball gun. It has everything you need to know about paintball hoppers.
So you’ll be able to choose the best one for you and your specific budget, needs, etc. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Ease of Use
One of the most important features of an electric paintball loader is its ease of use. This depends on the type of design of the loader. Other things that influence this are ergonomics, weight, and trigger system.
For example, if the loader has a large and protruding handle, it’ll be difficult for the player to use it with one hand. If the loader is too heavy, the player will have difficulty holding it for extended periods.
If the trigger system is hard to use, it can cause unnecessary strain on your fingers and hands. An easy-to-use trigger system is a must for any electric paintball loader.
2. Feed Rate
The feed rate refers to how fast the hopper can feed paintballs. It is one of the most important features you should look for in electronic paintball hoppers since it can greatly affect your pace.
The standard feed rate we see on the market in most paintball hoppers is 20-25 balls per second. If you are playing a fast-paced game, you might want to look for a loader that can feed faster.
The only downside to a faster feed rate is that you will spend more time reloading. You should also remember that expensive hoppers are high-quality .
3. Compatibility with Paintball Guns
Another important feature you should look for in the best paintball hopper is its compatibility with your paintball gun.
If your electric loader is incompatible with your paintball marker, you’ll have to load paintballs manually. This will make the whole process much more time-consuming. It can also be very frustrating and will significantly affect your game.
Make sure you find an electric loader compatible with your paintball marker. You can check if the marker and loader are compatible by looking at the trigger system and the type of connectors. If you are unsure, you can always ask the retailer/manufacturer.
4. Anti-jam Mechanism
A jam is something that can happen to any paintball loader. But the best hoppers have an anti-jam mechanism that clears the jam without you having to disassemble the whole thing.
The higher-end loaders have an extremely efficient anti-jam mechanism that is easy to use. You can also opt for a cheap paintball loader, but remember that you’ll need extra time to clear jams.
5. Firing Rate
There are different types of loaders, and the most popular are electronic and gravity-fed. Electronic loaders tend to be faster than gravity-fed loaders. This makes the electronic loaders ideal for pro paintball players.
If you’re a pro and intend to play next-level paintball, you should choose an electronic paintball loader with a high firing rate. However, if you’re a beginner, the electric hopper might overwhelm you.
6. Material and Durability
The hopper’s material and durability significantly affect the price of the loader. The higher the durability of the loader, the more expensive it will be.
You can buy cheap loaders with low-quality materials, but they will break sooner or later. You simply get what you pay for.
If you want durability, be willing to spend some extra money. Make sure the electric loader you choose has high-quality materials resistant to rust, etc.
7. Design
Last, you should also keep the loader’s design in mind. Is it ergonomic and easy to hold? Is it aesthetically pleasing to the eye? Does it have any additional features that other loaders don’t have?
These are the questions you should ask yourself when looking for electric paintball loaders. Make sure the loader is comfortable to hold and use for a long period.
You don’t want to deal with extra muscle pain or cramps just because of poor design. The loader’s design is also important because you want it to look good with your paintball gun.
Quick Tips to Maintain Your Paintball Hopper
Although paintball is a relatively cheap form of entertainment, it can still be an expensive hobby if you’re playing regularly. One way to cut costs is by learning how to take care of your best paintball hopper efficiently.
The hopper is the device that stores all the paintballs before releasing them into the barrel. Keeping your hopper clean and well-maintained will help it last longer, reduce jamming, and extend its useful life.
Read for some handy tips and tricks to learn more about maintaining your paintball hopper.
1. Tune Up Your Hopper
Before doing anything else, you should ensure that your hopper is tuned up and working smoothly. Most cool paintball hoppers have a spinning wheel that feeds the paintballs into the barrel.
Dirt and debris can get caught in this, causing jams. So make sure that the inside of your hopper is clean and free of debris. You can use a damp cloth to wipe the inside and remove any dirt.
Alternatively, you can use a can of compressed air to blow it out. For additional cleaning, remove the hopper’s lid and clean the wheel thoroughly.
2. Keep Your Hopper Dry and Clean
Keeping your hopper clean and free of moisture is the first step towards prolonging its life. Moisture inside the hopper can corrode the moving parts or, even worse, damage your gun. This can cause jams and malfunctions.
Therefore, it’s important to keep your hopper away from water. In addition to keeping your hopper dry, keep it clean wherever possible. Wipe its inside regularly to remove dirt and dust.
3. Check The O-Rings and Seals
The O-rings inside your hopper keep paintballs from falling out of the feeder. If your hopper has been in use for some time, you’ll notice that it’s taking longer to feed paintballs than usual.
It might be time to check the O-rings. They can wear out over time, so it’s best to replace them.
There is a seal inside the feeder of your hopper, and it can become worn and brittle. So you should also regularly check it and replace it if necessary.
When buying a new seal for your paintball hopper, make sure it’s the right size and type for your hopper. If you don’t know what type of seal you need, consult the manual for your hopper.
Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website for information. You can also clean your seal, although it’s generally better to replace it than to clean it.
4. Clean Your Barrel and Check The Spring
The feeder connects to the barrel, so you should regularly clean the barrel of your paintball marker. You can use a swab or cleaning rod to clean out the barrel or a cloth to wipe out any dirt or paint that might be inside.
In addition to cleaning the barrel, you should also check the condition of the paintball spring inside. Paintball springs are flexible, but they can become brittle over time and break.
If your paintball spring is cracked and brittle, you should replace it. However, you can also temporarily use an elastic band to replace a broken spring.
Conclusion
The best electric paintball hopper makes it easier for you to load your balls onto the hopper. Some hoppers have fun features like a built-in monitor to help you keep track of how much paint you’ve shot out.
Choose a paintball hopper that meets all your needs, including the style of play and budget. There are several electric hoppers in the market today; you’ll surely find one that fits you.
