It doesn’t matter how great your paintball marker is; its functionality will be limited if you don’t have the best hopper for paintball.
Hoppers are receptacles for your paintballs. They feed the balls into your gun’s chamber, allowing you to shoot.
Hoppers come in different designs and sizes. The best paintball hoppers give you a competitive advantage.
They influence your firing rate, ammo capacity, stealth, and other important factors while you play.
How can you choose the best accessory with so many hoppers in the market? This piece offers recommendations that should help you select the best paintball hopper. So,
What Is The Best Paintball Hopper?
There are many hoppers in the market, none of which compare to the Valken Paintball V-MAX Plus Electronic Motorized Loader. Among the best accessories available, the Valken Paintball V-MAX is made for professionals. It is a strong loader intended for quick and intense fire.
Any paintball player will value a hopper that enables fast fire. With a 30-round-per-second loading rate, the V-MAX gets you there. It is, without a doubt, among the greatest paintball hoppers available.
Comparison Table






One of its best characteristics is the rapid, toolless disassembly. A few seconds are needed to empty, clean, and load the hopper. It facilitates simple general maintenance.
You will rarely get jams when using the hopper with soft paintballs. A Low battery indicator on the paintball hopper lets you know when to refill the container. You might turn it off in stealth games to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Best Paintball Hopper You Can Buy Today
1. Valken Paintball V-MAX Plus Electronic Motorized Loader
(Best Overall)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Empire Paintball Dimensions: 14 x 6 x 10 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 220 rounds Net Weight: 0.27 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 220 paintball loader capacity + Portable, lightweight design + Easy access spring loading panel + A fast and easy disassembly process + Low battery indicator |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Valken Paintball V-MAX Plus Electronic Motorized Loader is a top-notch accessory designed for pros. It is a powerful loader designed for rapid and heavy-duty fire.
Any paintball enthusiast appreciates a hopper that allows them to use rapid fire. The V-MAX gets you there with 30 rounds per-second loading capacity. It is undoubtedly one of the best paintball hoppers on the market.
Its quick toolless disassembly is one of its best features. It takes seconds to remove, clean, and load the hopper. It makes its overall maintenance easy.
You can use the gun with soft paintballs with a low risk of getting jams. The paintball hopper has an LED indicator that tells you when you need to refill the receptacle. You can turn it off and remain inconspicuous in stealth games.
The loader is power efficient. Its batteries last long, even during intense use. The battery encasing is conveniently located outside the loader for easy access. It might be a bit loud for some paintball players.
2. Valken Paintball VSL Tournament
(Best for flexible paintball options)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Empire Paintball Dimensions: 6.81 x 6.57 x 3.46 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 250 rounds Net Weight: 0.73 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 250 paintball capacity + One-button operation + Pulse monitor + Ultra-lightweight design + Toolless insertion point |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Valken Paintball VSL Tournament Hopper is a flexible receptacle that will suit any paintball player. It has a sizable 250-ball capacity that will get you through many paintball games without the need to refill.
The hopper design ensures a jam-free loading experience, even with soft balls. It is one of the only hoppers that allows you to use either .64 or .58 bullets. It is the sort of flexibility that saves you money.
You get a capacity extender with the hopper. It allows you to have even more paintballs, giving you a competitive advantage in your battles.
Loading the hopper is easy. The quick-switch mechanism allows you to reload easily in the middle of your battles.
A toolless design allows players to replace and reload the hopper fast. It uses AAA batteries efficiently, and they will certainly last long.
Paintball pros and newbies will appreciate the solid build quality. It is made from durable plastic capable of withstanding significant impact.
It is relatively lightweight, even with the batteries included. Users should easily carry their paintball guns when the loader is full.
3. Dye LT-R Rotor Electronic Loader
(Best for battery life)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Dye Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 10 inches Material: Plastic build Hopper Capacity: 200 balls Net Weight: 1.05 lbs. |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 200 paintball loader capacity + Efficient battery utilization + Jam release trigger + Ultra-lightweight design + Toolless insertion point + Dye precision loader rotor |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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If you are looking for an efficient and functional loader, the Dye LT-R Electronic is the tool for you. It is a reliable, efficient, robust hopper ideal for paintball tournaments and a casual paintball game.
The accessory uses a DYE precision loader rotor to load up to 30 .68 caliber balls per second. It is great for most paintball guns with an automatic firing mechanism.
The Dye LT-R paintball rotor is easy to disassemble and maintain. Its toolless design makes the hopper easy to clean and reload. You get an anti-jam switch that clears any clogs within the loading mechanism.
The water-resistant hopper allows you to keep playing in the rain without damaging your equipment.
You will love the efficiency. The batteries will get you through 100,000+ balls before you need to replace them. You can change the torque settings manually using a wrench.
The hopper is great, but you must buy the feed speed separately. Feeding the hopper might also be challenging, especially in the middle of your game. It, however, is a solid choice for pros and beginners.
4. Proto Primo Paintball Hopper
(Best gravity loader)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Dye Dimensions: 8.86 x 4.25 x 5.63 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.07 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 200 paintball loader capacity + Affordable budget option + Easy to clean and maintain + Ultra-lightweight design + A fast feed rate for rapid shooting |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Proto Primo paintball hopper is one of the market’s best gravity-loaded paintball accessories.
It is a solid option if you are on a tight budget, as it is quite affordable. You get great value for the features it has.
It is one of the lightest hoppers you can buy. The lightweight design makes it ideal for long battles, as it is easy to carry on your paintball marker.
Feeding the paintball loader is fairly straightforward. The loader has a spring latch that opens the hopper for easy and efficient loading.
The paintball hopper is quite functional despite not having a speed feed. It is easy to use and maintain, as with other gravity hoppers.
The hopper is durable thanks to its sturdy design and great build quality. It is also one of the easier paintball guns to maintain, as it is easy to disassemble and clean.
It works well with most electronic models; however, it might not be great for any rapid-fire session. The hopper is a great option for beginners and learners.
5. Virtue Spire IR
(Best rechargeable loader)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Virtue Paintball Dimensions: 9.48 x 5.9 x 4.44 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.54 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 260 paintball loader capacity + It has an inbuilt G-force sensor + Easy paintball loading mechanism. + Ultra-lightweight design + Long battery life. |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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If you are looking for a hopper that can handle soft paintballs, the Virtue Spire IR will suit you. It is a robust hopper with a 200-ball heavy-duty and reliable shooting capacity. The paintball hopper works well with semi-automatic paintball markers.
With the Virtue Spire IR, you get a jam-free hopper that is easy to maintain. The spring-loaded latch opens the receptacle, making it easy to clean. The toolless disassembly is a huge bonus, making it easy to access the hopper.
The model uses a rechargeable battery pack. It is quite efficient in its power utilization. You don’t need to keep buying batteries for the hopper, which makes it cheaper to operate.
The hopper might not support fully automatic shooting, but it has a compatible feed speed. The feed speed gets sold separately.
The hopper is durable. Its polycarbonate fiber finish gives it decent impact protection and should last longer.
Its jam-free design is a bonus. It also has nice anti-pulse features. It is competitively priced, making it a decent value option.
6. H.K. Army TFX
(Best for rapid fire markers)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: H.K. Army Dimensions: 5 x 6 x 10 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 230 rounds Net Weight: 0.86 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 230 paintball capacity + Fast charging option with USB-C + Removable gravity lift tray + Jam-free paintball feed + Low battery indicator |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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Are you looking for a fast, durable, and consistent rapid-fire loader? Why not try the H.K. Army TFX? It is one of the most reliable pro-level hoppers in the market.
The H.K. Army TFX has a 230-ball capacity with an expansion slot. The slot allows you to have more paintballs, ensuring you have more than enough to get you through several paintball games.
It uses a rechargeable battery pack with a USB-C provision. It is a fast-charging and durable option. It is efficient and optimizes battery life. You don’t have to charge it constantly.
Unlike most models, the manufacturer includes the speed feed. You can archive fast and efficient loading, making the hopper ideal for fully automatic paintball guns. It can load up to 22 balls per second, which is more than enough for rapid fire.
The hopper is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor games in the rain. The paintball hopper is quite hefty; however, its excellent features compensate for its weight. The H.K. Army TFX hopper is suitable for professional and experienced players.
7. G.I. Sportz LVL
(Best mid-range hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: G.I. Sportz Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.2 x 5.4 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 202 rounds Net Weight: 0.84 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 202 paintball loader capacity + Flashy, low-profile design + Easy access spring loading panel + A fast and easy disassembly process + Affordable mid-range hopper |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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You can still play paintball despite being on a tight budget. The G.I. SPORTZ Level Loader is an affordable paintball hopper and does the job. It is a functional bit of equipment that works well with almost all paintball markers.
The G.I. SPORTZ Level Loader is easy to maintain. It has a toolless assembly which makes it convenient for paintball players.
You can quickly set up your equipment and switch between loaders in the middle of your paintball game.
The paintball hopper is compact. Its profile makes it great for long games. You don’t get tired of carrying your paintball gun.
The G.I. SPORTZ Level Loader is by no means a professional level hopper. It, however, is awesome for casual gaming.
You can use it on a paintball marker that has a semi-automatic setting. Its maximum load speed is 15 balls per second, which is enough for most casual games.
The paintball marker hopper is ideal for beginners and trainees. Its fast and easy setup should have you up and running in no time.
8. Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader
(Best Compact hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Empire Paintball Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 8 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 180 rounds Net Weight: 0.60 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Superfast loader with 20 balls per second feed speed rate + Compact, low-profile design + Easy access spring loading panel + A fast and easy disassembly process + Affordable and budget-friendly hopper |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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Many paintball players like a hopper that gives them a consistent performance at a decent price point. Hoppers are generally not cheap, but the Empire Paintball Halo Too paintball hopper gives you an affordable and reliable option.
The hopper design is really simple. It has a plastic seal cap that slides open to allow a quick and toolless reload. The plastic cap is transparent to monitor the paintball level inside your hopper.
Its waterproof design protects the hopper when you play in wet conditions. It has a sturdy, unibody design built to withstand impact.
You can trust the build quality as the polycarbonate material guarantees that the paintball gun hopper will last long.
The hopper has an indicator that alerts you if you are running low and you need to refill the hopper. Its simple matte black design makes it great for minimalists. It is the one for you if you need a basic paintball hopper.
Though the hopper is great, it does have a slightly limited capacity compared to other mid-range hoppers.
9. Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Hopper
(Best capacity hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Dye Dimensions: 8.66 x 3.94 x 4.72 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 260 rounds Net Weight: 0.51 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 260 paintball loader capacity. + Robust polycarbonate durable design. + Easy access spring loading panel + The hopper has great battery life. + A fast and easy disassembly process + Fast 30 balls per second loading speeds |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Dye R2 Electronic Paintball hopper is a great choice for pro-paintball players. What sets it apart from most paintball hoppers is its massive 260-ball capacity! What’s more, it has an expansion slot if you want even more balls.
A DYE rotor in the hopper can load up to 30.68 caliber balls each second. It works well with paintball markers that have an automatic firing system.
The Dye paintball rotor is simple to take apart and keep clean. The hopper is simple to clean and reload thanks to its toolless construction. An anti-jam switch is included, unclogs any obstructions in the loading mechanism.
You’ll adore the battery efficiency. You can play with more than 100,000 balls before the batteries need to get replaced. With the aid of a wrench, you can manually alter the torque settings.
The hopper is excellent; however, you must purchase the feed speed individually. It may be difficult to feed the hopper, especially in the middle of the game. But both experts and novices will find it to be a good option.
10. Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers
(Best Programmable hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Virtue Paintball Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.1 x 4.9 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 220 rounds Net Weight: 0.91 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 220 paintball loader capacity. + Robust polycarbonate durable design. + Easy access Lambo door loading panel + A fast and easy disassembly process + Dual LED indicator |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Virtue Spire IV is a paintball marker hopper that appeals to all paintball users, regardless of skill level. It is one of the most flexible paintball marker hoppers on the market.
It is a sturdy 220-ball capacity hopper made for powerful and dependable shooting. Semi-automatic paintball weapons perform well with the paintball hopper.
You get a jam-free hopper that is simple to maintain with the Virtue Spire IV. The hopper is easy to clean thanks to the spring-loaded lock. The toolless disassembly makes it simple to access the hopper, which is a great plus.
The hopper works well with a paintball marker with an automatic shooting mechanism. Its feed speed is a different item.
The hopper has a long life. Due to its durable polycarbonate coating, it offers good impact protection. An added benefit is its jam-free construction. The anti-pulse features are great.
The speakers and LED alert you when you are running out of paintballs. You can turn the feature off when playing stealth games.
11. Maddog 200 Round Paintball Hopper Loaders
(Best budget hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Maddog Dimensions: 6.73 x 6.38 x 3.46 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.13 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 200 paintball loader capacity. + Robust polycarbonate durable design. + Easy access cap seal loading + A fast and easy disassembly process Simple, lightweight build |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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This Maddog hopper offers them a reliable performance at a reasonable price, appealing to many paintball enthusiasts.
The Maddog 200 Round Paintball Hopper Loader offers a cost-effective and dependable alternative to other hoppers.
It incorporates a slide-open plastic seal cover that enables rapid and toolless reloading. Because the plastic cap is translucent, you can see the level of paintballs in your hopper.
The hopper is protected by its waterproof design when you play in damp weather. It is has a strong unibody that can withstand impact.
You can rely on the construction quality because the paintball marker hopper will last long, thanks to the polycarbonate material.
When you are low on ammo and need to replenish the hopper, an indicator on the hopper will let you know.
It’s great for minimalists because of its plain mat black style. It is the one for you if you don’t need a noticeable hopper.
12. Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Paintball Hoppe
(Best durable paintball hopper)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Bnkr Kings Dimensions: 9.49 x 5.94 x 4.96 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.55 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 200 paintball loader capacity. + It has a small and compact polycarbonate fiber durable design. + Easy access loaded spring cap. + Magnetic ball raceway |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Paintball hopper is a professional paintball hopper that works well with powerful markers. The high end paintball hopper is ideal for tournaments and intense paintball gameplay.
In contrast to most models, the speed feed gets included by the manufacturer. The hopper is great for fully automated paintball guns since it allows for quick and efficient loading. There are more than enough balls for rapid shooting at a rate of up to 22 per second.
The Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Paintball hopper can hold 200 balls with an extension slot. With more paintballs available, you can play numerous paintball games without running out, thanks to the slot.
The hopper is waterproof, making it ideal for rainy-day outdoor sports. The paintball hopper weighs great, but its great features make up for it. Professional and seasoned players should use the Bunkerkings CTRL Electric hopper.
The paintball hopper has a reinforced nylon lid. It is durable and quite resistant to impact damage. It lasts long.
13. Empire 200 Round Loader Regular
(Best for beginners)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Empire Paintball Dimensions: 6.81 x 6.57 x 3.46 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.14 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Massive 200 paintball capacity. + It has a small and compact design. + Easy access plastic seal cap + A fast and easy disassembly process + Lightweight, ergonomic design |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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The Empire 200 Round Loader Regular is a great budget option. It is a good option if you have a limited budget because it is reasonably priced. For the features it contains, you get a lot for your money.
It is one of the lightest hoppers you can get. Long battles benefit from its lightweight design because it is convenient to carry on your paintball gun.
It’s not difficult to feed the paintball loader. A spring latch on the loader unlocks the hopper for quick and simple loading.
Even without a fast feed, the paintball hopper is fairly useful. As with other gravity hoppers, it is simple to use and maintain.
The hopper’s strong construction and solid design make it long-lasting. As it is simple to disassemble and clean, it is also among the simpler paintball guns to maintain.
Although it works with most models, it might not be ideal for rapid-firing sessions. Beginners and learners should consider the hopper.
14. Valken Paintball V-LITE 200 Round Paintball Fast Loader
(Best ergonomic design)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: Valken Dimensions: 8.07 x 5.91 x 4.13 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.2 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ Sturdy polycarbonate design. + Plastic seal top with easy access. + Quick and simple disassembly + Ergonomic lightweight design |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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Many people are often skeptical about having a cheap paintball hopper. These concerns mainly border on quality and reliability. The Valken Paintball V-LITE 200 Round hopper is one of the best low-budget paintball accessories.
It is one of the hoppers that weighs the least. Its lightweight construction makes it practical to carry your paintball marker during lengthy engagements.
The paintball loader is simple to feed. A spring latch unlocks the hopper on the loader for quick and easy loading.
The paintball hopper is still great, even without a quick feed. You can use it with a paintball gun that lacks a rapid-fire setting.
It is easy to use and maintain, just like other gravity hoppers. The sturdy plastic exterior ensures that it lasts long, even under intense use. Its overall build quality is great.
An indication on the hopper will let you know when you are running low on something and need to load more paintballs.
Its simple matte black design makes it ideal for minimalists. If you don’t require a conspicuous hopper, this is for you.
A hopper is quite simple to make. It has a slide-open plastic seal cover that makes quick and tool-free reloading possible. You can see how many paintballs are in your hopper because the plastic top is see-through.
Ensure you check the hopper for compatibility, as it might not fit some paintball markers. It is also not ideal for soft paintballs as it is prone to jams.
15. GOG Multi .50 & .68 Caliber Loader Black
(Best for pump loader)
SPECIFICATIONS |
Manufacturer: GoG Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.7 inches Material: Plastic Build Hopper Capacity: 200 rounds Net Weight: 0.16 Kilograms |
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REASONS TO BUY |
+ It has a small and compact design. + Compatible with .68 and .50 + Quick and simple disassembly + It is designed for lightweight hoppers |
REASONS TO AVOID |
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Do you want a simple paintball hopper for casual non-competitive games? The GOG Multi .50 & .68 Caliber Loader is a great choice. It is a budget hopper that is highly functional and intuitive.
The hopper is safeguarded by its waterproof construction when you play in wet conditions. The manufacturer used strong unibody material in its construction to make it impact-resistant.
Because of the paintball marker hopper’s durability due to the polycarbonate material, you can rely on the build quality.
It is one of the lightest paintball hoppers you can buy. Because of its lightweight design, it is convenient to carry your paintball marker throughout prolonged engagements.
It is simple to feed these paintball loaders. A spring latch on the loader unlocks the hopper for quick and simple filling.
The GOG Multi .50 & .68 Caliber is gravity loaded. It is easier to maintain than most electronic loaders.
You should avoid using soft paintballs with the model, as they are prone to breaking in the hopper. The loader works great with .50 and .68 caliber balls.
How To Choose The Best Hopper For Paintball
Paintball gun hoppers vary in design and specifications. Here are the key features to consider if you want to buy the best paintball hopper:
1. Paintball Capacity
Ideally, you want a paintball hopper that gives you the best capacity. It ensures you don’t run out of ammo in the middle of your games.
It also eliminates the need to keep refilling the hopper. The standard capacity for most paintball marker hoppers is 200 balls.
You can get more capacity if the hopper has an extension. Modern and compact hoppers have less capacity.
2. Loading Speed
The loading speed refers to the number of balls your hopper can load each second. The speed matters because it determines your fire rate.
Check your paintball marker specifications and determine its fire rate. Choose a hopper that matches your paintball gun’s fire rate. A high loading speed is great, especially for rapid fire.
3. Paintball Gun Type
Check for compatibility when buying a paintball hopper. Third-party hoppers vary in size and compatibility.
Some hoppers are limited to electronic markers, while others work best with mechanical markers.
The load point should also match your gun’s diameter. You can look through forums to check for hopper compatibility. Check out the best paintball guns under 250 if you are on budget.
4. Caliber Size
Paintball marker hoppers have distinct caliber sizes. The caliber refers to the diameter of the paintball.
Most paintball hoppers use the .68 size balls, while others use .50. Premium hoppers are compatible with both ball sizes.
The wrong ball size causes jams and ruins your gun’s speed feed. Do not overlook the ball size compatibility.
5. Paintball Type
Paintballs get classified according to their hardness. Hard paintballs are ideal, as they do not break easily inside your hopper.
Some hoppers can, however, use soft paintballs without experiencing jams. You should pick a paintball marker that allows you to use both hard and soft paintballs. Don’t forget that paintballs vary in sizes.
6. Advanced Hopper Feed Alerts
Pick a paintball gun hopper that alerts you when you need to refill the gun. You should also pick one that alerts you whenever you need to charge your hopper’s battery.
Pick a hopper with an LED indicator. They are better than hoppers with an alarm system because they allow you to remain in stealth mode. Transparent hopper lids are not as effective as LED indicators.
7. Noise
Hoppers vary in their loading mechanisms. Gravity fed hoppers are the most silent type. Electronic hoppers are loud because they have spinning rotters.
They are great for rapid-fire but give away your position in stealth games. Gravity rotters are ineffective for rapid fire, but you will remain inconspicuous in your games.
8. Build Quality
Most paintball hoppers are plastic. You should look for one with reinforced polycarbonate construction.
They tend to last longer and have great impact resistance. The speed feed and rotter matter too. Avoid cheap speed feeds as they tend to be flimsy. A gravity fed hopper is more durable than its electronic counterpart.
9. Maintenance
Do not overlook maintenance when buying your paintball hopper. These accessories require regular maintenance to work efficiently. Look for a hopper with a toolless assembly.
It should be easy to take apart and clean. A hopper with a lid-shut mechanism is easier to maintain and clean. Avoid hoppers that are difficult to take apart. The best hoppers have a jam proof drive system.
10. Rain Lid
Select a hopper that is water-resistant. Some hoppers break down when they get exposed to damp conditions.
Check the specifications to ensure your paintball hopper is safe to use in wet weather. The design should shield the motorized electronic models so they wouldn’t short-circuit in wet conditions.
11. Hopper Weight
Hopper weight matters to the overall ergonomics of your paintball gun. A light paintball hopper is ideal, making the gun easy to maneuver. Heavier hoppers cause you to feel fatigued after long games, which could affect your performance.
12. Batteries
Paintball hoppers either use A-standard cells or rechargeable batteries. Your choice depends entirely on your preferences as both options have merits and demerits.
Choose an efficient hopper that will get you through several games before you need to charge them.
Why Does Your Paintball Hopper Keep Jamming?
There are many causes for jams. The two main reasons are that you are using soft paintballs or the paintball is of the wrong size.
Soft paintballs are likely to break inside the hopper, causing jams. Using the incorrect paintball size causes blocking and jamming in your hopper. Debris in the chamber could also cause the jams.
Is A Cap Better Than A Spring-Loaded Lid Mechanism?
Caps are more durable and last longer than spring lids. Caps, however, make it hard to clean your paintball hopper effectively.
While spring-loaded lids make your hopper easy to clean, they tend to open easily during games. It can cause you to lose your paintballs in the middle of a match.
How Often Should You Clean Your Paintball Hopper?
You should clean your hopper at the end of every game. It clears any dirt that may cause your paintball marker to jam.
Cleaning the hopper also removes broken paintballs, ensuring your gun fires efficiently. Dirty hoppers reduce your battery efficiency and also limit your FPS and range. Use a squeegee to remove any dirt.
Can You Feed Other Projectile Types To Your Paintball Hopper?
Some specific manufacturers make spherical plastic bits that you can use with some guns. You should check the paintball gun type and the hopper manufacturer guide to see the recommended use case. Inserting unrecommended objects into your hopper might damage your paintball gun.
Types of Paintball Hoppers
Paintball hoppers get classified according to their loading mechanism. There are two main types of hoppers they are:
- Gravity hoppers
- Electronic hoppers
Gravity Hoppers
These rely on gravity to load the paintball projectile onto the barrel. Gravity hoppers are the most common hoppers in the market. Gravity hoppers are cheap and easier to maintain. They have fewer moving parts.
Advantages
- Gravity models are affordable.
- Gravity fed hoppers are typically light.
- Gravity models are easy to maintain.
- Gravity fed hoppers are less prone to jams.
- Gravity fed hoppers are easy to load and use.
- Gravity fed hoppers are great for beginners.
Disadvantages
- Gravity fed hoppers load slowly
Electronic Paintball Hoppers
They are advanced hoppers that force-feed paintball projectiles into the marker. Electronic hoppers get used in pro-level paintball markers. An electric hopper is fast and efficient, making them ideal for rapid fire.
Advantages
- They are fast.
- The hoppers have good load speeds.
- Electronic hoppers have load alerts.
Disadvantages
- They are expensive.
- Electronic hoppers can be loud.
Marker Types
There are three primary types of paintball markers. These guns are categorized based on how they fire. As follows:
1. Pump Markers
The pump firing mechanism in paintball guns is the oldest. It uses a pressured pump to launch the paint projectile by depressurizing the chamber.
Compressed air, CO2, or an HPA tank are all needed for a pump marker.
Advantages
- They have great power.
- These paintball pistols are cheap.
Disadvantages
- You must aim with great accuracy to hit your target.
- Because of their manual firing mode, they cannot engage in rapid fire.
2. Manual Markers
These paintball guns are by far the most popular. They employ a blowback firing system.
They shoot paint projectiles via the barrel using a tension spring.
Advantages
- They are simple to disassemble and maintain.
- Because most of the shooting is automated, you can use rapid fire.
Disadvantages
- In comparison to pump alternatives, they are more expensive.
3. Electronic Markers
The most expensive paintball gun variants are electronic markers. An external battery powers these firearms.
Advantages:
- There is no recoil with electronic spool valves.
- Of all models, they feature the best paintball fast fire.
Disadvantages
- They are typically more expensive than other paintball pistols.
What Paintball Accessories Do You Need For Paintball?
Before you can begin playing, you need several other accessories besides the paintball pistol. Some helpful additions are as follows:
Barrel Cleaner
A barrel squeegee is handy when a paintball inevitably breaks in your paintball gear. You can quickly clean the barrel with the squeegee.
Good barrel cleanliness will increase your shot accuracy. Squeegees are affordable, simple, and light.
They are transportable on the paintball field. Even the greatest paintball marker can start developing a jam.
Antifog
You must wear safety goggles while playing paintball to safeguard your eyes. Fog accumulating on your glasses is the last thing you want. Use antifog to keep the lenses clear so you can see and adequately assess the paintball field.
Tank Thread Protectors
Keep threads on hand for your tanks. These caps stop leaks from occurring in your tank. You could have to spend hundreds of dollars to fix leaking tanks. Caps are an investment worth making.
Ring Pick
Ring picks assist in unclogging any obstructions and removing paint from tight spaces. Pick rings are handy for routine maintenance. They are also necessary if you intend to play paintball for an extended period.
Arms Stand
A paintball marker stand will assist you in propping your gun while you lay under cover if you plan a stealth round. Stands for paintball guns are surprisingly affordable.
You may even improvise a paintball stand out of common household items. The best paintball marker stand is not necessary. Campers would adore the item.
Transport Bag for your paintball gear
You need a bag to transport all your paintball gear and pod packs. Considering that paintball equipment might be hefty, invest in a durable bag.
Microfiber Wipes
You may clean your lenses using microfiber wipes without damaging the paint. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the lens while you remove the paint.
Paintball Gun Case
When transporting a gun, a case helps keep it from getting damaged. Ensure the case has a robust exterior to guarantee that your pistol is secure and sufficiently shielded from impact damage. Large paintball markers may not work with cases.
Haulers
A hauler is a simple paintball storage container. It has a spout that facilitates the paintball-filling process. You can load balls swiftly in the middle of a paintball game. You don’t have to worry about balls spilling, and it works well.
Bottom Line
Using the best hopper for paintball can make all the difference. There are many good paintball hopper manufacturers in the paintball industry. Valken makes some of the best markers.
They also have great accessories like hoppers, cartridges, sites, etc. They are a reputable and reliable manufacturer of premium paintball equipment. Valken offers variety to its customers.
They have both premium and budget options for their loaders. This article breaks down the specifications of the best paintball gun hoppers and gives you decent recommendations. The buying guide helps you make an informed purchasing decision.