A Guide in Shopping for the Best Paintball Hoppers 2021

Investing in the best and the right equipment can either make or break you once you are already in the paintball field. In this case, one important gear or equipment to invest in is the best paintball hopper. Also called a paintball loader, the hopper is the gear that you attach to your paintball marker or gun.

It holds several rounds of balls, the ones that tend to drop into your paintball gun prior to firing it. Having a specific number of rounds that you need gives you the opportunity of firing them quickly. However, take note that you can’t expect to find the best paintball hopper if you do not arm yourself with relevant knowledge about it.

Note that not all hoppers are the same so you need to spend time analyzing and scrutinizing all your options. In this case, you may be able to find the help that you need through the short reviews of the following products in this specific category.

Each review mentions the strength and the weakness of the product, so you can make a better decision.

Best Paintball Hoppers:

1. Proto Primo Paintball Hopper:

Best Paintball Hopper

The Proto Primo Paintball Hopper is an ideal choice, especially if you are looking for an affordable and reasonably priced option. I think that it definitely works for those on a budget. One nice benefit of this loader is that it functions well by sorting and funneling the paintballs down while you are shooting. This results in a consistent vertical feed.

It boasts of a reasonable capacity, which can handle up to 200 paintballs. What I find even more impressive about the loader is that it does not require you to worry too much about a battery indicator or battery life. You will no longer be seeing the mentioned features that tend to show that your battery is already low on power, making it convenient.

Pros & Cons Of Proto Primo PaintBall Hopper

Pros

  • Offered at an affordable price
  • Guarantees a more consistent vertical feed
  • Runs smoothly even without using a motor and batteries
  • Can minimize the risk of jams
  • Promotes higher feed rates

Cons

  • Heavier than other hoppers

 

2. DYE LT-R Electronic Paintball Hopper:

Best Paintball Hopper

If you are looking for an electronic type then IDYE LT-R think that one of the best options for you is the DYE LT-R electronic paintball hopper. In my opinion, one thing that sets the DYE LT-R apart from the rest is that it uses the patented DYE loader technology. Such technology works in combining a high level of functionality with reliability and excellent feed rates.

In fact, I realized that it is actually capable of firing more than 30 balls every second. I find it impressive in the battery efficiency department, too. It is mainly because it only requires 3AA batteries to power it. Once the batteries are around, the hopper will be capable of providing more than 80,000 ball shot count.

It also boasts of its tool-less maintenance. With such a feature, it is possible for users to enjoy an effortless, highly intuitive, and fast assembly and disassembly process. You can also easily clean up and maintain it with just one push of a button and just by simply sliding the locking tab.

Pros & Cons Of DYE LT-R Electronic Paintball Hopper

Pros

  • Good combination of functionality, reliability, and excellent feed rates
  • Highly efficient battery
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Comes with a water-resistant coated board
  • Features an adjustable torque

Cons

  • Prone to jamming

 

3. Virtue Spire Electronic Paintball Hopper:

Best Paintball Hopper

Your search for the best paintball hopper will also most likely introduce you to the Virtue Spire. It is mainly because the Virtue Spire is one of the most reliable hoppers in the market, which continues to earn positive reviews and feedback from the majority of its users.

One of the things that got my attention is the overall design of the loader. It is primarily because it is sleek plus it comes in various colors. It works particularly well for beginners and intermediate paintball players. This compact and sleek paintball hopper is capable of holding around 200 paintballs.

Another noticeable advantage that you will most likely love from the hopper is that it is easy to disassemble. It is primarily because of the built-in slide-to-unlock feature in the hopper. It also lets you enjoy using it without the risk of jams – thanks to the spring anti-jam drive integrated into it.

Pros & Cons Of Virtue Spire Electronic Paintball Hopper

Pros

  • Boasts of a sleek and compact design
  • High capacity, capable of holding up to 200 paintballs
  • Easy to disassemble
  • Low to zero risk of jams with its spring anti-jam drive
  • Features a low and comfortable profile

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

 

4. Empire Halo Too Paintball Hopper:

Best Paintball Hopper

If you are still starting to learn the ins and outs of paintball then I highly suggest using the Empire Halo Too paintball hopper. It is easy to use, so you will never experience complications when operating it on the field. One remarkable thing about the hopper is that it is offered at an affordable price.

It is affordable and simple while still ensuring that beginners, like you, will have a lot of fun on the battlefield. I am also glad that I came across this paintball hopper because I found out that it has a reliable force-feeding mechanism capable of feeding up to 20 paintballs every second.

It also takes pride in its ultra-quiet belt. This specific feature is the reason why the product can shoot lots of paintballs to your opponents with a high level of accuracy and in a continuous manner. Furthermore, you will find its reloading mechanism easy to use and operate.

Pros & Cons Of Empire Halo Too Paintball Hopper

Pros

  • Easy and simple to use, making it ideal for beginners
  • Features a force-feeding mechanism that can feed up to 20 paintballs per second
  • Shoots paintballs accurately and continuously, thanks to the ultra-quiet belt
  • Lowers risk of jams
  • Easy to use and operate reloading mechanism

Cons

  • Slightly tricky to disassemble

 

5. Dye Precision Rotor Paintball Hopper:

Best Paintball Hopper

Another paintball hopper that you should incorporate in your list of choices is the Dye Precision Rotor. It continues to leave a good impression on me considering the fact that it is the most lightweight paintball hopper introduced to me. Despite being lightweight, it still has the capacity of holding up to 200 rounds.

One great advantage of the hopper is that it has a unique and distinctive low-profile design. Such design makes it possible for the hopper to push the balls straight down when dealing with a short distance. This results in the smaller size and shape of the loader and its low profile.

Another thing that I am so happy about in this paintball hopper is it uses the proprietary tuff molding, which is capable of withstanding a drop even coming from a 3-story building. I can also assure you that it will remain functional even if it is underwater because it has a water-resistant coated board.

Pros & Cons Of Dye Precision Rotor Paintball Hopper

Pros

  • Lightweight while still retaining its high capacity
  • Stays functional even underwater
  • High feed rate
  • Delivers a consistent, rapid, and smooth feed performance
  • Promotes a quick and easy reloading process

Cons

  • Pricey

 

What to Look For When Buying a Paintball Hopper?

Loaders:

Just like what has been mentioned earlier, hoppers for paintball are not created equally. This means that you really have to do a comprehensive paintball hopper comparison based on the following factors and qualities to boost your chances of making a sound and informed choice.

Size and weight:

Make it a point to look for a paintball hopper or loader with just the right size for the number of paintballs you prefer it to hold. There is actually no need for you to get the biggest paintball hopper you can find in the market. What you have to do is to look for one, which has just the right size.

A good hopper is actually that capable of holding a minimum of 50 balls. For even more serious paintball players, though, the best hopper for them is that which is capable of holding more than a hundred balls. Such size makes it possible for you to shoot even if your opponents are still reloading.

The weight also matters a lot in your decision. It is advisable to go for lightweight hoppers. Note that older hopper models have the tendency of weighing you down. With that in mind, you need to look for more modernly and compactly designed hoppers that do not have too much weight.

You do not want the weight of the hopper hampering your movements, do you? Your goal, therefore, is to hunt for one in the market, which weighs less than several pounds only.

The level of competition you are a part of:

Another vital consideration when you are still on the stage of shopping for a new hopper is the specific level of competition you are a part of. In case you are only an occasional player then it would be appropriate for you to invest in a hopper for beginners, which is not only reliable but also simple to use.

However, if you play almost every weekend then the most suitable hopper for you is the mid-level version. Such will provide you with the edge you want on the field while impressing your teammates and friends. If you are a serious paintball player, someone who participates in competitions, then a high-end paintball hopper is a must.

Compatibility with your gun:

You also have to check whether your chosen paintball hopper is compatible with the paintball gun that you currently own. The good news that the majority of paintball hoppers are now constructed in such a way that they fit the majority of guns.

However, you can’t still expect all of them to be compatible with the marker you own. With that in mind, you have to inquire if the specific hopper you intend to buy fits the model and make of your paintball marker or gun.

With such compatibility, it is possible for you to prevent the risk of costly returns. It can also offer a guarantee that your hopper will really work with your marker.

Style:

If possible, choose a hopper with a style that perfectly matches your paintball gun. This especially holds true if you are someone who wants your gun and hopper to match perfectly. Note that paintball hoppers are usually available in several colors so it is not that hard to find one, which is suitable enough for your gun.

The rate of fire:

It is also advisable to try figuring out what is the fastest paintball hopper out there. Note that what you will be needing in the paintball field is that which is capable of matching your quick trigger finger. In this case, the perfect hopper for you is usually that which falls in the mid-range or high-end range.

If you are still new in the field, though, and you are just okay with shooting your opponents using your paintball gun in a slow manner then a beginner version is already appropriate for you.

Durability:

It is also advisable to check the durability of the paintball hopper before choosing. The majority of hoppers are actually constructed out of plastic but such material varies from one type to another. In most cases, hoppers constructed out of clear plastic are usually weaker.

If possible, go for one that does not have the risk of breaking apart or cracking. It should be able to withstand the hit and abuse from your paintball gun. If you have an electric hopper or loader then take note that it usually relies on a proprietary system, which feeds down the paint into the paintball gun and feed neck.

You can also find some models that are known for being more gravity-reliant. Others, on the other hand, force the paint via a rotary as well as down the neck. Ensure that the internal parts of these models can withstand drops and shots. The outer part should also be capable of protecting the insides.

Conclusion:

Now that you are more informed about paintball hoppers, it would be easier for you to narrow down your options and figure out which one can serve you better. In searching for the best paintball hopper, make it a point to ask the right questions prior to buying. Check out the qualities of each product in your list.

Also, do not forget to consider what kind of paintball player are you. That way, you can select the right hopper, which is a perfect match for your skill level.

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