Best Paintball Hoppers & Loaders [UPDATED 2023 Reviews]

Are you one of us who loves to explore more and more adventure-packed fun-loving activities like paintball battles but find yourself stuck between not knowing which gear is the best to own? Or which are the best paintball hoppers to buy?

You don’t have to worry about going through all the brain-wrecking searches because we have already done that for you and summarized it in this article.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, our list will help you choose a good paintball hopper. To fully enjoy all the fun of paintball, you must have the essential gears to start. Also, you must know how to use a paintball hopper with your marker.

Paintball is a no-kid game. And you need to have a particular set of gears before you want to step into a paintball match or an exclusive tournament.

A paintball hopper is one of the must-have pieces of equipment, like a paintball gun, mask, helmet, and so on, for you to play paintball smoothly.

And the only way you can find the best hopper for paintball is by knowing well about it.

What is a Paintball Hopper? 

The paintball hopper has an unusual egg shape attached to the paintball gun. A paintball hopper is paintball gear, so you must have a suitable hopper for you.

It is also referred to as a paintball loader. This gear helps you store paintballs before firing, defending your crew, or shooting against your opponent during paintball games.

Types of Paintball Hoppers

There are two types of paintball loaders available in the market:

Gravity Fed Hoppers

Gravity-fed hopper uses gravity as an assistant to feed paintballs to the paintball marker, but they are prone to get jammed easily, and the firing rate is pretty low. (Firing rate solely depends on the speed of the user).

Sometimes the paintballs get jammed inside a gravity-based hopper because of a small opening, and every paintball is pushed down with the help of just gravity. You can solve this problem by shaking your hopper.

Electronic based Hoppers

Electronic hoppers use motors or recoil to feed the gun. As a result, they don’t get easily jammed, which is handy, and has a high firing rate.

Without any further due, here is the list of the best paintball hoppers, in our opinion, to get you ready for any paintball match.

These hoppers have an anti-jamming mechanism with built-in automated feed trays or paddles, so you don’t need to worry about shaking the hopper or getting shot while trying to unjam your paintball hopper.

Sound activated hopper

They use the sound of a shot to run their system and feed the gun. You can shoot up to 20 balls per second with it.

Eye activated hopper

They let you see through the tube, and you are constantly updated on how many paintballs you are left with.

The tube holds up to 20 balls per shot. The motor auto turns on/off according to the status of the paintballs in your tube.

Cyclone-activated Hoppers

They use gas to feed the gun and can shoot 15 balls per second. Some players prefer this one because it has the least number of paintball breakage. But the significant disadvantage is they consume a lot of gas tanks.

Top 5 Best Paintball Hoppers 2023

A primary paintball hopper is a need for any paintball player. Therefore, we have prepared a list of excellent & fabulous paintball hoppers that are most selling and liked.

1. Proto Primo – Cheap Paintball Hopper

Dimensions: 8.86 x 4.25 x 5.63 inches
Weight: 0.07 Kilograms

On our list is ‘Proto Primo Paintball Hopper,’ a gravity-fed hopper. It is cost-effective and delivers qualitative performance and a higher feeding rate than the other standard.

Its performance speed solely depends on your speed of shooting. In addition, its unique within-shelf design aids you with smooth performance.

It is a gravity-fed hopper & fastest paintball hopper. So you don’t need batteries to function correctly during a paintball game.

Its simple and sleek design makes it easy to assemble and reload. The Dye used hard plastic for its prolonged durability.

Its built-in shelf design provides a smooth supply of paintballs and minimizes unnecessary pressure. As a result, we didn’t encounter any blockage or outburst of paintball during its trial. You can also have a matching set with a wide range of colours.

Let’s have a look at Proto Primo Paintball Hopper features:

Feature	Description
Capacity	It holds up to 200 paintballs
Loading Mechanism	Gravity-fed, no batteries required
Feed Rate	Higher than average gravity-based hoppers, 8-9 balls per second
Built-in Shelf Design	It provides a seamless paintball supply and minimizes pressure on paintballs.
Colour Options	Available in blue, green, and red. Other colour options are available for an additional cost.

 

Proto Primo Paintball Hopper by Dye offers good quality specs at the most affordable price. It is why it is now trending as the top-selling product on Amazon and is on the top of our list.

BUY AT AMAZON

 

2. Dye LT-R – Best Electronic Paintball Hopper

Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 10 inches
Weight: 0.75 Kilograms

Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Hopper secured second place in our list because of its patented DYE loader technology (a combination of high-level functionality & feed rates). Most paintball professionals choose this choice, and we will tell you why.

• Firstly, we found out its battery timing and efficiency are good with just 3AA batteries.
• Secondly, you can quickly shoot 30 balls every second, not allowing a chance for a counterattack from the opposite team.
• Dye LT-R Electronic Paintball Hopper is an easy-to-use hopper with just one button for assembling and disassembling.

We highly recommend this one if you are a professional looking for an efficient & cost-effective hopper.

We are going to explain more features of Dye LT-R:

Feature	Description
Loader Technology	Patented DYE loader technology capable of shooting 30 balls per second
Battery Requirement	Requires 3 AA batteries, allowing for approximately 80,000 shots before needing to replace them
Easy Breakdown and Assembly	Tool-less breakdown and assembly with a simple button, making it quick and convenient
Shark Fin Jam Trigger	Equipped with a Shark Fin Jam Trigger for easy unjamming when the hopper gets jammed
Water-Resistant Material	Made with water-resistant material, enabling use even on rainy days without compromising functionality.
On/Off Button for Indicators	Includes an on/off button for indicators, allowing customization based on your preferences and battle circumstances

BUY AT AMAZON

 

3. Virtue Spire IR2 – Good Paintball Hopper

Dimensions: 9.48 x 5.9 x 4.44 inches
Weight: 0.54 Kilograms

If you are a professional paintball player, you must have heard about Virtue. It is the best high-quality electric hopper that any beginner can use. But no worries if you are reading the name for the first time.

Virtue has released many versions of the best paintball hoppers over time (Spire I, II, III, and so on). But Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Paintball Loaders made their way on our list because of their reliability and performance.

What we most loved about Virtue Sprite IR2 is:

• For one, it works quietly, which is excellent in stealth mode.
• Secondly, it feeds the paintball marker smoothly, which makes it the most reliable loader.
• Thirdly, it is an all-weather friendly product whether it is raining, windy or scorching sun. Virtue Spire IR2 gives its utmost performance in any condition.

Let’s talk about some more features of Virtue Spire IR2:

Feature	Description
Design	Compact and sleek design for easy handling and manoeuvrability
Anti-jamming drive	Zero chances of getting jammed during a paintball game
Battery timing	Excellent battery capacity for extended use
Three-eye technology	Monitors the condition of paintballs
Weather-friendly	Suitable for use in various weather conditions
Toolless assembly	Easy to assemble and disassemble without the need for additional tools
Anti-jam drive	Ensures uninterrupted battles by preventing jams
Flexible rubber fingers	Uses flexible rubber fingers to feed paintball marker, minimizing breakage
Nylon shell construction	Durable construction using nylon shells
Lightweight	Lighter in weight for enhanced convenience
Upgradeable	It can be upgraded with additional investment for enhanced performance, although it works perfectly fine without any upgrades.

 

The Virtue Spire IR2 Electronic Paintball Hopper is the best for performance and the best paintball loader on the list.

BUY AT AMAZON

 

4. Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader – Best Hopper For Paintball

Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 8 inches
Weight: 1.32 pounds

Just like Dye and Virtue, Empire also delivers good-quality hoppers. Moreover, it is one of the electronic models with anti-jamming specs.

Although it has a reasonable firing rate, the paintball hopper capacity is lower than the other hoppers, which is a bit of a bummer. But if we look at overall features, it makes a pretty decent purchase for beginners and professionals.

The Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader is made of a polycarbonate shell for durability and longevity.

But this also means that it is not lightweight. Nevertheless, many buyers get attracted to its unique features, like sound activation, so we wanted to try it out.

Let’s see some more features of Empire Paintball Halo Too Loader:

Feature	Description
Battery Life	Good lifespan running on 4 AA batteries, with a low battery indicator to warn you
Shell Material	Made from a polycarbonate shell that is durable and can withstand hits without breaking
Feeding Rate	Can feed up to 20 balls per second, allowing for quick and continuous firing
Lightweight	Lightweight design for easy manoeuvrability and reduced fatigue during gameplay
Anti-Jam Function	Equipped with an anti-jam function to prevent any potential jams during gameplay
Paintball Capacity	It holds up to 180 paintballs, which is lower than other hoppers, requiring more frequent reloading.
Sound Activation System	Features a sound activation system set on standard level 3, ideal for beginners but adjustable for different preferences over time

It is an excellent option for beginners who have just started playing paintball. It performs best and is more reliable than advanced hoppers at a reasonable price. In addition, you can change its settings and customize it with time as you get more proficient at it.

BUY AT AMAZON

 

5. Dye R2 – Biggest Paintball Hopper

Dimensions:8.66 x 3.94 x 4.72 inches
Weight: 1.1 lb

We added the Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Loader to our list because of its larger paintball capacity than other hoppers.

It practically gives you a range of capacity from 200 to 260. It is the largest paintball hopper that professional paintball players can use.

Another reason we liked it more is its feeding rate and the paintball capacity. We have mentioned another paintball gun hopper from Dye at the top of the list because Dye manufactures high-quality hoppers.

Dye designed the outlook in such a way that increases the capacity of hoarding paintballs in the hopper.

Another plus point about this model is that you can shoot up to 100,000 shots in one run of batteries, and you will always be ready to restock it with a low battery indicator.

Let’s have a look at more features of the Dye R2 paintball hopper:

Feature	Description
Adjustable Capacity	Choose between a container capacity of 200 or 260, allowing customization based on your preference.
Feeding Rate	Impressive patent feeding rate of 30 balls per second, ensuring rapid and continuous firing
Larger Mouth	15% larger mouth than most hoppers, speeding up the lid-changing process
Toolless Assembly	Easy assembly and disassembly without the need for any tools
Reload Alert System	Notifies you in advance when it’s time to reload, preventing any interruptions during gameplay
Battery Life	It runs on 3 AA batteries and provides a battery life of up to 100,000 shots.
Low Battery Indicator	Features a low battery indicator to alert you when the battery is running low
Controls and Settings	Equipped with an on/off button, counter reset button, and 2 DIP switches for customizable settings according to your needs
Anti-Jam Trigger	Anti-jam trigger eliminates worries about marker shaking and ensures smooth feeding.
Upgradable	Additional upgrades are available for purchase, allowing customization to meet specific requirements.
Colour Options	Available in various colour options, with the black option being the standard choice and other colours potentially costing extra

Dye R2 Electronic Paintball Loader is the giant paintball gun hopper on the list, which has a pretty good capacity for long-based events and tournaments.

BUY AT AMAZON

 

How to put a hopper on a paintball gun?

To properly attach a hopper to a paintball gun, follow these steps:

Prepare your paintball gun

Ensure that your paintball gun is in a safe and unloaded condition. Remove any paintballs from the marker and turn off the air supply.

Access the feedneck

Locate the feedneck on top of the paintball gun. The feedneck is the opening where the hopper will be attached.

Remove the hopper lid.

If your hopper has a lid, open it or remove it to make it easier to insert the paintballs.

Align the hopper

Hold the hopper above the feedneck with the front end facing towards the paintball gun barrel.

Insert the hopper

Carefully slide the neck of the hopper into the feedneck of the paintball gun. Ensure that the hopper is aligned straight and snugly fits into the feedneck.

Secure the hopper

Depending on the type of hopper and paintball gun you have, there may be different mechanisms to secure the hopper in place.

Common methods include twisting a locking collar or tightening screws or clamps. Follow the specific instructions for your hopper and a paintball gun to secure the hopper properly.

Test the connection

Gently tug on the hopper to securely attach it to the paintball gun. Make sure it doesn’t easily come loose.

Verify proper feeding

Turn on the air supply and check if the hopper is correctly feeding paintballs into the marker. Dry-fire a few shots to confirm that the paintballs are feeding smoothly.

Note: Always consult the user manual of your specific hopper and paintball gun for any manufacturer-specific instructions or precautions.

Factors to Consider While Buying the Best Paintball Hoppers in 2023

Although we have listed down the possible best paintball hoppers, in our opinion, you still need to know some factors which will guide you towards the best possible choice.

It is vital to know about the product you are buying according to your need to know you made a worthy purchase.

A beginner can’t spend much money on high-end hoppers because they are just starting and getting the hang of stuff.

But professional or pro paintball players can’t compromise on the quality for the sake of their game records to save a few extra bucks.

Factor	Description
Capacity	Look for hoppers with a larger capacity to store more paintballs (typically ranging from 180-260). Reloading frequently can be a hassle during intense gameplay.
Maintenance	Choose easy hoppers to clean and disassemble to remove any paint, dust, or debris that may block the paintball’s path. Regular maintenance helps prolong the hopper’s lifetime.
Anti-jamming Feature	Hoppers with an anti-jamming feature increase reliability by preventing paintballs from getting stuck, especially during critical moments in a game.
Reliability	Factors contributing to reliability include an anti-jamming feature, a weather-friendly design, and a durable body capable of withstanding impacts.
Weather Friendly	Opt for hoppers made from water-resistant materials to ensure functionality is not affected by rain or adverse weather conditions.
Durability	Choose hoppers with a sturdy build capable of withstanding rough gameplay and hard impacts. While hoppers are generally made from moderate-quality materials, models with more durability are available.
Appearance	The appearance of the hopper can provide a sense of uniqueness and style. Many manufacturers offer hoppers in different colours and designs, allowing players to have a matching set or express their individuality.
Size & Weight	Smaller and lightweight hoppers are recommended for beginners to avoid unnecessary weight that may affect performance. As players gain experience, they can opt for larger capacity hoppers while considering weight for ease of carrying and mobility.
Material	Hoppers are commonly made from plastic, nylon, or polycarbonate. Plastic is cheaper but less sturdy than nylon and polycarbonate used in professional-grade hoppers.
Compatibility	Ensure that your paintball gun hopper is compatible with your marker/gun. Check with the seller or manufacturer for compatibility information before making a purchase. Low-quality markers may not handle large loads well, potentially leading to breakage or jamming.
Firing Rate	Beginners should start with a low firing rate to get accustomed to shooting and gameplay. Professionals may prefer hoppers with higher firing rates for better performance.

 

Capacity

It is one of the main factors in making a good decision. It is preferable to look for hoppers with more capacity to store paintballs.

It sometimes gets challenging to reload again and again during a shooting spree. Different models have different ranges of capacity. It ranges from 180-260.

Maintenance 

You all know that taking good care of anything prolongs its lifetime. The same goes for hoppers and other essential equipment for paintball.

You need to regularly clean it from paint, dust, or any other particle which could end up blocking the path of the paintball to the marker.

So it would be best if you looked out for those easy hoppers to open, assemble and disassemble for this sole purpose.

Anti-jamming Feature

An anti-jamming feature is something that increases the reliability of any hopper. The main task of the paintball gun hopper is to speed-feed paintballs to markers.

Things could be pretty bad if it gets jammed at the crucial moment of your fight, especially for paintball pros.

Reliability

Not everything in this world is completely 100% reliable, but we can always look for factors that raise the overall reliability.

In the case of hoppers, these factors could be an anti-jamming feature, a weather-friendly feature, and a sturdy, durable body to withstand hard hits.

Weather Friendly 

You don’t want an unexpected turn of weather to affect your game in any manner.

Look out for hoppers made with water-resistant material so your hopper functionality is not compromised even in the rain.

Durability

During a paintball match, you go through very rough patches, so you need your best paintball hopper to be sturdy enough to withstand such hits.

Although compared to other paintball equipment, hoppers are made from moderate-quality material.

You can still find models with a muscular build that can withstand strong hits. Because honestly, you can’t keep buying a new one every once or twice, am I right?

Appearance

You must be wondering why this factor is happening here but trust us. It matters because it gives you a sense of uniqueness from other opponents.

You can have a matching set; many manufacturers offer different colours and skin.

Size & Weight

During a fierce battle, unnecessary weight can affect your overall performance in a paintball game.

For beginners, we recommend going with small and lightweight hoppers first. Then, once you get the hang of it and have a few practice matches, you can increase the capacity accordingly.

The paintball gun hopper, which offers a large capacity and is lightweight, will be best for pros, but these high-end hoppers are often costly.

Because lightweight hoppers are easy to carry and you can also run efficiently.

Material

Hoppers are made from plastic, nylon, and polycarbonate material.

Plastic might not be sturdy, but it is cheaper than nylon and polycarbonate material for professional hoppers.

Compatibility

Imagine buying a perfect paintball gun hopper that isn’t compatible with your marker/gun. Sad and disappointing, right?

Many hoppers are compatible with most paintball guns, but it is always good to double-check with the seller before buying any good hopper.

The paintball hopper price must be low but with better quality. In addition, battery life should be good for the high-end paintball loaders to stay longer for your paintball markers.

The paintball gun hoppers you will buy must be compatible with your marker, so check this before buying. Low-quality markers can’t handle a big load of balls at once; they can break or jam your marker & give you some bad days on the battlefield.

Firing-Rate

At the start of this article, we mentioned the difference in firing rate between gravity-based hoppers and electronic hoppers. So you practically have an idea.

It is ideal for beginners to go for a low-speed firing rate to get used to shooting and playing.

You can raise the firing rate once you know this and that about paintball games. Professionals can look straight at an excellent firing rate in a hopper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many paintballs does a hopper hold?

A hopper can hold from 180 to 260 paintballs, but the capacity range varies from model to model.

Can you use any hopper with a paintball gun?

The best paintball hoppers are manufactured to be compatible with almost any paintball gun or marker. Still, it is wise to double-check this thing with the seller before your purchase.

How do electric hoppers work?

A gravity-fed hopper for paintball guns is a primary hopper that feeds into the gun’s breach. It works fine but only feeds so fast: ten to twelve paintballs per second at most.

Can you use an electric hopper on an automatic paintball gun?

No. In paintball, gravity-fed hoppers are used to feed the firing chamber with rounds of ammunition.

There is a difference in how they work, and the best electric hoppers paintball can’t be mounted on a mechanical marker because gravity does not do so.

How many paintballs fit in a hopper?

You can fit from 180 to 260 paintballs in a hopper, depending on the capacity of the hopper you own or are going to purchase.

Are all paintball hoppers universal?

Yes, most paintball hoppers that are manufactured now are universal.

What are hoppers in paintball? 

Hoppers are a basic essential gear of paintball that stores paintballs before feeding them to the firing chamber. Depending on the model capacity, the storage range varies from 180-260 paintballs.

Does the paintball hopper come with batteries? 

Usually, it is a NO, and you must purchase the batteries separately. You can always check this thing in the product specifications before purchasing.

How many shots can a paintball hopper make before I have to change the batteries?

The shots you can make with a paintball gun hopper depend on the model of the hopper. The standard range is from 80,000 to 100,000, but it can vary if the hopper has an on/off button, preserving battery life.

Conclusion 

It was one heck of a journey, right? However, we hope we have covered almost everything related to the best paintball hoppers for you, whether you are a beginner or a pro at paintball.

Let us know which hopper you find the most appealing on the list. However, we recommend the Proto Primo Paintball Hopper/Loader because it is a gravity-fed hopper.

It delivers an excellent firing rate and is cost-effective. Solely its performance depends on the speed of the shooter. It will feed the marker according to the shot made by a beginner or a pro.