10 Best Paintball Hoppers 2024 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Paintball Hoppers

In Paintball, having the best paintball hopper equipped with your marker will make all the difference. Paintball hoppers are one of the most important gears you can invest in to level up your marker’s performance.

In this guide, we have listed down 10 of the best paintball hoppers on the market today. From easy-to-use designs to powerful motors, these hoppers are sure to give you the edge you need in the paintball world.

Before we go any further, what exactly is a hopper?

A hopper, sometimes referred to as a loader feeds paintballs into the marker and keeps them in a stack.

There are a variety of different types of hoppers used by paintballers, all with their own strengths and weaknesses.

After conducting extensive research on many factors impacting the efficiency of hoppers and analyzing the best paintball hoppers of 2024, we have developed this comprehensive buyer’s guide to assist you in making a better selection.

So, without further delay let’s jump straight to our list.

Best Paintball Hoppers of 2024

Image Hopper Ratings  
Dye LT-R Dye LT-R  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Virtue Spire IR² Virtue Spire IR²  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Dye R2 Dye R2  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Bunkerkings CTRL Bunkerkings CTRL  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Virtue Spire IV Virtue Spire IV  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Proto Primo Proto Primo  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Empire Halo Too Empire Halo Too  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
HK Army Pinokio HK Army Pinokio  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Valken V-MAX Plus Valken V-MAX Plus  ⭐⭐⭐ Check Price
Empire Prophecy Z2 Empire Prophecy Z2  ⭐⭐⭐ Check Price

1.   Dye LT-R Electronic Hopper

Dye LT-R Electronic Hopper

The LT-R is an electronic hopper that is compact as well as simple to operate. The hopper can fire more than 30 balls per second, which is rather astounding. The loader can produce around 80,000 ball shot counts using the batteries. It also speaks of its tool-free upkeep.

Users may experience an uncomplicated, extremely simple, yet quick assembling and disassembling with such a feature. With only one press of a button as well as a simple slide of the locking tab, you can quickly repair and sanitize it.

What’s more amazing is that its covered board is water-proof, and this electronic paintball loader can stay fully functioning for a long time. With its variable torque capability, it’s also simple to fine-tune the torque settings directly. You’ll also like the loader’s black-ops function, which automatically turns off an led indicator while playing in low-light or night games.

Even though it is not as inexpensive, the Dye LT-R is still considered a good buy for medium-level players, including newbies wishing to move from a gravity-fed to an electronic paintball loader. Once the batteries are around, the hopper will be capable of providing more than 80,000 ball shot counts.

One drawback is that it is susceptible to jamming; however, this may be readily remedied by flipping it upside down as well as pushing the unjam mechanism.

Pros
  • Efficient battery
  • Lightweight and easy to maintain
  • Water-resistant coated board
  • Highly efficient battery
Cons
  • Prone to jamming

2.   Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Hopper

Virtue Spire IR² Electronic Hopper

Suppose you’re looking for the finest paintball loader on the market. In that case, we’d like to introduce you to the Virtue Spire IR², a moderately priced, high-quality electric hopper suitable for both amateurs as well as intermediate players. It is one of the most dependable hoppers with an incredibly streamlined look.

The Spire IR2 maintains a winning design concept by being slimmer, lightweight, simpler to use, never jams, and is now arguably even more dependable.

Furthermore, it is ideal for both beginner and advanced paintball players. The Spire IR² will deliver even more dependably with its proactive feeding design, all without ever pulsating.

Another notable characteristic is the built-in slide-to-unlock mechanism, which enables rapid assembly as well as disassembly.

The Virtue Spire IR comes with an anti-jamming mechanism, eliminating the possibility of jams. Needless to say, the Spire IR is one of the most reliable hoppers on the marketplace because it is constructed on a tested concept with proven performance in the field.

Pros
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Holds up to 200 paintballs
  • It has a low battery indicator with an alarm
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
  • Stock lid easily breaks.

3.   Dye R2 Electronic Hopper

Dye R2 Electronic Hopper

Among the several types offered by the firm, the R2 is a very well-known hopper. This type is famous for its feed rate since it features a big mouth or hole that allows feeding paintballs into the loader a breeze. That is why it is somewhat more costly than other variants.

The cover of the R2 is similarly composed of polycarbonate. Again, the curved and round form has been created to boost the paintball capacity from 200 to 260. 

This hopper runs on three AA batteries. It also contains a low-battery indication, which is a benefit. The batteries have a capacity of more than 100,000 rounds.

The feeder is equipped with an on/off switch, a counter restart button, as well as two DIP switches. You can disable the noise detectors as well as the flashing lights to prevent being identified throughout the game.

Furthermore, dismantling the hopper is quite easy and may even be performed on the field. To insert new paintballs, either pop off the lid or push the brackets forth to remove the engine.

Pros
  • Maximum capacity of 260 paintballs
  • Can reserve power when not in use
  • It comes with an anti-jamming mechanism
Cons
  • Slightly expensive
  • Plastic parts tend to crack and break if roughly used

4.   Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Hopper

Bunkerkings CTRL Electronic Hopper

The Bunkering’s CTRL is engineered to feel precisely balanced on any rifle. Additionally, playing with this hopper enhances your angle of vision due to the reduced profile, whether you’re sprinting or firing.

The CTRL feeding logic has been completely reworked. Instead of relying on shot activation to supply paint for each shot, the CTRL loader begins feeding immediately as your weapon begins shooting and proceeds to feed until the stack is filled, without the need for a G-force detector to recognize each shot.

Furthermore, the CTRL is the very first paintball hopper to have an Angle Indicator. With the push of a switch, an LED light bar on the backside of the CTRL detects the exact angle required to shoot, or you may select your preferred angle on the battlefield.

Moreover, this small loader is simple to disassemble due to an enhanced tray structure that fits into place in the shell utilizing magnets.

Moreover, the tray design incorporates an improved glass-filled nylon lid composed of the same materials as the CTRL shell and does not fracture like polycarbonate lids.

Pros
  • Perfectly Balanced
  • Never Jams
  • Magnetic Toolless Tray
Cons
  • lightly expensive

5.   Virtue Spire IV Electronic Hopper

Virtue Spire IV Electronic Hopper

The Virtue Spire IV Electronic Paintball Loader is a smaller, easier-to-maneuver variant. Its tiny form has a total capacity of 220/280 paintballs. Another feature you’ll like is its improved anti-jamming capability, which spares you from the stress of a breakdown in the middle of a game.

It can shoot 25 paintballs per second. Its proactive feed logic board enables paintballs to be fed to the weapon in an immediate, continual, as well as constant manner.

Furthermore, the hopper incorporates an internal magnetic driving cone that makes it simple to clean as well as operate.

It also has a tool-free disassembly concept. A dual-LED reload indication is yet another electrical characteristic of this loader.

Additionally, this loader has a distinctive function in that it can be linked to your smartphone for alarms, such as when it needs to be reloaded. Because the loader is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, it is a little pricey. It’s also accessible in a bunch of other hues

Pros
  • Holds a sufficient capacity
  • Features a battery life indicator
  • Easy to maintain
  • Comes with a dual-LED reload indicator
Cons
  • It needs physical shaking to start the feed
  • The stock lid tends to break with rough usage

6.   Proto Primo Paintball Hopper

Proto Primo Paintball Hopper

If you are in the market for a low-cost hopper, the Proto Primo Paintball Hopper might prove to be a smart choice.

Although this hopper is gravity-fed, it has a cleverly improvised design that keeps paintballs from jamming. So that you don’t have to shake it violently to keep a steady flow of paintballs. Just a little tilting or a quick shake will do the job.

Furthermore, it has a capacity of 200 balls. It also has a big hole that allows you to shoot more than eight balls each second. The Proto Primo boasts a sleek as well as attractive design that also helps with constant paintball release during the game.

It weighs around 2.4 ounces and can be classified as a lightweight variant.

The vertical feeding system guarantees that the paintballs are put into the gun smoothly. Moreover, the clear, spring-loaded lid makes reloading simple. 

This lid is a fantastic feature that allows you to refill with new paintball more rapidly while playing a game. Another advantage is the low price. However, you will have to spend more if you want to buy hoppers in other colors.

Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • Operate smoothly without batteries
  • Reduce the risk of jams
  • Offer high feed rates
Cons
  • Requires shaking when it’s running low on paintballs
  • Bulkier than other hoppers

7.   Empire Halo Too Electronic Hopper

Empire Halo Too Electronic Hopper

The Empire Halo Too Paintball Loader is one of the finest as well as fastest hoppers available. This great loader stores 180 rounds as usual, and feed rates of more than 20 balls per second are typical. This polycarbonate hopper is one of the most durable types on the market. Of course, this means it isn’t precisely a light design.

When equipped with the four AA batteries required for operation, the loader weighs roughly a pound. However, it is a solid product at a decent cost.

The hopper also has six unique speed options. The default value is three, and it will remain that way unless you modify it. This makes it simple for even inexperienced users to operate the hopper. The Empire hopper is initiated by sound and is equipped with a small microphone. You can, of course, refuse if you have a large marker.

Furthermore, it is proud of its ultra-quiet belt. This characteristic provides a high level of precision. Additionally, its reloading system is simple to handle and function. While reloading, its built-in freeway anti-jam mechanism ensures that no jams occur during the game.

Pros
  • Battery level indicator
  • Anti-jamming design
  • One-hour auto shut off system
  • Comes with six-speed settings
Cons
  • On the heavier side
  • Lower capacity than some

8.   HK Army Pinokio Electronic Hopper

HK Army Pinokio Electronic Hopper

If you want a high-quality and dependable hopper, go no further than the HK Army Pinokio Electronic Loader. The Pinokio hoppers include a variety of accessories that can carry anywhere from 260 to 400 paintballs.

It’s simple to keep up with a sturdy exterior shell. Another advantage is the long battery life, which is provided by two AA batteries that work well in most situations.

Additionally, another great feature of this hopper includes efficient responsive eye sensors which help to locate your opponents quickly.

Moreover, this HK army electronic hopper is one of the most durable loaders because of its water-resistant coating, so whether you play on muddy or wet terrains, it won’t get damaged. Furthermore, the Pinokio hopper has various carrying capacities and has one of the quickest feed speeds in paintball.

Another great feature about the electric Pinokio loaders is that they can easily feed up to 30 balls while still having long battery life. Two 9-volt batteries power it. Another advantage of this hopper is that it will not jam because of its incredible anti-jamming technology.

Pros
  • Offers a consistent feed
  • Keep a good battery life
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Comes with a battery life display
Cons
  • The lid might be tough to unlock
  • The super bright LED light is disliked by users

9.   Valken V-MAX Plus Electronic Hopper

Valken V-MAX Plus Electronic Hopper

One of the most desired paintball loaders is the Valken V-Max Plus Electronic hopper. This paintball feeder has a feed rate of 30+ balls per second, so it can effortlessly stay consistent with paintball gunfire speeds. Moreover, including 2 9-volt batteries, it weighs as little as a pound.

It also has a one-touch on-and-off switch as well as an LED screen, making it easy to use the VMAX plus hopper. Along with the feed rate, the Valken V-Max hopper has a 220-ball capacity, which means it can contain a lot of paintballs for when you’re in a significant conflict.

In addition, it features an effortless and lightweight design, weighing little under one pound. Furthermore, it has a rapid lid change with its usual friction lid, allowing you to reload swiftly, and it is transparent, allowing you to see how many paintballs you have remaining.

Apart from other features, the Valken V-max also dismantles as well as reassembles in seconds, allowing you to invest more effort in playing and much less effort in cleaning after the game.

Pros
  • It has a high feed rate of 30+ balls
  • Offers 220 ball capacity
  • It has a transparent friction lid
  • Has a LED display
Cons
  • Slightly expensive

10.   Empire Prophecy Z2 Hopper

Empire Paintball Prophecy Z2 Gun Hopper

It’s hard to go wrong with the Empire Paintball Prophecy Z2 hopper, especially if you’re on a tight budget. It is a fantastic option since it is also quite sturdy in addition to being reasonably priced. It is also an excellent choice due to its enormous keeping capacity. Its hopper can carry up to 200 paintballs at all times.

What’s more amazing is that this hopper performs exceptionally well for long competitive shots. It is also constructed in such a manner that you will not have to reload it constantly due to its large storage. Another appealing characteristic of this particular paintball hopper from Empire is the variety of colors offered.

The variety of certain hues also makes it easier to choose one that will exactly match most paintball markers. Moreover, it is effortless to transport the field. This is primarily due to the hopper’s minimal weight as well as low profile. Moving about the game field will be a lot simpler for you with your lightness.

It also features a quick shooting speed because of its noise-activated function. The battery housing is improperly made, which is one of the disadvantages. Aside from that, the Empire paintball hopper is one of the most robust, solid, and light paintball hoppers available.

Pros
  • Highly durable construction
  • Boasts of its sizeable holding capacity
  • It does not require you to reload the hopper too frequently
  • Works well for long competition shots
Cons
  • Poor construction of the battery housing

Best Paintball Hoppers – Buyer’s Guide

Paintball Buyers Guide

How do you pick the best paintball loader for your needs? What are the several kinds of hoppers? Just keep in mind that not all paintball hoppers are made identical. To improve your possibilities of making a solid and educated decision, you should do a thorough paintball hopper analysis based on the following elements and attributes.

Types of Paintball Hoppers

Following are the two main types of paintball hoppers.

1.    Gravity-Fed Paintball Hopper

Gravity-fed versions are simple in design since they don’t need batteries or motors; instead, they use your motion to propel the paintballs into place, making them lightweight, inexpensive, and ideal for amateurs. However, this also implies that they have a reduced feed rate and are more susceptible to jamming.

2.    Electronic Paintball Hopper

On the other hand, electronic variants use a motor and various interior settings and capabilities to allow constant, jam-free reloading, often at a rate exceeding 20 balls per second. However, they are more expensive, so we believe they are best suited to more dedicated, experienced players.

Read More about the difference between Gravity Fed and Electronic Hopper here.

Choosing Paintball Hopper According To Your Expertise

Your level of expertise and commitment to the game are the two factors that determine how much money you should invest in a paintball hopper. For your convenience, I have divided this category into three sub-categories.

1.    Beginner

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a professional paintball hopper if you’re a beginner. Instead, pick a lightweight choice with a basic architecture and a low price tag. You can choose between gravity-loaded and electrical variants as a starter.

2.    Mid-Level

A mid-range loader would be your smartest choice if you’re a little more adept but still don’t think yourself an expert. They are more expensive than entry-level versions, but they have refined capabilities that may give you an advantage in the field. Noise-activated, eye-activated, as well as cyclone-activated loaders, may be the ideal option for you.

3.    Professional

Finally, if you intend to compete in primary contests, be prepared to go all out; a high-end paintball hopper is required. They not only have a faster feed speed rate as well as a larger capacity, but they also feature well-designed motors and sensors to guarantee consistent performances, eliminate clogging, and ensure that nothing terrible happens.

What to look for when buying a Hopper?

For those passionate paintballers who want to step up their game, the following are the characteristics that you should look for when looking for the best paintball hopper.

1.    Size & Capacity

Make it a priority to purchase a paintball hopper or loader that has the capacity to store the precise quantity of paintballs you want. You don’t need to get the largest paintball hopper available on the market. All you have to do now is hunt for one that is the perfect size.

A decent hopper should be able to accommodate at least 50 balls at a time. However, for even more dedicated paintball players, the finest hopper is one that can contain over a hundred balls. Because of its size, you can shoot even while your competitors are still reloading.

2.    Weight

Your selection is also heavily influenced by your weight. It is best to choose lightweight hoppers. It’s worth noting that earlier hopper models have a habit of weighing you down. With this in mind, you should seek hoppers that are more contemporary and compactly made, as well as ones that are not too heavy.

You don’t want the hopper’s weight to stifle your emotions, do you? As a result, your objective is to find one in the market that weighs less than a few pounds.

3.    Marker’s Compatibility

You should also make sure that the paintball hopper you choose is compatible with the paintball gun you presently own. The good news is that most paintball hoppers are now designed to suit a wide range of weapons.

However, you can’t expect all of them to work with your particular marker. With this in mind, make sure the hopper you’re considering purchasing is compatible with the model and manufacture of your paintball marker.

4.    Design & Style

Many elite players choose to match the color and design of their hopper to the color and design of their paintball marker and pistol. So, if at all feasible, pick a hopper that fits the style of your paintball marker. Choosing a similar design is especially important if you want your gun and hopper to look precisely the same.

Fortunately, there are a variety of models, sizes, and colors to pick from on the market. Also, the best paintball hoppers generally provide a variety of alternatives.

5.    Durability

Another vital factor is durability, which you must not overlook in any manner. Many hoppers are made of plastic, albeit the type of plastic varies. You should now seek a model that is resistant to cracking and breaking. In addition, it should be able to survive the most challenging conditions.

If you’re interested in an electric hopper, keep in mind that it relies on proprietary technology to feed the paint down into the feed neck. You can also choose models that are known to be gravity-dependent. Make sure that these units have a tough exterior shell that can survive drops and paintball impact.

6.    Firing Rate

It’s also a good idea to figure out what the quickest paintball hopper on the market is. Keep in mind that what you’ll need on the paintball field is something that can keep up with your rapid trigger finger. In this instance, the ideal hopper for you is generally in the mid-range or high-end price range.

However, if you are still unfamiliar with the game and are content with blasting your enemies with your paintball gun at a modest pace, a basic model is already perfect for you.

7.    Price & Warranty

Hoppers are priced differently based on their materials, manufacturer, efficiency, and so on. For example, if you play paintball frequently, you should indulge in a high-quality hopper. On the other hand, if you play paintball once in a while, low-cost hoppers will suffice. That’s why it is critical to make an appropriate selection based on your budget and your knowledge.

Nowadays, almost every product comes with a guarantee, and your paintball hopper is no exception. Make sure your hopper comes with at least a one-month contract. This warranty indicates that your purchase is solid and secure. The lengthier the warranty period, the more safe your purchase will be.

8.    Speed Feed Compatible

If you’re a paintball pro, you’ll want to invest in a hopper that will help you improve your game even more. Various hoppers have different speed rates. Some modern hoppers have an extremely high feed rate, giving you an advantage over the competition.

Medium feed-rate hoppers, low-speed hoppers, and low-speed hoppers are often seen, and both work well to make your gameplay stand out. You can select one based on your degree of experience and skill.

9.    Anti Jamming

Your hopper may become stuck during a game. It’s a problematic scenario. To avoid this, conduct thorough research for a hopper that explicitly includes the anti-jamming function.

The most excellent paintball hoppers will undoubtedly contain this function. However, some lower-priced versions may be as well. It is mainly determined by the design of the tray fillers. Anti-jamming is a must-have feature when competing in paintball competitions against pro-level players.

Best Paintball Hoppers – FAQs

What is a Hopper/Loader?
How many shots can a hopper make before the battery runs out?
How many paintballs can a hopper hold?
Can you use a gravity-fed hopper with an electronic paintball gun?
Are all paintball hoppers universal?

Final Words – Wrapping it up

If you’ve made it this far, you’re now well-versed in paintball hoppers. This detailed guide will assist you in narrowing down your options and determining which one would work best for you.

When looking for the best paintball hoppers on the marketplace, take the initiative to conduct extensive research before deciding. Examine the quality and attributes of each product on your wishlist.

Happy Paintballing!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *