Guide to Buying Your 1st Paintball Hopper
If you’re in the process of buying your first speedball paintball gun, you’ll probably need to consider additional pieces of equipment such as your first paintball hopper. With all of the different hopper options on the market right now, it’s important to understand what each option offers and what you can expect from each tier of hopper. In this guide, we’ll take a look at hoppers that run the spectrum from beginner to pro-level to help you make the right decision about which hopper is right for you.
Tippmann 200 Round Hopper
The Tippmann 200 Round Hopper is the “shake and bake” hopper that many beginner paintballers use. This handy little hopper is the definition of “what you see is what you get” and sits at the very accessible price of $8.00. What do you get for all that money, you may ask? Well, this little hopper is basically a plastic shell with a plastic feed neck and a plastic cover. It will hold about 200 paintballs. There are no frills–no cyclone feeds, no agitators, no electronic components or anything like that. It’s simply a place to keep and load your balls while on the field.
Proto Primo
The Proto Primo hopper is a small step up from the Tippmann 200 and can be purchased for about $20. There are no electronics, no sensors, and no batteries in this loader either. However, there is a shelf which will help feed the balls into the feedneck so there’s less “shaking and baking” like there is with the Tippmann 200.
Protoyz Speedster
The Protoyz Speedster Loader retails for about $65 and is the first electronic loader to appear on our list. With its tool-less design and glowing push-button power switch, it's super user-friendly. Made from tough Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Nylon (GRN), it combines durability with efficient performance. It can handle both 68 cal and 50 cal paintballs, thanks to a 50 cal adapter.
Assembling and disassembling the GRN shells is a snap—no tools needed. The spring-loaded lid works smoothly in any weather and the internal mechanism is also tool-free, making it easy to insert or replace the four AA batteries. The Light Barrier unit, protected from moisture and dirt, controls the feed, sensing when your marker fires and feeding paintballs as needed with over 10bps feed rates.
For a full review of the Protoyz Speedster, take a look at our comprehensive YouTube video below:
Empire Halo Too V2
The Empire Halo Too V2 is one of the best “bang for your buck” hoppers coming in at around $75. The ultra-quiet belt drive feeds over 20 balls per second, letting your marker rain paint on your opponents. The Freeway Anti-Jam feature prevents jams and broken paintballs, keeping you in the game while others are cleaning up.
The matte black polycarbonate shell is tough enough to take any hit and holds 180 paintballs. The on-board computer handles sound-activated feeding and lets you program Motor Speed, Microphone Sensitivity, and Feed Stack monitoring. As expected from a Halo, you're getting top-notch loader technology. The V2 version includes the Rip drive kit and an upgraded shell with a tool-less battery door. Put this loader on your marker, and Empire will make a believer out of you Too.
For a full review of the Empire Halo Too V2, take a look at our helpful YouTube video below:
Virtue Spire IR2
The Virtue Spire IR2 is packed with features players love, like programmability and tool-less maintenance, and is the first middle-tier loader on the list at $120. Its low-profile design keeps it close to your marker, giving you a clear view for accurate shots, and it holds a standard capacity of paintballs, so no need to adjust your loadout.
The IR2's upgraded drive system is a standout, designed to be more reliable and agile, with a "jam-proof" mechanism thanks to its shape, materials, and feeding method. The tool-less assembly also makes cleaning and maintenance quick and easy.
Players appreciate that the Spire IR2 performs well even in the rain, with no jamming issues. It comes with a speed feeder and a ramp, which are considered essential accessories. If you're looking for a reliable, high-performance loader, the Virtue Spire IR2 has got you covered.
Take a look at our unboxing and review video of the Virtue Spire Ir2 below for more information:
Dye LT-R
The Dye LT-R combines proven DYE technology with incredible feed rates and reliability, delivering top-tier performance at just $110. Known for its trusted quality and consistency, the DYE Rotor platform is a workhorse loader for paintball players worldwide. The patented Rotor technology ensures smooth, rapid feeding with its constant feed carousel and opposing Rotor center arm rotation.
The LT-R features a toolless design and a low-profile shell with a 200-ball capacity. Its spring-loaded floor tray ensures paint ends up in your gun, while adjustable feed tension and an anti-jam release trigger handle any paint and conditions. The interchangeable carrier/spring lid makes switching between the standard lid and the optional DYE Quick Feeds a breeze. The LT-R is highly battery-efficient, running on just 3 AA batteries for over 80,000 shots. It also offers various upgrades like color kits, quick feeds, and high-capacity tops.
Take a look at our helpful YouTube video below for a comprehensive review of the Dye LT-R:
Dye Rotor R2
The Dye Rotor R2 comes in at $200 and features a groundbreaking multi-capacity shell, allowing you to switch between 200 and 260 rounds on the fly without needing extra parts or tools. Its Rapid Release lid system makes changing between Dye Quickfeeds and traditional polycarbonate lids effortless. The larger mouth design, 15% bigger than previous models, ensures quick and efficient loading. With all these features, we can say that the Dye Rotor R2 is the beginning of more professional-level loaders.
The R2 introduces new circuit board logic with a Reload Alert System and electronic Dynamic Force Control, providing consistent power-regulated feeding and gentle control on paint when needed. Known for trusted quality and proven consistency, the Dye Rotor platform remains the top choice in loader technology for paintball players worldwide.
Take a look at our helpful YouTube video below for a comprehensive review of the Dye Rotor R2:
Virtue Spire V
The Virtue Spire V is the result of 10 years of research and development and offers top-notch technology at $250. The Virtue Spire V features faster feeding speeds to keep you in the game, and its toolless components make cleaning and servicing a breeze, no matter how many paintballs you use. This cutting-edge hopper delivers some of the best functionality available.
The Spire V’s electronics are a major upgrade with three infrared sensors that work with an accelerometer to control precise feeding. The durable hardware of the Spire V also sit conveniently under the paintball tray and can be easily removed with one hand, allowing for quick troubleshooting and clearing issues without long delays. For the latest in hopper technology, the Virtue Spire V is a must-have to dominate the field.
Take a look at our comprehensive video below for a full review of the Virtue Spire V:
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of different considerations when purchasing your first paintball hopper and other accessories. The most important thing consider when buying this hopper is looking down the road towards the next couple of years. A good question to ask yourself is, what hopper will future-you be grateful to present you that you got today.
Whether you’re looking for your first paintball hopper, your next paintball gun, or any other paintball outfitting, head on over to our online paintball store. At Lone Wolf Paintball, we have the best selection of makers, hoppers, and other accessories you’ll find anywhere. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team who will point you in the right direction.
Happy paintballing!