When it comes to paintball gear, paintball guns are the most fun piece of gear that you can get your hands on. After all, who wouldn’t like slinging paint at an opposing team, or even their own buddies, and that too in the most fun of ways? That said, the tech that powers paintball markers have come a long way since it first appeared in the 1990s. Today, we have the best paintball gun with hopper and adapter options that can keep up with consistent power and excellent speeds. The hopper/loader basically holds the paintball in the right position for firing. When the marker is cocked, the paintball falls out of the hopper and into the barrel, where the compressed gas or CO2 directed to the barrel propels the ball. Since paintball markers are designed for safety measures, the speed of the pellet is controlled and yields less impact.
Hence, the hopper essentially holds multiple rounds of balls before discharging them to the marker before firing at your opponents. What’s more, even hoppers are of different kinds, and the type also greatly affects the weight, reliability, and speed of the marker. That’s why, we’ve even come up with a handy guide explaining the different types, besides listing the best markers in business.
How To Choose The Best Paintball Guns with Hopper?
Types of paintball hoppers
Although there is a wide variety of paintball hoppers available on the market, they fall broadly into four main categories: force-fed, agitating, gravity-fed, and stick-fed. This article will highlight the differences between the types.
- Force- Feed Paint Hopper: These mechanized hoppers employ sophisticated belt-powered/spring-loaded systems that force paintballs into the marker. Used mostly by professionals, these inventive systems have phenomenal speeds of play. While some use wireless systems to continue feeding paintballs into the system, others have digital displays showing how many paintballs are left. This essentially eliminates misfeeds and increases the loader’s speed.
- Agitating Paintball Hopper: These feature propellers within the container, with small fan blades stopping the ammo from blocking the gun’s neck. They’ve similar quick-firing paces as the force-fed hoppers but falter when they come into contact with moisture.
- Gravity-Feed Paintball Hopper: They’re ideal for those looking for easy-to-use and cheap hoppers for their markers and come with a feed tube and a large container. Despite being able to feed more than eight balls/second, they could jam up and aren’t consistent.
- Stick-Feed Loader: Finally, these can hold up to 24 paintballs and are generally used on pump-action markers.
Marker weight
The last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy paintball gun on the field. However, there are many lightweight options in the market today, with some markers weighing as little as 2-3 lbs. That said, if you end up liking a heavier gun, make sure that you can run and move around with the weight to get an idea of how it’ll feel during gameplay.
Hopper material
Finally, the materials of the paintball barrel, adapter, hopper, and gun are very important for accuracy, durability, and stability. Technically, the best options for a paintball gun with hopper are made from either aluminum or carbon fiber since both are strong, corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, and stable under pressure.
When it comes to the hopper material, the high-quality ones are usually designed with materials similar to paintball marker barrels, which are aluminum or ceramic. Aluminum hoppers, while commonly available and affordable, need to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Ceramic hoppers, on the other hand, are lightweight but very fragile and delicate.
Why is a clean and right hopper so important?
The hopper is one of the most critical and important parts of the paintball marker, as it can affect your overall game. In fact, if you don’t have the right hopper, then not only will your accuracy rate and firing rate be affected, but so will your target shots. For instance, having a dirty or the wrong kind of hopper can result in paint making its way to the barrel. This, in turn, could cause your paintballs to curve when fired, thus completely botching up the accuracy of your shots.
Tippmann Stormer Elite
13
One of the best paintball gun with hopper options is also amongst the overall Best Paintball Guns – the Tippman Stromer Elite. This excellent hopper-driven marker is made from extremely rugged and durable high-impact composite material and is perfect for all levels of players. One of the highlights of this marker is the presence of the brand’s high-performance in-line bolt system for better shot reliability and consistency. Additionally, this marker also comes with an over-molded rubber grip, many Picatinny rails for adding accessories, a removable tactical foregrip, as well as a single trigger with push-button safety. Since this marker is both hopper-fed and mag-fed, you can use both .68-caliber jawbreaker balls and pepper balls. All in all, this semi-auto marker is a great buy, complete with a tactical front shroud, collapsible stock, and six positions.
Pros:
- Many Picatinny rails.
- Internal gas line.
- High-impact composite body.
- Complete customization.
Cons:
- Very heavy.
Tippmann TMC Magfed
12
It might be one of the Best Cheap Paintball Guns, but the build and quality of the Tippman TMC Magfed is anything but that. The well-designed, lightweight gun is dual-fed, which means you can go mag-fed or install a hopper using the nifty paintball gun hopper adapter. Perfect for objective-based and woodsball games, the gun can easily switch between hopper and Magfed designs thanks to the two external position selectors. The proprietary in-bolt Tippman system eliminates chopping and enhances the continuity of firing. What’s more, the gun weighs 4 lbs and even has an adjustable stock. The cherry on top is the accurate range of 150+ feet, which means you can play scenario-based paintball with this too. When it comes to comfort, the gun features an over-molded rubber grip for long and continual gameplay. Rounding up the features is the one-year limited warranty along with the price tag of $250
Pros:
- Over-molded rubber grip for comfort.
- Adjustable stock.
- The external switch allows switching between systems.
- Dual feed system.
Cons:
- Heavy at 4 lbs.
Kingman Spyder MR6 Paintball Gun
11
Yet another excellent paintball gun with hopper is the Kingman Spyder MR6 Paintball Gun, which is an excellent gun for woodsball. The latest gun in the MR series from Spyder, this one features a one-of-a-kind dual loading system, which means that you can switch between mag-fed and hopper-fed systems easily. What’s more, it even comes with an extra 9-round magazine, which practically assures longer and more thrilling gameplay. A long barrel incorporated within makes for easy handling, while the muzzle brake enhances the overall performance of the marker. Finally, despite weighing more than 6 lbs, it’s very comfortable to carry and allows for making quick movements too, and that too without tiring you. Rounding up the features is the adjustable car-style stock.
Pros:
- A dual feed system.
- Fast shooting capabilities.
- Easy to carry despite being heavy.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Not full-auto.
- Not everyone might be able to cope with the weight or the velocities.
Azodin Blitz 3 Paintball Marker
10
The Azodin Blitz 3 Paintball Marker is a hopper gun that completely lives up to its name and comes in a fantastic value-for-money package. To begin with, the paintball gun comes along with a hopper and an adapter for attaching it, a gas tank, and even a face mask, completing your gear. Furthermore, the battery-powered electronic paintball marker is extremely lightweight and nimble, weighing just 2 lbs! This 0.68-caliber semi-automatic marker is ideal fr beginners who don’t want to be weighed down while learning the nuances of the game. You’ll also find ergonomic front grips which make holding it even for longer times very comfortable. If that wasn’t enough, the gun uses both CO2 and HPA, which means you can fire pellets rounds continuously without worrying about refilling in the middle of gameplay.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain.
- Lightweight.
- Sharp design.
Cons:
- The trigger is sticky.
Azodin KP II Kaos
9
The Azodin KP II Kaos is an excellent paintball gun with hopper for more reasons than one and is an especially great gun for beginners looking to enhance their playing skills. For starters, the gun is amongst the Best Pump Paintball Guns. Sporting a basic yet functional design, the affordable paintball marker is designed from high-quality aluminum that’s extremely durable. The marker boasts a new “Twist Lock II” feature that secures your loader tighter than ever before. Additionally, the marker has an interchangeable barrel thread as well as an attached auto-cocker, and yet weighs just 2.7 lbs! Above all, this Azodin gun is very easy to upgrade and modify, with its inline regulator featuring standard-sized ASA threads. Wrapping up the features is a muffled striker, the silence bolt, and the high-performance valve. Did you know that it’s very quiet while shooting? Yes!
Pros:
- In-built twist lock for securing hopper securely and quickly.
- Durable.
- Quiet and lightweight.
Cons:
- The feed neck is a tad too difficult to tighten.
JT SplatMaster Z18 .50 Cal Paintball Marker
8
One of the most popular guns with a dual-feed system the JT SplatMaster z18 .50 Cal Paintball Marker, which uses spring-loaded action to generate a ton of power and shoot the paint pellets. The budget-friendly marker features a dual-feed system, allowing for quickly switching between a mag-fed and a hopper system thanks to the excellent paintball gun hopper adapter. In fact, it even comes with a 200-round hopper in the package. Perfect for entry-level players, this easy-to-hold super lightweight marker boasts an adjustable stock, uses both CO2 and compressed air, and doesn’t require batteries either. Armed with .50 caliber pellets, the plastic marker is extremely durable and also has an impressive accuracy range of 50 feet. Finally, it’s also ergonomic and features a ton of space between both grips, making for a very comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Smooth spring pump action.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to carry and ergonomic.
- Dual feed system.
Cons:
- Switching between mag-fed and hopper system can be slightly complicated.
Valken Gotcha Paintball Tactical Shotgun
7
The Valken Gotcha Paintball Tactical Shotgun is yet another excellent paintball gun with hopper. There’s a lot to like about this shotgun-like paintball marker. To begin with, the paintball gun has a lower impact than a traditional paintball gun since it boasts a spring mechanism. Hence, if you play in close-range areas or somewhere indoors, then this is an excellent affordable option. However, the best bit about this marker is that it has the capacity as well as the place to add a hopper for adding to its paintball-holding capacity. Going further, this easy-to-use paintball gun boasts a clamping feed neck and a .50 caliber loader. Adding to its amazing features is its superb maximum velocity of 140 feet/second. Wrapping up the features is the Picatinny sight rail for adding extra accessories, durable aluminum barrel, and fully serviceable and closed metal internals.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Hopper-fed system.
- Low maintenance.
Cons:
- The color of the marker is slightly bright for stealth on the field.
- Design is less good-looking as compared to other markers.
Azodin KPC
6
The Azodin KPC is amongst the most reliable paintball markers on the market today and is well-loved by both newbies and professionals. The well-designed marker is built to last and fun to operate, even for everyday use. Firstly, the gun is extremely comfortable to hold. Even though the pump is sized smaller as compared to other similar guns, its rounded shape makes it both easy to grip and great to use. If that wasn’t enough, the marker also has a simple build and minimal inner components that ensure good weight distribution. Keeping the weight of the paintball gun even low is the lightweight gravity-fed hopper, complete with a well-designed adapter. Made from high-quality materials, the marker is easy to clean and maintain and performs well even in harsh conditions. Available in two colors, gold and green, the gun is also available for a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Durable and reliable.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Good performance.
- Value for money.
Cons:
- Slightly lesser accuracy as compared to other markers.
Maddog Azodin KAOS 3 Titanium Paintball Gun
5
Costing just $175, the Maddog Azodin Kaos 3 is an amazing paintball gun with hopper and also one of the Best Paintball Guns for Self Defense. Featured in five colors, the marker is one of the most fabulous entry-level paintball guns specifically designed for beginners. The durable and extremely lightweight gun boasts a honed 12-inch barrel in a glass-reinforced nylon frame. It also comes with an adjustable regulator, a screw-lock feed system, and a slim nylon double-trigger frame. In fact, the gun even comes with a quality loader/hopper, HPA tank, and a mask. Finally, the gun is also compatible with both CO2 and HPA tanks, which is what makes this such a great gun to scare intruders off with continuous shots.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Lightweight,
- Comes with a quality hopper.
- 12-inch honed barrel.
Cons:
- Exposed gas line.
Tippmann A5 Paintball Marker
4
The top-rated Tippmann A5 .68 Caliber Paintball Marker/Gun is specifically famed for its low-profile 200-round mouth hopper with an adapter that, along with the cyclone feed mechanism, fires as many as eight balls/second. One of the few paintball markers that are liked both by professionals and newbies, this compact marker is easy to operate and needs low maintenance. Despite being on the affordable end of the spectrum, it boasts high-end features found in premium markers. It comes in a solid metal frame coupled with has shock absorbers and a high-quality plastic finish for lightweight and easy handling. The gun even comes with extended front grips and allows you to switch between five different firing modes. Rounding up the features is the black gas line.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Low maintenance.
- Durable.
- Accurate.
Cons:
- Non-customizable barrel.
Dye Dam Assault Matrix
3
Yet another excellent paintball gun with hopper right out of the box is the Dye Dam Assault Matrix. Serving both left and right-handed people well, the gun boasts a low profile that’s helpful on the battlefield. This monster of a gun allows you to hit shots on target every single time and is easy to operate as well with just the single push of a button. In fact, it allows for switching between the full and semi-auto modes easily as well and offers as many as five different firing modes. The versatile marker also features an On-The-Fly, a.k.a. OTF system that gives you better control over the performance of the gun. The marker also allows you to quickly switch between mag and hopper modes, has an accurate firing range, and the best bit of all – uses two different calibers of paintballs.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain.
- Quickly switch between mag and hopper.
- Accurate.
- Use two different calibers of paintballs.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Slightly noisy.
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100
2
The entry-level Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 features excellent performing specs at an economical price tag. The gun combines durability, lightweight nature, and compactness in an excellent combination. Featherlight at 1.87 lbs, the marker works brilliantly with the PAL loader/hopper neck and adapter. Designed from glass-reinforced aluminum and nylon, the exterior features a nylon build while the interior components have an aluminum composition. This adds to the sturdiness and robustness of the design. Going further, the rubber grip provides a comfortable hold and controlled shots with accuracy. Moreover, even the trigger functions quickly and steadily, producing pellets at the speed of 10 bullets/second. All in all, this is the marker that beginners can use to better their skills and accuracy.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Lightweight.
- Reliable.
Cons:
- Loud.
Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker
1
Sitting on top of the list of the best paintball gun with hopper options is the Tippman Cronus Basic Paintball Marker Gun. There’s so much to like about this gun, starting with its gravity feed hopper system that fires up to 15 balls/second! At the same time, its recoil level is very low, so you can rest assured of no pushback. That, combined with Tippman’s proprietary in-line bolt system ensures smooth firing of balls by preventing chopping. Since the marker comes with mechanical triggers, the pellets get easily loaded via the spring system. Adding to the overall comfort is the two-piece handle design that makes the grip very comfortable. Weighing around 3.7 lbs, the gun is reliable and even arrives with two years of manufacturer’s warranty. Rounding up the features is the fact that this entry-level gun is highly upgradeable and customizable thanks to the Picatinny rails.
Pros:
- Tippman’s proprietary in-line bolt system.
- Reliable.
- Semi-automatic function.
Cons:
- None!
