Agitating Feed Systems

Agitating loaders retain a gravity based outlet but add powered components inside the shell to reduce bridging and dead zones. Common implementations use rotating paddles or offset impellers that periodically move paintballs away from stable positions that might block the outlet. The agitation redistributes paint, allowing gravity to re form a usable feed stack in the neck.

Unlike force feed systems, the drive components in agitating loaders are not generally designed to push paintballs through the feedneck with continuous compressive force. Instead, they generate localized motion that helps ensure the outlet remains supplied. Because of this, the feed stack below the loader behaves similarly to that of a gravity hopper, but with fewer interruptions under moderate rates of fire.

Triggering methods vary. Some loaders use simple mechanical timers or impact based switches, while others incorporate basic sound or motion detection. In each case, the technical purpose remains the same: to disturb static packing arrangements that would otherwise limit flow. Agitating systems occupy a middle position in the spectrum between purely passive gravity hoppers and fully force fed electronic loaders.