Gravity Feed Mechanics

In gravity fed loaders, paintballs move from a storage shell into the feed stack under the influence of gravity. The hopper body is typically shaped with internal slopes and ramps that guide paint toward a central outlet. As paintballs roll and settle, they form a column in the feedneck that supplies the marker during the firing cycle.

Feed performance depends on several physical factors, including paintball roundness, surface friction between balls and shell walls, and the angle of the marker relative to the ground. Because no powered components are present, any interruption in flow must be resolved by changes in orientation or external movement. When balls form a self supporting arch or bridge at the outlet, feed can temporarily stop until vibration or impact breaks the structure.

The overall feed rate of gravity systems is inherently limited compared to force fed designs. Under typical field conditions, these loaders support lower cyclic rates consistent with mechanical or pump markers. Despite the limitations, gravity feed mechanics remain technically straightforward and provide a reference point for comparing more complex powered loaders.