Quick Feed
Overview
A quick feed is a flexible, lidless system installed on a loader that allows players to pour paintballs in rapidly without opening a hopper lid, improving reload speed during play.
Key Points
- Uses rubberized fingers to retain paint while allowing fast pod dumps.
- Eliminates the need to flip hopper lids during reloads.
- Essential for competitive play where reload speed affects survivability.
- Reduces spill risk when installed and maintained properly.
- Compatible with most high end loaders via snap on feedgate designs.
- Requires periodic cleaning to maintain tension and prevent jams.
Details
A quick feed, also known as a speed feed or feedgate, replaces a loader’s standard lid with flexible fingers that allow players to dump pods into the hopper instantly. This eliminates the extra motion of flipping a lid and increases reload efficiency.
The flexible fingers are designed to bend inward easily for incoming paint while resisting outward pressure so paintballs do not fall out. Different models vary in tension, finger count, material stiffness, and compatibility with various loaders.
Quick feeds are considered essential in tournament settings, where players must reload while staying tucked and maintaining shooting pressure. Faster reloads reduce downtime and help maintain lane dominance.
However, quick feeds require maintenance. Dirt, broken paint, or weakened fingers can compromise tension and lead to paint spills during dives or gunfights.
High level teams ensure quick feeds fit properly, match pod lip sizes, and are cleaned routinely to ensure consistent performance.
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