What do you think about q-loaders?

[Warwitch]

I don't agree with punkncat at all. I absolutely love my Q-loader. Only thing is it doesn't tolerate brittle shell paintballs, but you want tough shell paintballs for woodsball anyway so that's a non-issue. Since you already have a force feeder loading will be a breeze for you, just hook it up to the crank, switch on and load your q-pod in a matter of seconds. Oh, and if you get this hook your 'mag up with a Warp Body.

Pro's for me:
No balls that rattle when I move.
Low profile, since it doesn't sit on top.
No batteries to die on me.
Previous issues seem pretty much resolved with Gen3, which is what I have.
Tool-less maintenance.
And of course, its still the fastest loader on the market at 100bps freefall.
Feeds in absolute silence and is always ready, no auto-shutdown to save batteries.

Con's for me:
Limited ball capacity of 100 paintballs per Q-pod, would have liked 140 paintballs.
Initial setup may take a while, but then you're set, just keep the 14 factory prewinds.

Johann hit a lot of the pros/cons. A couple Id like to add:

Pro: much more simple system than any elec loader out there. Except the Revvy of course.

Con: reloading efficiently during a firefight takes lots of practice.

I used one almost exclusively for about a year and just found that a normal, top feeding hopper setup just made more sense. They have their uses but generally speaking they arent worth the learning curve IMO.

[om3n]

Johann hit a lot of the pros/cons. A couple Id like to add:

Pro: much more simple system than any elec loader out there. Except the Revvy of course.

Con: reloading efficiently during a firefight takes lots of practice.

I used one almost exclusively for about a year and just found that a normal, top feeding hopper setup just made more sense. They have their uses but generally speaking they arent worth the learning curve IMO.

yeah another question I had- how difficult is it to switch pods in a firefight? Is it just like removing/putting in a magazine?

[pk5]

yeah another question I had- how difficult is it to switch pods in a firefight? Is it just like removing/putting in a magazine?

Yes, just like switching a magazine, just make sure that if you still have extra rounds inside the hose don't let them fall out.

The way i mounted mine, i just turn my gun horizontally, pull out empty pod, put in new one, twist it to activate and i can fire again - faster than feeding a loader for my case.

[Warwitch]

yeah another question I had- how difficult is it to switch pods in a firefight? Is it just like removing/putting in a magazine?

Well its a twist-lock kind of deal so it does take some getting used to. Thats a biggie for pod placement on the marker too. Lots of arrangements look cool but are not very practical. I found (after much experimentation) that a forward facing pod is by far the best for reloading times.

Here is how I ran mine. Pretty much right where a Warp would be.



No, I dont own it anymore so dont ask.

[om3n]

Ok it sounds like I'm really going to like a q-loader.

unfortunately I can't see pictures right now (at work... sites like photobucket are blocked) so I'll check it out later, but I am definitely going to get one now :) I think I'm going to buy new because I want all gen. 3 stuff.

Thanks again guys- any more pictures or advice are still welcome!

[MKing]

I also run mine low and on the side. I have since cut down my feedneck about an inch so the tube doesn't stick up as much.

[IMG][/IMG]

As far as recomendation goes, it really comes down to what type of player you are. If you want to gas up your marker and go without any headache DO NOT get a qloader. Even when you know the system it takes some work and maintanance. If you don't mind (or even enjoy) spending some time prepping and cleaning your gear then you can should start considering the qloader.

If you do get it, make sure that you spend a good amount of time before you play a game getting to know it in your back yard. Load it, unload it, reload it, take it apart and try to shake down all the problems that you may have. If you don't then your first day with it will have problems and be sitting trying to fix it.

[om3n]

Thanks for the pictures guys- and btw your kid is awesome in that pic

and also, this may sound strange, but all that prep is actually appealing to me

When I first got my mag, the first thing I did was pull it all apart and figure out how it worked... that's just how I am. I like to build my own/modify my own stuff when possible, and that is actually one reason I decided to try getting into mags. I think the q-loader sounds perfect for me actually.

So what do you guys think I will need for the setup like you have? Does the mounting bracket you guys use come with a new q-loader package? Also, do I need some odd feed neck thing to screw in where my current neck is?


BTW, since you guys uploaded some pics of your mags, here is the one I'm planning on putting the q-loader on. BTW I am planning on getting a 15* asa for the front grip... my current one is all scratched up Also I am about to buy an RPG splinter pro from tuna here in a bit if he will pm me back...

[Warwitch]

Mine was mounted using the CMS and a Warp mounting plate.

[maniacmechanic]

Q's are ok , so are hoppers , just depends on how you play here are some more pic's for ya
Just don't be dissapointed , like someone else said there is a learning curve , a 1/4" difference in hose length can make a world of difference in how well it will work

[MANN]

My personal opinion of them is that it's a great idea in theory that just did not pan out to be as nice in real life.
My issue with them is the loading and smooth operation of the system ,as well as it's overall ruggedness. They are a pain to load, and even bigger pain to load correctly, they require a special kit to load in the first place, and the whole system is just prone to various breakages.

I concur.

great theory. but they are a pita

[om3n]

Mine was mounted using the CMS and a Warp mounting plate.

cms? What is that?

[MANN]

cms? What is that?

a kit qloader makes.

[pk5]

Basically for the mounting, if it look like it is clamping into a round part like an asa or a barrel, then it is the stock one that come with it. If it look like it is mounted using a bar of some sort and doesn't attached directly into an asa/round rod of somekind then it is the CMS that you need to buy as an add on.

I manage to pick up about 15 extra Qpods when everyone was getting rid of them for cheap, so now if one of my pod doesn't work i just pull a new one and fix it later when i get home.

[maniacmechanic]

& here is a kit for ya ; http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=241968

[om3n]

& here is a kit for ya ; http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=241968

I think I want all gen 3 stuff anyways, but thanks for the link to that kit- I actually have been pm'ing the seller of that kit for a while and we couldn't agree so for now I'm not going to pick it up :) I will probably just get new from q-loader.



EDIT



wow you guys are helpful

I think I have enough info for now; I am convinced that the q-loader is probably going to be perfect for me. once I get it, I may have some more questions for you guys, (like about hose length as mentioned above) but for now I feel satisfied