Feed can be changed out in moments, though
the Speed Feed is an optional accessory not
included with the loader.
Getting past all the switcheroo the Valken
Switch Loader brings to the table, there are
other features offered by the VSL. A single
button controls on/off function of the loader
and it offers a nice tactile feel even with gloves
on, and it’s easily located at the rear of the
loader’s lower tray. The loader is well-made and
durable with a solid, thick feed neck unlikely to
sheer off or break, and the VSL comes apart
to its basic components completely without
tools making cleaning and maintenance, even
in the pits between points if necessary, simple
and fast. Three AA batteries run the VSL and
they’re quick and easy to install and change (for
the fifteenth time) without tools. The loader’s
construction is such that the whole “fly apart
while diving into the snake” thing isn’t likely
to happen so long as the owner puts the thing
together properly, though it could happen to
any loader during a rough landing.
Capacity of the Valken VSL loader sits at just
under 200 rounds as it comes out of the box.
Add a solid fifty to that with the included
Extender, which does add a little height to
the finished product but not disgustingly so.
Thanks to the loader’s light weight, a scant 1.2
pounds with batteries installed, even with the
extender added and a hopper full of paintballs,
even featherweight tournament guns don’t
feel terribly top-heavy or unbalanced. As
advertised, installing the Valken speed feed
took only moments and required twisting the
flip lid out and snapping the speed feed into
place. Even with a loader full of .68 caliber
paintballs and the extender, flipping the gun
upside and giving a good shake saw no paint
spilled, though the fingers may allow a few .50
caliber paintballs to spill out should the user
actually use it for low impact paintball.
066 paintball.media magazine