Virtue Crown Lid-Less Feed Preview

Paintball companies have finally figured out that the market for loader upgrades is a stale field that is waiting to be attacked and dominated. Not too long ago, it was normal to purchase a loader and simply deal with the issues and problems that plagued them. Low battery life, slow speeds, jams, bad ergonomics, etc. What else could one do?

That simply is not the case today. There are currently a boatload of chips, lids, electronics, wiring, and case upgrades to turn your standard loader into a star performer on game day. Virtue Paintball has taken their solid manufacturing experience, and tournament game play knowledge, and invested them into their new product: The Crown.

From the Virtue press release:

Ultra Soft Elastomer

The Virtue® Crown^TM “lid-less” feed system makes reloading easier than ever while. No more opening the lid. No more paintballs spilling out or feeders popping off. The Crown’s patent pending hinged elastomer design allows paint to flow freely into the hopper while preventing paint from coming back out — no matter how hard you shake it or how hard you dive.

Guaranteed to Feed Faster & More Securely

The Crown for the HALO includes 3 parts: Locking Ring, Crown, and the Extension Collar. Players who want the lowest possible profile do not need to use the Extension Collar, and can simply attach the Crown to the hopper and lock it in place with the Locking Ring.

However, the Extension Collar offers a minimal height increase, while increasing paint capacity and improving reloading performance.

Key Features

• Ultra Fast Lid-Less Feed
• No Rise Low Profile Option
• Secure Locking Ring w/ Thumbscrew
• Durable, Memory Resistant Elastomer Will Not Crack or Get Brittle
• Available in Ultra-Soft or Standard Elasticity Versions.
• Extra Paint Capacity (with optional, including, extension collar) - HALO only
• Compatible with HALO, Magna, Revolution, Force, Eye Force (Vlocity versions coming soon)

The Crown is available in two types of Elastomer. Neither is “best”, decide based on your style of play.

Ultra Soft Elastomer:

The fastest reload with a low chance of paint coming out. Ultra Soft Elastomer keeps paint from coming out under most conditions, but vigorous shaking may lose a few balls. For LOW PROFILE on HALO / MAGNA it’s better to use the Ultra Soft Elastomer (see below).

Standard Elastomer:

Offers a quick reload with NO chance of paint coming out. Rigid, but flexible Elastomer lets NO balls out, even with the most vigorous shaking. Can be used without the Extender for a LOW PROFILE on the HALO / MAGNA, but for best results with LOW PROFILE setups use the Ultra Soft Elastomer (see below).

Option (included) Extension Collar:

The HALO / MAGNA have a shallow basin near the drive cone, so an Extension Collar is provided for a more consistent feed. The Extender also allows you to pack an extra 20 balls into the hopper before the start of a game. For LOW PROFILE setups without the Extender, we suggest using the Ultra-Soft Elastomer Crown. If using the Crown without the Extender, a slight downward tilt while reloading yields the best results. The downward tilt is only needed/helpful if you are not shooting while reloading. If you are shooting and reloading keep your gun up and the Crown will feed great.

Specifications

• Compatible with: HALO, MAGNA, Revolution, Eye Force, Force
• Included Parts: Crown, Locking Ring, Extension Collar
• Material: Standard Memory Resistant Elastomer
• Locking Type: Thumb Screw
• Color: Black
• Includes: Crown Assembly + Virtue Hopper Stickers

Price

• $19.99 - Standard Compound (May 6th, 2008)
• $24.99 - Ultra Soft Compound (May 6th, 2008)