Why are centerfeeds the norm?

[markdem]

Cant stand the bloody things. Why do people like them? Whats wrong with offset feeds anyways?

[Trbo323]

I can't stand offsets. They are unbalanced and the hopper sits way higher

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[drewkroeker]

I think vertical feednecks allow you to play more ergonomically correct. Snapping left or right, either direction your position is mirrored up. Vs a right feed, when you come out the right side your hopper is more exposed and on the left side it's more tucked in. Not a huge deal for us rec ballers but for the pros, every inch that is exposed increases the probability of being eliminated.

I like power-feeds from my days of shooting an automag. It would be cool to have an emek with a power-feed body but I don't have the tools or skill to build one.

[Spec]

Ultimately, your head has to be higher up to see over the marker with a side feed. This gives a substantially bigger target when viewed from a position to exchange shots from behind hard cover. With on a CF the marker can be held in front of the face with an eye focusing down each side reducing your target signature, no matter the snapshooting technique (push or pivot) used.

[The Last Snood]

As others have stated, it's the norm due to competitive speedball play. A balanced weight consistency, smaller target with the ability to play the left and right side of a bunker without much difference. Removing the need for an elbow also.

[iamthelazerviking]

I've tried side (right) feed and can't stand it, lol. Probably since I started out with vertical feed. Aiming over the top feels weird and unnatural. Also probably why I can't shoot a Phantom unless it's with an under cocking.

[Jsc5150]

Center feed makes it so you can always hide the hopper.

[Jonnydread]

Hmmmm

[Grendel]

Made me Smile

[NONOBLITUS]

They are not the norm in my gear. I personally do not like center feeds. Right feed is the right feed

[cougar20th]

For me I prefer center over side feeds. I learned in a centerfeed gun. Often when I do use a side feed especially rightfeed I forget the hopper is hanging farther on that side. And it ends up being shot because it hangs out the hopper.

As for the industry. I assume some of the push to centerfold is the economy of making and selling center only guns. It works for right or left handed people. Think back to the days when AGD & WGP used to have 3 separate products to cover everyone's needs. Only center makes build the guns cheaper, makes stocking and shipping cheaper.

Same for shops they want product to sell quick. How often would that oddball leftfeed gun sit while center or rights sold over and over. The left feed is gun sitting is costing them space which is costing money.

Lastly there is definitely the "I need that because tournament players use it" mindset. Happens in every sport.

And ultimately we are paintball players. We see something new, interesting, & shiney and flock to it. If it works or not.

[Calvin]

There is no question that the sight picture is better on a RF gun. Being able to use the entire centerline of the body and barrel as your aiming reference is unquestionably superior. Making up any reason to say it isn't is deluding one's self.
That said, the mechanical feed superiority of a centerfeed is equally undeniable. I can also see where it makes industrial sense to not have to accomodate right and left handed end users. It does give a shorter and more balanced setup. It is better around bunkers.
I shoot better with RF. Its not a debate. I snap shoot better. I lay down long strings better. I have been using a sconi lean elbow with an LTR hopper and it has been a flawless combo. It still doesnt feel as good in the hand as a lowrise centerfeed body.
I can see why the industry went to centerfeeds. I still tend to pickup the RF body first when I get to the field but probably have more paint through the lowrise centerfeed body.

[Chuck E Ducky]

It's all what you are use to.

Power feeds are equivalent to playing blind for me. They block my entire line of sight. I have to drop the marker down enough for field awareness, and then instinctive shoot everything.

I aim down the outside edge not over the top. I can still instinctively point shoot like when snap shooting up close. I can play much tighter shooting both sides of the bunker with a center feed. Every counterfeed aims similar across multiple platforms. It's not that I can't shoot a right or left feed. But my snapshot is slower, profile larger, the hopper choregraphs your snapshot and it's a big hard surface great for paint to break on. For instance, when I shoot a right feed snaping right my marker has to be canted in a way that exposes the hopper much earlier. Allowing a substantial amount of reaction time by my opponent, and exposure to incoming shots. I have to actively think to aim over the top and its much slower. That's why today's modern performance orientated markers all are center feed.

[Glovebox Operator]

Center feeds are the norm because Stone Cold said so!

[river031403]

Why not

[Riot]

For me… it’s just less parts.

if I need an elbow, I’ll forget an elbow.