Speedloader

A speedloader (loader, BB loader, quick loader) is a tool that allows you to quickly and cleanly load an airsoft magazine with BBs without having to push them in one by one with your finger. It is most commonly used for spring-loaded magazines (mid-cap / low-cap), where BBs must be pushed against the internal spring. Speedloaders of various sizes, shapes, and capacities can be chosen on our e-shop.

How spring-loaded magazine filling works

Inside a spring-loaded magazine there is a spring and follower that push BBs toward the feed lips. A speedloader works like a “pump”:

The magazine is placed against the nozzle / adapter:
The speedloader is pressed against the magazine feed opening (for GBB pistols often via an adapter, for AEGs usually directly).
BBs are fed in batches:
Either by a push button (classic loaders), a lever/crank (ODIN style), or a motor (electric loaders).
BBs overcome the spring resistance:
Each stroke pushes BBs inside, compresses the follower, and gradually fills the magazine.

Some lever-type loaders also include a slip clutch / overfill protection to prevent the mechanism from jamming.

Who and when invented the first speedloader?

Unfortunately, in airsoft there is no single universally recognized “first inventor” of the speedloader – simple loaders appeared gradually with the spread of airsoft and different magazine types, often without clearly traceable patents or authors. In a broader firearms context, the term “speedloader” is historically associated with the first patented revolver speedloader, attributed to William H. Bell (1879).

Types of speedloaders by size and use

1) Small pistol-style loaders (pistol magazine shape)

Most commonly hold 90–130 BBs, are compact, and ideal as a “must-have” for every pistol or as a pocket item during games. They are often universal and can work with some smaller magazines (depending on the adapter and feed lip design). A typical example is the classic Tokyo Marui loader with a 130 BB capacity.

2) Medium loaders (approx. 400–500 BBs)

For players who load multiple magazines at once but do not want a large box. These are often larger manual loaders or models shaped like AK / M4 magazines with higher capacity (e.g. 500 BBs). The advantage is speed and convenience; the downside may be reduced compatibility with some magazines without the correct adapter.

3) Large lever / crank loaders (ODIN style and similar)

This category includes the legendary “crank” loaders with large capacity and, most importantly, a mechanical leverage advantage – instead of pressing a piston, you simply turn a crank or lever.

PTS ODIN M12 Sidewinder:
Capacity approx. 1600 BBs, fast loading, compact format that fits into a double M4 magazine pouch. The PTS version is often noted for tuning aimed at PTS EPM1 magazines and construction details for smoother feeding (e.g. nozzle design).
WoSporT Lever:
Typically around 1000 BBs, with some versions featuring dosing like “10 BBs per turn” and overfill protection (slip clutch / safety).

With “bottle” variants from WoSporT, you can reach significantly higher reserves thanks to a screw-on bottle (typically a concept of 500 BBs in the body plus external storage).

Is it worth paying extra for quality like the PTS ODIN M12?

If you use multiple mid-cap spring-loaded magazines, attend games frequently, or load “stiff” magazines (e.g. high-capacity mid-caps), paying extra makes sense. Reasons include:

Speed and reduced effort:
Using a crank fills magazines much faster than a manual piston.
Reliability:
Better mechanisms and smoother feeding mean fewer jams during loading (especially with “hard” magazine springs).
Field practicality:
ODIN-style formats often fit standard double M4 pouches, so you can carry them in the field.

On the other hand, if you run just a few low-cap magazines, attend occasional pistol games, or play “lightweight,” a small inexpensive loader will do the job just as well.

The future: electric speedloaders (T238, Tokyo Marui, BullGear)

Electric speedloaders address two key needs: speed and consistent feeding force (especially for magazines that are difficult to load manually).

T238 Electric Speed Loader PRO:
An electric loader with a motor and loading modes (including counted batches), typically powered by a 3S Li-Pol battery and featuring anti-jam functions.
Tokyo Marui BB Auto Loader (approx. 1600 BBs):
An electric “ammo box” style loader with large capacity, commonly powered by batteries (e.g. AA), depending on the specific model or retailer.
BullGear automatic loaders:
A “insert magazine – press – motor feeds BBs” concept, typically powered by 7–12 V (often recommended 11.1 V), with very large capacities (thousands of BBs depending on version).