A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader is provided. The paintball agitator includes a rotatable shaft having a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end. A base portion extends radially from the shaft adjacent the second end of the shaft. The base portion is rotatable in combination with the shaft. At least one fin is pivotally affixed to the base portion and extends radially from the shaft. The at least one fin is rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft. The paintball agitator further includes at least one sensor mounted to the base portion that detects movement of the at least one fin.