SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3: What's New and Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The SuperTrickler ST101 has quickly established itself as the benchmark for precision powder dispensing. Users swear by the combination of the dual tube system with the A&D FX-120i laboratory balance, and the system has become a staple on the workbench of serious F-Class shooters, benchrest competitors, and ELR specialists. In early 2026, SuperTrickler introduced Generation 3. Not a radical overhaul, but a thoughtful refinement of a proven platform. In this article, we break down all the changes, compare the Gen 3 with the Gen 2, and answer the question every SuperTrickler owner is asking: is the upgrade worth it?

The Core Remains Unchanged

Let's start with what has stayed the same, because that matters just as much. The Gen 3 uses the exact same proven dispensing mechanism as the Gen 2: a CNC-machined aluminum dual tube system with a fast rotor tube for bulk delivery and a vibrating tube for extremely fine trickling. The self-learning AI software that adapts to your powder type is unchanged, as is the responsive touchscreen with dedicated microprocessor.

The A&D FX-120i laboratory balance is also the same. With Compact Super Hybrid Sensor technology, magnetic force restoration, a resolution of 0.02 grain, and a stabilization time of approximately one second, this is and remains the scale used by over 75% of the top-200 PRS shooters. Features like laddering, data logging, automatic power-up, and the robotics interface are all present in the Gen 3.

In short: the accuracy and speed you buy the SuperTrickler for are identical. SuperTrickler hasn't fixed what wasn't broken.

Five Improvements in the Gen 3

1. USB-C Power Delivery

The biggest change in the Gen 3 is the switch to USB-C Power Delivery as the power source. The external power supply that came with the Gen 2 has been intentionally removed. You connect the Gen 3 with a standard USB-C PD charger rated at minimum 20W, such as an iPhone charger. The system powers both the SuperTrickler and the FX-120i through a single cable.

This may sound like a minor change, but the implications are significant. The entire system now runs on extremely low power consumption, allowing you to reload for a full day at the shooting range using a 20,000 mAh power bank. No more searching for a power outlet, no long cables running across the floor. For shooters who reload on location or regularly travel to competitions, this is a game changer.

SuperTrickler describes the omission of the power supply as a deliberate choice to reduce electronic waste. Most users already have multiple USB-C chargers at home, so including yet another one would be wasteful. If you don't have a suitable charger, you can easily pick one up for a modest price.

2. Double Powder Capacity

The powder reservoir on the Gen 3 is twice the size of the Gen 2. When reloading larger calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester with heavier charges, you notice the difference immediately: fewer refills mean fewer interruptions to your workflow.

For shooters loading batches of 100 or more rounds per session, this is a welcome improvement. Each interruption to refill powder costs not just time but also carries the risk of spilling. The SuperTrickler Powder Cup remains a useful accessory to make refilling even smoother.

3. Silicone Vibration Bushings

The rubber vibration bushings from the Gen 2 have been replaced with silicone ones. This may seem like a subtle detail, but the effect on vibration consistency is noticeable. Silicone retains its properties better over longer periods and across varying temperatures, resulting in a more uniform powder feed.

Especially with extruded powders like Varget or the Vihtavuori N500 series, which are notoriously difficult to dispense accurately, this makes a difference. The combination of improved bushings with the self-learning software means the Gen 3 finds the optimal vibration pattern for a specific powder even faster.

4. USB-A Port for Data Storage

The Gen 3 adds a USB-A port for external data storage and logging. Where the Gen 2 relied on internal storage and the screen for reviewing log data, you can now export your complete dispensing history to a USB drive.

For the analytical reloader who likes to maintain spreadsheets of load development, compare ES/SD per batch, and analyze trends over longer periods, this is a valuable addition. You can also more easily share log data with shooting friends or online communities.

5. Wind Shield Preparation and Left-Handed Configuration

The Gen 3 hardware is pre-engineered for a future protective shield or wind gate. This is particularly relevant for use at the shooting range, where wind gusts can affect the accuracy of your scale. The shield is not yet available, but the fact that the Gen 3 is already prepared for it makes future installation straightforward.

Additionally, the Gen 3 is available for the first time in both right-handed and left-handed configurations. Left-handed shooters and reloaders who have set up their workbench differently can now position the system optimally.

Gen 2 vs Gen 3: The Complete Comparison

To make the differences clear at a glance, we've placed all specifications side by side:

Who Should Consider the Gen 3?

New buyers: no question about it

If you don't own a SuperTrickler yet and are considering one, the choice is straightforward: go for the Gen 3. You get all the proven technology of the Gen 2 plus the improvements, at the same price point. The double powder capacity, silicone vibration bushings, and USB-C power are purely a bonus. The only thing you need to provide is a USB-C charger, which you probably already have.

The SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3 + FX-120i is available at Hop.nl.

Current Gen 2 owners: it depends on your situation

Are you happy with your Gen 2 and reload exclusively at your home workbench? Then honestly, there is no compelling reason to upgrade. The dispensing accuracy is identical, the software is the same, and your Gen 2 still delivers the same results as it did on day one.

The upgrade becomes interesting if you:

• Regularly reload on location or travel to competitions where you want to prepare ammunition on-site. Power bank compatibility now makes this possible without worrying about power supply.
• Load larger batches and find constantly refilling the powder reservoir annoying. The double capacity makes a noticeable difference during sessions of 100+ rounds.
• Are left-handed and always felt the system didn't quite fit your workflow.
• Want to export your data for analysis outside the device. The USB-A port makes this possible for the first time.

Shooters still considering a premium system

Are you currently using a mid-range dispenser like the RCBS MatchMaster or Frankford Intellidropper and wondering whether the step up to a SuperTrickler is worth it? The Gen 3 makes that step more attractive than ever. The combination with the A&D FX-120i offers a resolution of 0.02 grain, where most other systems top out at 0.04 to 0.1 grain. In our comprehensive article on electronic powder dispensers, we compared the various systems in detail.

For F-Class at 1000 yards, benchrest competitions, or ELR shooting, where a difference of 0.2 grains can be visible in your vertical dispersion, the SuperTrickler is not a luxury but a necessity. The added mobility of the Gen 3 also makes the system suitable for use at the range, where you can fine-tune your charges during match days.

Practical: What Do You Need?

When purchasing the SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3 + FX-120i, you receive the complete dispenser unit and the A&D FX-120i balance. What you need to provide yourself:

• USB-C PD charger rated at minimum 20W (for example an iPhone or iPad charger)
• Optional: 20,000 mAh power bank for mobile use at the shooting range
• Optional: SuperTrickler Powder Cup for more efficient refilling of the powder reservoir

Please note that the Gen 3, like the Gen 2, is designed exclusively for smokeless powder. Use with black powder is not permitted and dangerous.

Conclusion: Evolution, Not Revolution

The SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3 is exactly what SuperTrickler itself states: a refinement, not a replacement. The dispensing accuracy is unchanged, the software is the same, and the proven dual tube system is intact. What the Gen 3 adds is mobility, sustainability, and convenience: USB-C power with power bank compatibility, double powder capacity, improved silicone vibration bushings, and external data export.

For new buyers, the Gen 3 is the obvious choice. For existing Gen 2 owners, the upgrade depends on your need for mobility and larger capacity. And for shooters considering the step to a premium dispensing system: the Gen 3 makes that investment more attractive than ever, especially if you also want to reload at the range.

View the SuperTrickler ST101 Gen 3 + FX-120i in our webshop, or contact us for personal advice.