Bread & Butter Shogun Paddle Review: Titanium Power Meets All-Court Precision

Main Points

The Shogun features a unique titanium and carbon fiber surface, a first in the pickleball market.
Specs: 16mm core, 4.25″ grip, elongated shape, 120–124 swing weight, 6.2 twist weight.
Slightly different handle/throat design from the Bread & Butter Filth; slightly harder to choke up for two-handed shots.
Categorized as an all-court paddle with balanced power, control, and spin.
Offers higher-than-average pop and a satisfying “springy” feel off the face.
Provides solid plow-through and offensive pressure without sacrificing control.
Compared to the Filth, the Shogun has more pop and a livelier feel, though similar power output.
Spin measured at 1900 RPM; drop shots dip more aggressively than expected.
Handle has solid construction but is thicker than the Filth’s, possibly less suited for smaller hands.
Sweet spot is slightly improved over the Filth but still typical of elongated paddles.
Durability notes include potential paint wear and minor internal glue rattle, but solid overall build.
Best for players who want a standout, high-performance all-court paddle that doesn’t lean too far in any one direction.

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Summary

This video dives deep into the Bread & Butter Shogun, the first pickleball paddle on the market to feature a titanium-carbon fiber surface. On paper, the Shogun shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Filth, but delivers a noticeably different on-court experience. Its specs are standard for a high-performance elongated paddle: 16mm core, 4.25″ grip, and a swing weight of 120–124. However, what sets it apart is its subtle but meaningful feel and performance upgrades, particularly in how the ball comes off the face.

The Shogun is best described as a true all-court paddle, offering a balanced mix of power, control, and pop. It doesn’t dominate in any one category but performs consistently across all aspects of play. Players will find it powerful enough for drives and overheads, yet controlled enough for resets and drops—after a short adjustment period. The feel off the paddle face is notably more plush and springy compared to the Filth, giving shots a livelier, more connected sensation. Though the spin rating of 1900 RPM is solid but not elite, the actual drop performance surprised testers with impressive dip and precision.

Handle design changes are subtle but impactful. The Shogun’s throat is slightly flared, making it a bit harder to choke up for two-handed backhands, especially for those with smaller hands. The handle itself is sturdy and well-shaped, though some may prefer to customize the grip thickness for better comfort. In terms of build, the paddle shows minor cosmetic wear over time, and one unit exhibited internal rattling from loose glue—an issue not uncommon in many modern paddles.

Overall, the Shogun stands out as a well-rounded, durable, and visually unique paddle that appeals to competitive players looking for a responsive all-court option with modern tech. It’s ideal for players who enjoyed the Filth but want a paddle with more pop and a livelier feel, without veering too far into power or control extremes. Bread & Butter’s bold design choices, combined with thoughtful performance enhancements, suggest the brand is becoming a serious contender in the pickleball paddle space.