Bread & Butter Loco Review: Power-Focused Full Foam Paddle With Elite Firepower

Main Points

• The Loco is Bread & Butter’s first full foam paddle and positions the brand alongside top performance manufacturers.
• Uses an EP Center core with a floating EVA foam band, thermofromed construction, and a CFC (carbon–fiberglass–carbon) face.
• Offered in three shapes—elongated, hybrid, and widebody—each delivering different swing weights and maneuverability.
• Strong power and pop across all models, scoring in the high 80s and 90s for firepower metrics.
• Spin performance lands in the 70th percentile range, providing reliable ball shaping.
• Elongated shape swings heaviest; hybrid and widebody offer quicker handling.
• On-court feel is crisp, slightly hollow, and springy due to the fiberglass layer.
• Control can be challenging for players sensitive to pop, especially on midcourt resets.
• Widebody version offers the most forgiveness and easiest pop management.
• Mods (added weight at 3/9) help expand sweet spot and mellow pop.
• Strong competitor to other full foam power paddles but still best suited for players who can handle elite pop.
• Great value compared to similarly powerful paddles on the market.

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Summary

This video reviews the Bread & Butter Loco, a full foam pickleball paddle that marks the brand’s jump into the competitive high-performance category. With a construction centered around an EP core and floating EVA foam ring, the paddle leverages thermofroming to deliver a wider sweet spot, a stiffer frame, and a more consistent response across the face. Its CFC layup incorporates fiberglass between carbon layers, adding extra snap and liveliness to the ball at contact. The result is a paddle that clearly targets players who prioritize strength, drive speed, and put-away ability.

Across all three shapes—elongated, hybrid, and widebody—the Loco demonstrates legitimately elite power. Firepower and pop rank in the upper percentiles, and independent QC core measurements confirm that the paddle returns energy at levels consistent with other top power paddles on the market. Spin performance is strong as well, sitting in the 70s percentile, which is more than sufficient for shaping aggressive drives, sharp angles, and heavy drops. Swing weight varies meaningfully by shape, making the hybrid and widebody better options for players who want quicker handling, while the elongated caters to those who prefer maximum reach and leverage.

On the court, the Loco has a crisp, slightly hollow feel with a noticeable springiness from the fiberglass layer. It delivers instant acceleration off the face, which is a major advantage for put-aways and hand-speed battles. However, that same pop can make soft game control more demanding. Midcourt resets and touch shots require tighter technique, and players who prefer a softer, dwell-heavy feel may find it harder to manage. Among the three models, the widebody offers the most forgiveness and easiest pop control due to its oversized sweet spot and lower swing weight, especially when combined with perimeter weighting.

With some targeted modifications, the Loco becomes even more stable. Weight added at 3 and 9 o’clock expands the sweet spot and reduces the jumpiness of stock versions. Once dialed in, the hybrid shape stands out as a balanced option that blends maneuverability with top-tier power and stability. For players accustomed to high-power paddles, the Loco competes very closely with established favorites in the full foam category while offering significant cost savings.

Ultimately, this video concludes that the Bread & Butter Loco is a strong contender for players who want an explosive, stiff, and responsive paddle with ample sweet spot forgiveness. It rewards those who can control elite levels of pop, and while it may not be ideal for players who struggle with touch or reset consistency, it delivers impressive performance for those comfortable with a high-octane setup.

Source: Johnkew Pickleball | YouTube

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Tags: Bread & Butter | Johnkew Pickleball | Loco | Pickleball Paddle Review | pickleball paddles