Friday, February 20, 2026

Bread & Butter Loco Review: Is This the Best Full Foam Power Paddle After the Boomstick?

Main Points

  • Ranked as the reviewer’s second favorite full foam paddle, just behind the Boomstick and ahead of the Honolulu J6R
  • EP full foam construction, not to be confused with MPPP-style foam paddles
  • Elite pop off the face, especially on counters and backhand volleys
  • Benefits significantly from added weight at the throat, sides, and handle
  • Hybrid shape with lower swing weight compared to elongated paddles
  • More control on fast swing speed shots like drives and flicks
  • Slightly denser feel than the Boomstick
  • Preferred over the Boomstick for aggressive flicks and fast exchanges
  • Boomstick still wins in overall sweet spot size and soft game performance
  • Loco offers strong all-around performance with no major weaknesses
  • Grit durability comparable to other peel ply surfaces, no meaningful “infinite grit” advantage


Summary

This video breaks down the Bread & Butter Loco, a full foam power paddle that earns the reviewer’s number two ranking, just behind the Boomstick and slightly ahead of the Honolulu J6R. With so much hype surrounding modern full foam paddles, this review focuses on real on-court performance rather than technical jargon. The Loco stands out immediately for its pop. On counters, quick volleys, and awkward backhand exchanges, the ball jumps cleanly off the face and delivers high-level performance in fast hands battles.

One key takeaway is that this paddle benefits heavily from customization. Because it comes in a hybrid shape with a slightly lower swing weight, adding lead tape at the sides, throat, and especially the handle unlocks its full potential. Once weighted properly, the paddle feels more stable and controlled, particularly on fast swing speed shots like drives, serves, and flicks. Compared to the Boomstick, the Loco offers slightly more control when swinging hard, making it appealing to aggressive players who like to take balls out of the air and dictate pace.

Where the Loco trails slightly is in the soft game. The Boomstick is described as having a larger sweet spot and better performance on slow swing speed shots such as resets and drops. The difference may come down to foam softness near the lower portion of the paddle face, which can influence forgiveness and power in low-contact situations. Still, the Loco performs well enough in these areas to avoid any glaring weaknesses.

When compared to the Honolulu J6R, the Loco delivers noticeably more power and pop, particularly on volleys. While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, it offers elite pop and strong all-around performance. For players who prioritize aggressive play, counters, and fast exchanges at the kitchen line, the Bread & Butter Loco is a serious contender in the full foam power paddle category.

Source: James Ignatowich Pickleball | YouTube


Tags: Boomstick | Bread & Butter | James Ignatowich Pickleball | Loco

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