Bread & Butter Pickleball Gen 4 Loco Review (2025): Best All-Foam Core Paddle Yet?

Main Points

The Bread & Butter Gen 4 Loco is an all-foam core paddle and a major upgrade over the retired Gen 2 Loco.
Pricing starts at $199 with a 30-day test-drive policy, making it one of the best-value Gen 4 paddles.
Available in three shapes: standard/widebody, hybrid, and elongated.
Built with a dual foam floating core: EP foam center with EVA foam ring for compressive pocketing and dwell time.
Carbon fiber tape strips add stability, sweet spot size, and durability.
Hybrid model tested against other top Gen 4 paddles like the Honolulu J2FC+, Gearbox GX2, and others.
Plays with strong power, controllable pop, plush feel, and excellent spin potential.
Ranks in the upper third for both drive speed and pop compared to other Gen 4 paddles.
Compared directly to the Honolulu J2FC+: Loco has more power and pop, while the J2FC+ is lighter and slightly more maneuverable.
Comes with a 30-day return policy, though warranty length is shorter than some competitors.

Exclusive Bread & Butter DEAL!
Get 10% off when you use code
PICKLEBALLGLOBE
at checkout!

Summary

The Bread & Butter Gen 4 Loco marks a bold step forward in paddle design, taking performance to new levels with its innovative foam core construction. This paddle is built with a dual foam core that combines a dense EP foam center with a lighter EVA foam ring, producing what’s described as a “floating core.” This design not only creates a more compressive pocketing effect but also enhances dwell time, resulting in a plush and absorbent feel that many advanced players seek. Add to that strategically placed carbon fiber tape for stability and sweet spot expansion, and the Loco sets itself apart from both older Bread & Butter paddles and other Gen 4 competitors.

From a playability standpoint, the Loco is a true powerhouse. It delivers excellent pop and drive speed while still remaining controllable for a wide range of players. Unlike some power paddles that sacrifice finesse, the Gen 4 Loco blends high spin potential with a broken-in feel right out of the box. Its sound—described as a satisfying “thud”—further enhances its appeal, echoing the feel of well-played Gen 3 paddles but with more modern power and control. Even when tested against top-tier paddles such as the Honolulu J2FC+, the Loco holds its own, offering slightly more pop and power while remaining maneuverable, especially when adjusted with custom weight setups.

Value is another major advantage of this paddle. At $199, the Loco is priced lower than many competing Gen 4 paddles, while also offering a generous 30-day return policy. With three available shapes—standard, hybrid, and elongated—players can choose the model that best suits their style. While the Honolulu J2FC+ may edge out the Loco in lightness and warranty coverage, the Bread & Butter Gen 4 Loco shines as a complete package for players seeking an advanced power paddle without breaking the bank. For 2025, this paddle stands out as one of the most exciting releases on the market.