Bread & Butter Loco Review: Gen 4 Power, Plush Control, and Top-Tier Spin

Main Points

• The Bread & Butter Loco is a Gen 4 floating-core paddle built with a solid foam block and EVA foam ring for high power and plush dwell time.
• Available in three shapes: elongated, widebody, and hybrid, with consistently high grit for strong spin retention.
• Gen 4 floating-core paddles offer big power but can be harder to control for recreational or <4.0 players.
• Compared to the Boomstick, the Loco offers 85–90% of the performance at a significantly lower regular price.
• Compared to the Quanta, the Loco performs better stock without requiring weight modifications.
• Loco offers a larger sweet spot and a slightly softer feel than many competitors.
• Both the Loco and Boomstick are currently only USAPA-approved due to MOI clip restrictions.
• The Vatic V-Sol Pro is emerging as another strong budget competitor, but a full comparison is pending.
• Loco stands out for players wanting power, plush feel, performance consistency, and strong aesthetics without needing to modify their paddle.

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Summary

This video takes a deep look at the Bread & Butter Loco, a Gen 4 floating-core paddle designed for players who crave power, pop, and long-lasting spin. The construction centers on a solid foam block core surrounded by an EVA foam ring, a design now common among top-tier power paddles. This structure helps the ball sit on the face longer, creating a uniquely plush feel while still delivering high power—something many competitive players want but rarely find in one package. The Loco also stands out for its gritty surface, which has tested higher and more consistently than many of its peers, helping players maintain effective spin over longer periods of use.

However, the video makes an important distinction: floating-core paddles aren’t for everyone. Recreational players or those still developing their swing mechanics may find paddles like the Loco difficult to control. The extra power means shots can easily sail without proper technique, and the reduced ball feedback can feel unfamiliar if a player is used to traditional honeycomb builds. Still, for competitive-minded players who can handle the additional pace—or want to learn—the Loco offers a compelling blend of performance traits.

The heart of the review centers on how the Loco compares to key competitors. Against the Boomstick, the most popular Gen 4 floating-core paddle, the Loco delivers similar performance at a fraction of the price. The reviewer describes the Loco as denser, plusher, and slightly softer, making it easier to control while still offering around 85–90% of the Boomstick’s power. Considering the Boomstick’s much higher price, the Loco creates a strong value argument.

The comparison with the Rhombus Quanta presents a different challenge. The Quanta is half the price and, with modification, can mimic the performance of higher-end paddles. But the key word is modification. Many players don’t want to tinker with lead tape, grip stacking, or weight placement to unlock a paddle’s full potential. The Loco performs better stock, offers a larger sweet spot, and provides a more refined feel without requiring any setup changes. For the majority of players—especially those prioritizing simplicity—the Loco becomes the more practical and reliable choice.

The video closes by acknowledging the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro as another contender in this category. While early impressions suggest it may approach the Loco’s performance, a full comparison is still to come. Overall, the Bread & Butter Loco stands out as a balanced, high-performing Gen 4 paddle that delivers premium power and feel without the premium price tag or the hassle of modifications. For players seeking a powerful, plush, and spin-friendly paddle ready to perform right out of the box, the Loco earns serious consideration.

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Tags: Boomstick | Bread & Butter | Pickleball Tech Dude | Quanta | Ronbus | Selkirk