Description
Pure Foam Power in Whichever Shape Suits Your Game
Foam-core paddles took over competitive US pickleball for one reason: they hold pace on off-centre contact in a way honeycomb cores simply cannot. The Bread & Butter Loco 16mm Pickleball Paddle is the paddle that made that case loudest, taking 2025 Paddle of the Year and building a following among 4.0-plus league and tournament players across the country.
Rather than force you into one profile, Bread & Butter builds the Loco on the same 16mm dual-density core in three distinct shapes. Elongated for reach and heat, Hybrid for the middle ground, Standard for the biggest sweet spot on the court. Same engine, three very different cars.
Key Performance Features
16mm Dual-Density Foam Core: EPP and EVA foam layered together rather than a single foam block, giving a plush, controlled response at the kitchen with genuine put-away pop behind a full swing.
T700 Raw Carbon Face with Fiberglass: Raw carbon supplies the bite and spin; the added fiberglass layer supplies the pop. It is the combination that gives the Loco its reputation for feeling soft and hitting hard.
UV-Printed Graphics: Artwork is printed directly onto the core surface instead of applied as a film, so nothing peels, bubbles or adds thickness to the hitting face.
Vibration-Dampening Octagon Handle: A 4.25 inch octagonal grip with a dampening wrap that takes the sting out of hard blocks and long sessions.
Paddle Cover Included: Every Loco ships with a fitted cover, which at this price point is genuinely unusual.
| Specification | Elongated | Hybrid | Standard |
| Core | 16mm dual-density foam (EPP + EVA) | 16mm dual-density foam (EPP + EVA) | 16mm dual-density foam (EPP + EVA) |
| Face Material | T700 raw carbon + fiberglass | T700 raw carbon + fiberglass | T700 raw carbon + fiberglass |
| Average Weight | 8.0 - 8.2 oz | 7.9 - 8.1 oz | 8.0 - 8.1 oz |
| Paddle Length | 16.5 in | 16.2 in | 16.0 in |
| Paddle Width | 7.375 in | 7.6 in | 8 in |
| Grip Length | 5.5 in | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25 in | 4.25 in | 4.25 in |
| Swing Weight | 118 - 120 | 112 - 115 | 108 - 110 |
| Twist Weight | 6.28 | 6.65 | 7.3 |
| Certification | USAP Approved | USAP Approved | USAP Approved |
Comparing foam cores? The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik takes a similar approach with its BoomCore platform.
Q: Which Bread & Butter Loco shape should I buy?
A: Choose Elongated if you drive from the baseline and want maximum reach and leverage — it has the highest swing weight at 118 to 120. Choose Standard if you play doubles at the kitchen and want the largest sweet spot and quickest hands, with the highest twist weight at 7.3. Choose Hybrid if you want a genuine middle ground between the two.
Q: Is the Bread & Butter Loco USAP approved?
A: Yes. All three Loco 16mm shapes are USAP approved and legal for sanctioned tournament play in the United States.
Q: What is a dual-density foam core and why does it matter?
A: Instead of one uniform foam block, the Loco layers EPP and EVA foam with different densities. The softer layer absorbs impact for touch on dinks and resets, while the firmer layer resists compression on full swings to return power. The practical result is a paddle that feels plush but still finishes points.
Q: How does twist weight affect how a paddle plays?
A: Twist weight measures how much a paddle resists rotating when you strike the ball off-centre. Higher is more forgiving. The Standard Loco at 7.3 keeps mishits on target far better than the Elongated at 6.28, which is the main trade-off you make in exchange for the Elongated's extra reach.
Q: Will the graphics wear off the paddle face?
A: No. Bread & Butter UV-prints artwork directly onto the core surface rather than applying a decal or film layer. There is nothing bonded to the face that can lift, bubble or peel with use.
Q: Does the Loco come with a cover?
A: Yes, a fitted paddle cover is included with every Loco. If you want something more substantial for transport and storage, a hard paddle case is the next step up.
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