2025 Paddle of The Year · USAP Approved

Bread & Butter Loco Review: The Best Carbon Fibre Paddle You’ve Never Heard Of

Two shapes. One premium T700 carbon surface. Dual-density foam core. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.

If you’ve been shopping for a high-performance pickleball paddle in Canada, you’ve probably seen the usual suspects: JOOLA, Selkirk, Franklin. But there’s a smaller brand that top players have been quietly raving about — Bread & Butter Pickleball. Their flagship paddle, the Loco, is turning heads for all the right reasons: raw T700 carbon fibre, a dual-density foam core, USAP tournament approval, and two distinct shapes to match your playing style.

We carry both the Loco Elongated and the Loco Hybrid here at Performance Pickleball, and this review breaks down exactly who each paddle is for.

Quick Verdict

Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who want tournament-grade performance
Elongated pick: Power players, bangers, singles specialists
Hybrid pick: All-court players, dink-heavy doubles, control-seekers
Price (CAD): $229 — exceptional value for T700 carbon construction
USAP Approved: ✓ Yes — both shapes tournament-legal

Who Is Bread & Butter Pickleball?

Bread & Butter is an independent pickleball brand built by players who were tired of paying $400+ for paddles from big-name sponsors. They’ve taken the same raw T700 carbon fibre technology used in professional paddles and made it accessible at a price point that won’t make you wince. No celebrity ambassador markup. No corporate overhead. Just an excellent paddle at an honest price.

Performance Pickleball is one of the only Canadian retailers carrying the full Bread & Butter lineup, including the Loco Elongated, Loco Hybrid, and the Rogue paddle.

What Makes the Loco Different: The Technology

T700 Raw Carbon Fibre Face
Spin & Bite

The raw (unfinished) T700 carbon fibre texture creates massive ball grab. More spin, more pop, better feel at contact vs. painted carbon faces.

16mm Dual-Density Foam Core
Control & Dampening

The dual-density construction means the inner foam is softer for feel while the outer layer is firmer for pop. This combo is what makes the Loco forgiving on mishits but still capable of pace.

Fiberglass Edge Guard
Durability

A reinforced fiberglass edge guard protects the paddle face from floor scrapes and net hits — a common failure point on cheaper carbon paddles.

Octagon-Shaped Handle
Grip & Control

The octagon shape lets you feel your grip orientation without looking down — critical for quick spin serves and reset volleys at the kitchen line.

Elongated vs. Hybrid: Which Shape Is Right for You?

ELONGATED
Built for Power Players
  • ▶ 16.5” length (max USAP)
  • ▶ Longer reach at the kitchen
  • ▶ Higher sweet spot position
  • ▶ More pace on drives and serves
  • ▶ Better for singles play
HYBRID
Built for All-Court Players
  • ▶ Standard 16” x 8” shape
  • ▶ Wider body = bigger sweet spot
  • ▶ Better dink consistency
  • ▶ Easier to control on resets
  • ▶ Ideal for doubles play

Full Specifications

Spec Loco Elongated Loco Hybrid
Face Material T700 Raw Carbon Fibre T700 Raw Carbon Fibre
Core 16mm Dual-Density Foam 16mm Dual-Density Foam
Shape Elongated Standard/Hybrid
Weight 7.8–8.2 oz 7.8–8.2 oz
Handle Length 5.5” 5.5”
Handle Shape Octagon Octagon
USAP Approved ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Price (CAD) $229 $229

Who Should Buy Each Paddle?

Buy the Elongated if…
  • You play singles or enjoy driving the ball hard
  • You want maximum reach at the non-volley zone
  • You serve with heavy topspin and need bite
  • You’re 3.5+ and comfortable with a longer paddle
  • You’re upgrading from a power-focused paddle
Buy the Hybrid if…
  • You play doubles and prioritize dinking
  • You want a forgiving, larger sweet spot
  • You value control resets and soft game
  • You’re switching from a traditional-shaped paddle
  • You’re a 3.0–4.5 all-around player

How Does the Loco Compare to the Competition?

Feature B&B Loco
$229 CAD
JOOLA Ben Johns
Perseus Pro V 16mm
$419.95 CAD
Selkirk SLK Era Power
~$189 CAD
Face T700 Raw Carbon Carbon (Charged) Carbon Fibre
Core Thickness 16mm 16mm 16mm
USAP Approved ✓ ✓ ✓
Shapes Available Elongated + Hybrid Elongated only Elongated + Widebody
Handle Shape Octagon Round Round
Value Rating ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★

Ready to try the Loco?

Both shapes ship fast from Ottawa. Free shipping on orders over $149.

Shop Loco Elongated Shop Loco Hybrid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bread & Butter Loco USAP approved for tournament play?

Yes. Both the Loco Elongated and Loco Hybrid are USAP approved and legal for tournament play in Canada and the United States. Always confirm with your local tournament director as approval lists are updated regularly.

What’s the difference between the Loco Elongated and the Loco Hybrid?

The Elongated is longer and narrower — built for reach, power, and singles play. The Hybrid is wider and shorter, offering a bigger sweet spot for dinking, reset volleys, and doubles play. The face material, core, and construction are identical on both.

Where can I buy Bread & Butter paddles in Canada?

Performance Pickleball in Ottawa is one of the only Canadian retailers carrying Bread & Butter paddles. We ship across Canada with fast delivery. Browse the full B&B lineup here.

Is the Loco good for beginner pickleball players?

The Loco is best suited for intermediate to advanced players (3.0+) who can take advantage of the T700 carbon grip and spin potential. True beginners may find a more forgiving fiberglass paddle easier to learn with. That said, the Hybrid’s wide body makes it more accessible than the Elongated for newer players.

Does the Loco come with a paddle cover?

Check the current product listing for what’s included. We recommend picking up a paddle cover separately to protect the raw carbon fibre face — raw carbon can be more susceptible to edge chips than coated faces.

How does the Loco compare to the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro or Selkirk LUXX?

The Loco competes directly with paddles twice its price. The JOOLA Perseus Pro V is a top-tier paddle but costs $419.95 CAD. The Selkirk LUXX series is also excellent but pricier. The Loco offers nearly identical raw carbon fibre performance at $229 CAD — making it one of the best value-for-performance paddles available in Canada right now.

Try Bread & Butter — Available Now at Performance Pickleball

Ottawa’s pickleball specialists. Free shipping on orders over $149 across Canada.

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