Bread & Butter Loco Review – My Go-To Paddle That Truly Delivers

I’ve been playing with the Bread & Butter Loco for a while now, and I can confidently say—it’s one of the most solid paddles I’ve used. From power to control, this paddle simply performs.

First Impressions & Build Quality

I was one of the first thousand to pre-order the Loco, and the unboxing experience blew me away. Bread & Butter really goes all out—everything from the packaging to the included extras makes you feel like you’re getting something special. Honestly, I wish more paddle brands cared that much.

Some brands sell $280 paddles and don’t even include a sleeve—meanwhile, Bread & Butter packs in everything. That kind of detail creates brand loyalty, in my opinion.

The only issue I ran into was a protective sleeve defect that was too small, but Bread & Butter’s customer service was quick to make it right. That kind of response says a lot.

Performance – Power, Control, and Feel

The Loco’s power and pop are exceptional. According to John Q’s database, it’s right up there with paddles like the Lüzz Pickleball Tornado, but personally, I feel the Loco plays better overall. It’s got amazing power, but it’s also controllable, which isn’t always easy to find.

When it comes to drives, this paddle just makes sense. It feels powerful, but not overpowering. The sound and response are clean and satisfying.

For dinks, it’s crisp—not plush—but you still get excellent feedback and consistency.

And for drops, this thing is outstanding. There were times I thought a ball wasn’t going to clear the net, but it dropped beautifully with almost no effort.

Even compared to paddles like the VSOL Power and Vatic Flash, the Loco stands out. The VSOL Power impressed me with its solid play and light weight, but I’d still add lead tape for more stability. The Vatic Flash feels great but lacks stability unless weighted. The Loco, though? It’s dialed in right out of the box.

Balance & Design

For an elongated paddle, the Loco feels extremely well-balanced. I’ve never played tennis or any racquet sport before, but elongated paddles just feel right to me—especially for serves, returns, and two-handed backhands.

It’s not the softest paddle on the market, but that’s not a bad thing. It gives me the confidence to swing freely without fear of overhitting.

Spin & Sweet Spot

One area where the Bread & Butter Loco really shines is spin. I’ve hit shots that looked like they were going out, only to watch them dip in beautifully with topspin. The grit on this paddle is easily the best I’ve seen, and it translates directly into real control and precision.

Final Thoughts

Even with the minor sleeve issue, this paddle delivers on all fronts—power, control, spin, feel, and design. The foam core adds a nice solid response and should help with durability too.

I give the Bread & Butter Loco two thumbs up and can confidently say it’s one of my best purchases yet. It’s currently my go-to paddle, and I’m already planning to grab another one in the future.

In my bag right now, I’m rotating between the Vatic V-SOL Power and Lüzz Tornado, but the Loco continues to stand out for its performance and reliability.

As always, this is an honest, unpaid review. I bought this paddle with my own money, and I’m not sponsored or affiliated with Bread & Butter.

If you’re thinking about buying one, I highly recommend it—but be quick, because they tend to sell out fast. And if you want to save some money, check out discount codes from ambassadors or other YouTubers.

Thanks for reading,

Jon Torres

InfoTechYeti.com

Vatic Pro V-SOL Power Flash Review: Finding My Groove After 2 Weeks

Vatic Pro V-SOL Power Flash Review: Finding My Groove After 2 Weeks

I’ve been using the Vatic Pro V-SOL Power Flash paddle for about two weeks now, logging at least 12 hours of play, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. This paddle has quickly become my main, but it wasn’t love at first strike. Coming from the Saga V7 and other Gen 3 paddles like the Friday Fever, Luzz Pro Cannon, and Vapor Power by 11Six24, the V-SOL Power Flash was a big adjustment. And it wasn’t just the performance—it was the feel and sound of the paddle that initially threw me off.

The Sound: A Major Shift

The first thing that struck me was the sound. If you're used to the loud, crisp pop of paddles like the Luzz Pro Cannon, the V-SOL Power Flash is a huge departure. It has a muted sound—so much quieter compared to what I was used to. At first, this was frustrating. I had to adjust not only to the feel of the paddle but to how much power I needed to put into my shots. Dinks, drops, and drives all felt off. The muted feel made it difficult to gauge how much force to apply to get the ball to drop or clear the net.

The First Few Days: The Struggle Was Real

As a first-time foam paddle user, this was a whole new ballgame. It reminded me of when I first switched to Gen 3 paddles—there was an immediate learning curve. But this felt different. The V-SOL Power Flash is an all-foam paddle, and the transition was more challenging than I expected. Unlike my Gen 3 paddles, which had a certain pop, the foam just didn’t give the same feedback.

For the first few days, I was frustrated. I kept overhitting balls, sending them sailing out. But I didn’t want to give up on the paddle too quickly. After all, I was invested in giving it a fair shot. I kept reminding myself to stick with it, just like I did with my Friday Fever paddle.

The Lightbulb Moment

Then came the breakthrough. After about two days of playing with the V-SOL, I was practicing dinks with my son on the driveway. He’s using the Prism Flash 14mm by Vatic Pro, and I noticed something familiar. The sound of his paddle was almost identical to mine, and that got me thinking. The key difference was when it came to hard hits—this was where the V-SOL really shines.

I spent a bit more time tinkering with the paddle's weight, adjusting it here and there. Initially, when I added weight, the paddle felt off-balance. The muted sound and low vibrations made it hard to pinpoint the sweet spot or get the right amount of plow through on shots. But after a few days of practice, I noticed something interesting during my resets—the paddle was twisting in my hand. This was something I hadn’t experienced with other paddles, except for the Prism Flash 14mm, which gave me a similar feel. It became clear to me that stability was the key to unlocking this paddle’s full potential.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Weight Adjustments

The real turning point came when I found the ideal weight distribution. I experimented with adding weight at different points of the paddle and eventually settled on a setup that worked for me. Here’s what I did: I added tuning tape from the top of the handle down to just below the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. I originally tried weight only at the 4 and 8 o’clock spots, but it still felt off—there was something missing in terms of stability.

So when I added weight on the top of the paddle it made a huge difference in terms of stability and plow through. With this adjustment, I finally felt the control I was looking for. No more twisting or feeling disconnected during resets, dinks, or drop shots. Even for someone my size (6'3", 267 lbs), this paddle now feels stable, and it’s given me more confidence when returning strong drives or resetting balls from the air.

The Power of Stability

I’ve come to realize that for me, stability is everything. Sure, power is important, but it’s the stability that makes a paddle feel like an extension of your arm. Once I achieved that stability with the weight adjustments, I was able to play my best game yet. In fact, the night I dialed in my setup, I had some of my best matches. I couldn’t believe how well I was playing with a paddle I almost doubted just a week ago.

Why You Should Try the V-SOL Power Flash

So, why am I sharing all this? Because I think the V-SOL Power Flash deserves more attention. There’s a lot of hype around the louder paddles—like the Boomstick, Loco, and Quanta—but I genuinely believe this paddle has a lot to offer, especially for those who prefer a quieter, more stable ride.

I didn’t need to spend $280 on a CRBN Trufoam or $180 on some of the other high-end paddles out there. The V-SOL Power Flash performs just as well—if not better—once you get it dialed in. Foam paddles like the V-SOL Power Flash are more durable out of the bag, and once you tweak it for stability, you’ll be surprised at how well it holds up.

A Caution

I should add a cautionary note for those considering adding weight to the paddle: it’s not for everyone. If you have any previous arm, wrist, or elbow injuries, I would advise against adding weight to the top. It can put extra strain on those areas and may lead to discomfort. But for those who can handle it, this adjustment will make the paddle sing.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up: give the V-SOL Power Flash a try. With the right adjustments, this paddle can be a game-changer. And if you're interested, you can use my discount code TechYeti at VaticPro.com to get $10 off—bringing the price from $110 down to $100. They also offer a 30-day return policy, but make sure to check the details on return fees.

If you want a solid, stable paddle that can reset, drive, and return serves without breaking the bank, the V-SOL Power Flash might just be the one for you.

Can the V-Sol Power Paddle Change Your Game?

V-SOL Power Flash – A Close Relative of the Prism Flash 14mm

After some driveway dink practice with my son, I started to notice just how similar the V-SOL Power Flash feels to the Prism Flash 14mm (short handle). Both paddles have a very muted sound and feel, which makes them stand out compared to a lot of the louder, poppier paddles on the market. The Prism Flash carries a slightly higher-pitched tone, while the V-SOL Power Flash has a slightly lower-pitched tone. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable if you’ve spent time with both. On medium swings, the two paddles feel very close in tightness. Where the V-SOL really separates itself is on hard swings—the extra power is undeniable.

​The paddle's handle and grip are also noteworthy. The V-SOL Power Flash features a slightly extended handle compared to some other paddles, which is a big plus for players who like to use two-handed backhands. The grip itself is comfortable and provides a secure hold, even during intense play.

​I believe a key reason the V-SOL Power Flash has more strength on serves and hard swings is its construction. While the Prism Flash 14mm has a standard 14mm polypropylene honeycomb core, the V-SOL has a thicker 16mm core with a foam-injected design, which also gives it a heavier, more solid feel. That extra thickness and weight naturally translates to more power, giving it that added juice on serves. It was impressive to go back and forth between the two and feel that difference so clearly.

​According to Pickleball Effect, the V-SOL Power Flash comes in at about the 95th percentile in power on serves and 70–78% with pop. That’s some serious juice for players who want a paddle that can put the ball away. I don’t have exact numbers on the Prism Flash yet, but I’ll be digging into that soon for a more direct comparison. What I can say for now is that the Prism Flash has always been one of my favorite paddles—it was one of my first, and it still holds up great today.

​On soft touches like dinks and drops, the V-SOL Power Flash feels surprisingly similar to the Prism Flash 14mm. Both paddles are consistent and controlled in the short game, which is why I think of the V-SOL as more of a bigger brother or cousin to the Prism Flash—same DNA, just packed with more power.

​I think part of the reason the V-SOL caught me off guard at first is because I’ve been playing so much with paddles like the Saga Flash and Saga V7, which are more of the newer 3rd generation builds. Going back to something as muted as the V-SOL Power Flash was an adjustment for me. At first, it felt strange, but lately I’ve really been liking it. The more I play with it, the more it grows on me.

​Would I recommend the V-SOL Power Flash? Definitely—especially if you’re looking for a paddle that brings serious power to your game. Just know that if you’re coming from a foam-core or a livelier paddle, the muted sound and feel may take a little getting used to. Once you make that adjustment though, the performance speaks for itself. It’s the perfect paddle for someone who wants the control and feel of the Prism Flash but with the raw power to finish points.

🔥 First Impressions: VATIC Pro V-SOL Power Paddle | $100 Beast!

Why the Saga V7 is My Go-To Paddle

I've tried several paddles, constantly searching for something new and better. But no matter what, I always find myself returning to one that just feels perfect: the Saga V7 16mm short handle. It's a solid, reliable performer, and it just works.

What truly sets it apart is the feel. On hard hits, it feels incredibly plush yet solid, giving me the confidence to drive the ball without worrying about losing control. This soft touch is a game-changer for my short game; it's great for dinks and drops, allowing me to place the ball exactly where I want it. Coming from a power paddle, the control I get with the V7 is unmatched. I don't have to worry about "overheating" the ball or popping it up, which has completely transformed my consistency.

The Saga V7 gives me the confidence to focus on the point rather than my equipment. It plays exactly how I want it to, and for that reason, I'll never let it go—that is, unless Vatic Pro comes out with a new V7 that's even better.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

If you're looking for a dependable paddle that just works, give the Saga V7 a try. As a Vatic Pro ambassador, you can use my code TechYeti to get a discount on your order. Every time you use my code, you're not only getting a great paddle, but you're also helping me create more videos and content for other players.

My Pickleball Paddle Choices for a Tournament & Why

Lately, I’ve been itching to try a pickleball tournament at a local club. That got me thinking: if I signed up, which paddle would I bring with me, and which ones would I trust as backups? Over the past year, I’ve been rotating between a few different paddles during rec play at my local parks in Connecticut. The competition is always friendly but solid, and it’s been a great way to learn different styles of play while sharpening my own game. My brother-in-law, a few friends, and I usually meet once a week, and that’s enough for me to get my fix. But if I had to step into a tournament tomorrow, here’s how my paddles stack up.

At the bottom of my list is the Friday Fever paddle. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some of my best games with it, and I really do love the way the blue design looks—it just feels good in hand. But when it comes down to tournament play, looks alone won’t cut it. While it’s reliable enough to stay in my trunk as a backup, I wouldn’t trust it as my main choice

Moving up, the next paddles I’d reach for would be the Vatic Pro Saga V7 16mm and the 11six24 Vapor Power. These two have been neck-and-neck for me. The Saga gives me excellent control, whip-through shots, and really clean one-handed backhand dinks. It feels steady in longer rallies and rewards patience.  It is still one of my go to paddles overall. On the other hand, the Vapor Power brings a bit more pop, better stability, and a strong hybrid elongated feel. It’s great for two-handed backhands and returns, and it gives me that confidence to drive through the ball. Depending on the day, I could see myself going either way—but if the Vapor starts popping the ball up too much, I’d switch to the Saga for more consistency.

And then there’s the paddle that’s taken over as my number one for now: the Luzz Pro Cannon. This paddle has completely won me over. The power it delivers is amazing—it explodes off the face on drives and smashes—but what really surprised me is how well it performs on drops and resets. It’s rare to find a paddle that can pack that much punch and still give you the soft touch with dinks needed to control the kitchen game, but the Cannon pulls it off.

It’s not the easiest paddle to tame—you need a little finesse to manage its pop and power with serves and hard hits—but once you get comfortable, it feels like a true tournament weapon. The longer handle gives me confidence for two-handed backhands, and the elongated shape helps me cover more court. At $109 (before my discount code TechYeti), it’s a great deal, and since it’s UPA-certified, it’s ready for sanctioned tournaments too.

If I were stepping into a tournament tomorrow, the Luzz Pro Cannon would be the paddle in my hand. It’s got the firepower, the touch, and the all-around versatility I need to compete.

Finding the Right Pickleball Paddle Shape: A Player's Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of pickleball paddles on the market? You’re not alone. As someone who came from competitive cornhole—a sport I thought had a lot of companies—I was shocked by the sheer number of options in pickleball. While more choices are a good thing, it’s tough to know where to begin.

When I started my search, I went online to see what others were saying. I was looking for a budget-friendly paddle and wasn't sure if I should spend over $100. At first, I decided against it, thinking I'd rather have several affordable options than one super-pricey paddle. This post will walk you through my journey and discuss paddle shapes to help you find what might be right for you.

My Paddle Journey

My first paddle was a cheap aluminum paddle from a Franklin combo set I bought at BJ’s. It was fine for casual family play, but for anything competitive, it just didn't cut it. It was heavy, full of vibration, and had dead spots all over the face. Interestingly, it was an elongated shape—something I didn't even realize at the time.

That experience pushed me to get my first "real" paddle. After watching some videos praising their value, I chose the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm (short handle). These are solid, reliable paddles, and the edge guard has held up incredibly well despite my family and friends constantly scraping the top reaching for low balls.

I chose the hybrid shape for this paddle. It worked well for a long time, but eventually, I felt like I needed more.

Exploring Different Paddle Shapes

I was a little hesitant to try a more powerful paddle, so I next moved to the Vatic Pro Saga Flash. It was a step up with a great feel, but still not quite what I was looking for. Then came the Vatic Pro Bloom, their first wide-body shape. I was loving the huge sweet spot and control, which was fantastic for my hand speed. However, I was still missing the power I wanted.

When new players ask me what shape they should get, I tell them to try all of mine. When I was first doing my own research, I heard many people recommend the hybrid shape over the elongated one, often saying, “elongated paddles are for former tennis players.”

I’m here to challenge that idea.

I have never played tennis or ping pong, and I would recommend that anyone try an elongated paddle. Maybe it’s because I started with a hybrid and then moved to a wide body, but for me, the elongated shape has been amazing for my game.

I'm not a player who just drives the ball, but I do like to have a strong serve and return to get to the kitchen for dinking. I also find I'm much stronger with volleys near the kitchen. The elongated shape helps with reach, and while some say the sweet spot is smaller, that hasn't been my experience. When I use an elongated paddle like the Vatic Pro Saga V7 or the Friday Fever, it just feels more balanced. I feel better connected to these paddles, especially when using a backhand slice dink or reaching for a shot.

Not All Paddles Are Created Equal

Of course, there are exceptions. The 11six24 Vapor Power, which is a hybrid shape, is simply amazing. It has the massive sweet spot and responsiveness of a wide-body paddle but the reach of an elongated one. And the power is incredible. So, while most paddles within a shape category are similar, the Vapor Power proves they aren’t all created equal.

This brings me back to the YouTube reviews I watched. Everyone was saying how great the Saga Flash 16mm was, but they claimed the Saga V7 16mm SH (elongated) was one of the worst.

For me, it was the complete opposite. The Saga V7 16mm is solid and feels much better than the Flash. I don't feel any instability, and hitting the sweet spot feels natural. With the Flash (hybrid), I felt like I had to hit the ball lower on the paddle face. With the V7, I can swing through it like hitting a softball on the sweet spot of the bat.

Final Advice on Choosing a Paddle

Here’s how I think about it:

A heavier, elongated paddle can help with stability and power but might lack hand speed. If you have good timing, this won't be an issue.

If you struggle with hand speed or timing, a hybrid or a wide-body shape like the Bloom might suit you better.

If you struggle to consistently hit the sweet spot, the Bloom or the Vapor Power are fantastic go-to options.

Ultimately, the best way to decide on a paddle shape is to try them out! Ask to demo paddles at your local club or check local Facebook groups to see if any brand ambassadors are around. Trust me, there are plenty.

In the end, if a paddle looks nice, is within your budget, and has decent reviews, go for it. Don't take my recommendations as gospel; make your own decision. But if I’m being honest, who cares if you’ve never played a racket sport? Try the elongated paddle. You just might love it. Some of my best games have come from using the Saga V7 16mm and the Friday Fever paddle.

My Go-To Paddles & Discounts

When you're ready to purchase a paddle, I'm a brand ambassador for a few companies. If you use my discount code at checkout, I get an incentive that allows me to try more paddles and give you my honest review. I've been playing for a year, and this is the list of paddles I currently use.

Saga V7 16mm SH (Gen 1.5) - Elongated Shape: Soft on dinks and near the kitchen but with plenty of power for serves and hard hits. It offers a great balance of power and control but is the heaviest paddle, so it's not for everyone. Use code TECHYETI at Vatic Pro for a discount.

11six24 Vapor Power (Gen 3) - Hybrid Shape: Amazing power and feel with a great grip. A solid, premium paddle and the most expensive I've purchased, but I highly recommend it. Get $10 off with my discount code TechYeti at checkout.

Friday Fever (Gen 3) - Elongated Shape: Very similar to the expensive Joola Perseus but for only $95 with my affiliate link/code.