John, Thanks for taking a look. Is it bad that while I was excited you liked a lot of aspects and slight variants to other similar shaped paddles I was more excited that you liked the hot sauce. 😂😂😂😂 Lastly, your videos have gotten so good this year it’s incredible!! Set, graphics, editing. It’s amazing! -much love
No disrespect to the other channels, but this is my main go to channel for paddle information. Mr. Kew, the level of detail given is top notch. Also, the addition of the paddle database, genius.
Great review! I too am a paddle geek and watch all the reviews and have owned just about every top end paddle. I found your comment about "dwell time" and control very interesting. I feel like the word "control" is defined differently by all the reviewers. Some like that crisp feel and think that is "control" where as others are considering that "plush" term control. But, this "dwell time" is also an interesting term that I don't think is measured or spoken of much. I love a high dwell time feel and the king of all dwell times has been and is the original Joola Hyperion. There's nothing like it that I've found in the recent paddles that has a similar dwell time. The paddle has some draw backs, but it dominates on that attribute and is key to me. You're by far the king of paddle tech and specs, maybe you can figure out how to quantify that attribute and feel across the paddles. I ordered the Ruby based on your review to see how that feels. Thanks!
I've thought about ways to quantify sweet spot and the 'feel' of the paddle (stiff vs. plush), with regard to the vibrations sent through the paddle, which I think play a big role for both of these. I'm making some progress, but far from a workable solution. But vibration also play a role in dwell time. I'd love to see a super slow-motion video of different paddles striking balls. I think that would be very illuminating in terms of what's bending and flexing, and sliding, etc.
I love the idea of a super slow motion camera. What would be cool is if you had a paddle vice gripped to a table or stationary object, then had a ball machine shoot a ball at the paddle straight on, then have a slow motion camera record it. You could calculate the number of frames the ball maintained contact with the paddle. Paddles that have more of a trampoline effect, like the hyperion in theory would have a greater number of frames of contact. as a baseline, even a piece of steel would have some number of frames of contact, but you'd assume it would be very few. I also think this would make for intriguing video to watch. If you had something like this setup, you could then also use a baseline paddle and compare different balls. actually create a dwell time rating on balls like Franklin vs Dura, etc...@@johnkewpickleball
Excellent video John, and I appreciated the comparisons to the other paddles. As a paddle shopper myself, hearing comparisons is more valuable to me, than a straight review, so thank you for incorporating those in this video.
Great feedback, thanks. I'm always listening to what people want to hear about in these videos, and hopefully the adjustments I've made are making for better videos.
Are you planning to review Hyperion C2? How about more detailed review of Electrum Stealth? Have you thought about deflection testing or a test dropping/firing a ball into paddle at certain speeds representing different pickleball shots to test "coefficient of restitution"? This could also create very accurate sweet spot data by hitting paddle in different locations and recording data.
Love the vids John. Thanks. Also love the paddle and now the ball database (1st of it's kind). Being a numbers/stats geek as well I'd be interested if you would consider adding 2 things to your ball database. 1st my friends and I (all 4.0-5.0 living in SoFL) are convinced the green died balls are softer than the yellow died balls. We see this in both the DuraFast 40 and the Diadem Power balls. Would you consider taking your measurements on both green and yellow for both of these balls and listing them separately in your ball database so we could see if there is any statistical difference. Also, it would be great to get a power/punch rating/number on balls. Maybe take 3 paddles (a soft one like the Luxxe, powerful one like the Gearbox Pro, and your current paddle) and do your power/punch tests (MPH) on each ball and maybe take the average of all 3 paddles on each ball. While hardness and drop bounce height are nice, it would be great to see what this translates into wrt MPH. Thanks for the consideration.
Great idea about testing different color balls for the same brand. I had the same suspicion about yellow vs. green balls. I haven't had enough play time with the new brighter Dura balls (green) to know for sure, but it's worth testing
The hardest, and most durable, of the Durafast 40 colors is the orange which I find contrasts blue or green courts very well but most of the people I play with do not like the color.
Another great review! Like others have said you are quickly becoming my go to for reviews. I've actually been waiting for someone to do a review on this one. I was really tempted with the Ruby too but i think it's too heavy for me. Another kevlar paddle I've heard some good things about it the new edgeless prodrive encounter. Have you heard anything about that one yet? Thanks again!
Glad you liked the video! I haven't played with the Prodrive Encounter yet, but it looks nice. But just to clarify, the Kevlar is in the core on the Encounter, rather than the face, like the Ruby and Apes
Best reviews in the business. That looked like a fun game with great people. I'm glad your friends with Pickleball Will. That kid makes me laugh and he's a fellow Okie so were all smart, good looking, and Goofy! lol
Thanks for recognizing the power of wit in marketing! Wondering how the Loco's plushness compares to a Gruvn Raw? Looking to make a change to a paddle company with better customer service without sacrificing the plush control of the Raw series.
Hey there! I can’t speak to plushness of another brand, but if you want a good customer service experience, we have that. We have a dedicated team that handles those. Aurora and Devin do a great job at making sure people get taken care of. We also don’t use a third party shipping company. We ship in house to ensure returns, replacements and shipping is handled fast. Thanks for even considering us!
Thanks for the great review and bringing another paddle to my attention. I'm curious if you plan on reviewing the Proton Sport Series 1 paddle. It apparently has great spin which lasts with a lifetime warranty.
John another great review. I was wondering if you have any thoughts as to why the B&B is more plush than a similarly constructed DBD? I can understand the Ruby because of Kevlar.
I imagine it has to do with the different factory where these are finished. Could be many different variables - different sourcing for the core, different oven temps during curing, etc.
Love the channel, follow and trust the reviews. Tried a friend's Filth today and loved the extra "pop' on resets and fire fights. My dilemma now, is do I get the newer Loco or do I buy the Filth which I know I like. (I'm a 4.0 player who currently plays with the DBD, but is looking for something with a bit more "pop' but don't need the extra "power" --I come from a tennis background)
Awesome review John! I'm curious if you've ever tried the Honolulu Pickleball Company's Sword & Shield J2 paddle. Based on your description of the Loco, it sounds similar to the J2 I tried out. Same mold as the DBD but a bit more plush
Thanks, man! They just sent me their line of paddles, and I've only performed the metrics on them so far. But yeah, I remember the J2 feeling plush when I was testing it. But man, the J1H hits like a cannon, huh?
@@johnkewpickleball I've only hit that one against the wall so far but it definitely felt poppy! I'm out of the country for a month but plan on doing the J1s and the J5 side by side with the Vatic Alchemy paddles as soon as I'm back
Do you know if bread and butter are doing anything different with the Loco to help with core crush and delimitation? I am between getting this one or the Ronbus nova. Ronbus is specifically speaking out about it but I don’t know anything about b&b
Hey there. With thermo paddles there is no solve on core crush/delam. That being said things have gotten a lot better but it’s still not perfect. I will say what I think a lot of brands won’t. If you are a high level player that plays 6-7 days a week for multiple hours daily 3-6 hours a day, you are going to experience paddle breakdown. When we launched the Filth, we started to see some core crushing and I called every single one of those first people that had issues. Almost 100% of them were between the ages of 25-40, played 6-7 days a week, were 4.5 to 5.0 players that all had plans of becoming a pro. Lol. On the flip side we have people still using paddles that they purchased almost 8 months ago that play a few times a week for a couple hours and have not had any issues. Devin in our office ran some number and our delam/core crush numbers are about 3-4 percent. In closing, it happens to high level avid players. We are super chill about warranty replacements and even have a program for our bangers that like to tend to burn through paddles.
I love the detail that you give and you give a lot of data but I'm not so sure you're right on the way you describe hand speed. In this video you said swing weight was a few points lower and therefore your hands were quicker moving into position but that's not what swing weight would impact. static weight would impact that swing weight is only your speed swinging the paddle. Not moving your hands into position from forehand to backhand as you described
@@Syndrome88this shape was originally designed by Dale at 6.0 in 2022. While our shape is an almost carbon copy of the 6.0, Dale and I got together and he was cool enough to license the shape to us. We respect the fact he engineered the DBD but wanted it in our arsenal and worked out a deal where we compensate him for each paddle we sell. To be clear our paddle is made in a different facility with different materials which explains the variations John speaks about in this video. Also you can ignore Robert Harless, he is still mad we didn’t accept him as an ambassador and at this point he is becoming our own little meme. 😂😂😂😂
@@bnbpickleball first off, not getting on board with u guys was no big deal. Second, I just spoke to the sales manger at top carbon. That’s where six zero, volair, rombus, legacy, even some Selkirk, to name a few are made. They never heard of u guys. Also, after I introduced your filth in my area. The people that bought them have moved on from your cheaper Crbn 1x. But I’ve always gave u guys kudos for that. Just do something original. But that’s something you don’t know anything about. You copied Buff before this. You’re an fn joke
John,
Thanks for taking a look. Is it bad that while I was excited you liked a lot of aspects and slight variants to other similar shaped paddles I was more excited that you liked the hot sauce. 😂😂😂😂 Lastly, your videos have gotten so good this year it’s incredible!! Set, graphics, editing. It’s amazing! -much love
Somehow, that totally makes sense that you're more stoked about the hot sauce review 😂
Thanks for the great feedback, and for the great paddle!
No disrespect to the other channels, but this is my main go to channel for paddle information. Mr. Kew, the level of detail given is top notch. Also, the addition of the paddle database, genius.
Thanks!
Great content as always. I really like how you presented the paddle stats and the swing weight comparisons. Great work!
I love your channel. And this is my “ go to” because your breakdown of real data and specs are the best.
For those interested in a deep-dive analysis of hot sauce, check out John’s new channel: John Kew sauces, salsas and marinades!
That hot sauce is pretty 🔥
Great review! I too am a paddle geek and watch all the reviews and have owned just about every top end paddle. I found your comment about "dwell time" and control very interesting. I feel like the word "control" is defined differently by all the reviewers. Some like that crisp feel and think that is "control" where as others are considering that "plush" term control. But, this "dwell time" is also an interesting term that I don't think is measured or spoken of much. I love a high dwell time feel and the king of all dwell times has been and is the original Joola Hyperion. There's nothing like it that I've found in the recent paddles that has a similar dwell time. The paddle has some draw backs, but it dominates on that attribute and is key to me. You're by far the king of paddle tech and specs, maybe you can figure out how to quantify that attribute and feel across the paddles. I ordered the Ruby based on your review to see how that feels. Thanks!
I've thought about ways to quantify sweet spot and the 'feel' of the paddle (stiff vs. plush), with regard to the vibrations sent through the paddle, which I think play a big role for both of these. I'm making some progress, but far from a workable solution. But vibration also play a role in dwell time.
I'd love to see a super slow-motion video of different paddles striking balls. I think that would be very illuminating in terms of what's bending and flexing, and sliding, etc.
I love the idea of a super slow motion camera. What would be cool is if you had a paddle vice gripped to a table or stationary object, then had a ball machine shoot a ball at the paddle straight on, then have a slow motion camera record it. You could calculate the number of frames the ball maintained contact with the paddle. Paddles that have more of a trampoline effect, like the hyperion in theory would have a greater number of frames of contact. as a baseline, even a piece of steel would have some number of frames of contact, but you'd assume it would be very few. I also think this would make for intriguing video to watch. If you had something like this setup, you could then also use a baseline paddle and compare different balls. actually create a dwell time rating on balls like Franklin vs Dura, etc...@@johnkewpickleball
Yoooo! Wearing that Melin hat let's go!
Hahaha, it was only a matter of time before I was brought into the fold
Excellent video John, and I appreciated the comparisons to the other paddles. As a paddle shopper myself, hearing comparisons is more valuable to me, than a straight review, so thank you for incorporating those in this video.
Great feedback, thanks. I'm always listening to what people want to hear about in these videos, and hopefully the adjustments I've made are making for better videos.
Best paddle reviewer on the tubes.
I love my Loco! B&B are the best. Love these guys.
Hey John! Your reviews are fantastic. Is there any plans to put the engage pro paddles in your database?
Are you planning to review Hyperion C2? How about more detailed review of Electrum Stealth?
Have you thought about deflection testing or a test dropping/firing a ball into paddle at certain speeds representing different pickleball shots to test "coefficient of restitution"? This could also create very accurate sweet spot data by hitting paddle in different locations and recording data.
Thank you for your time and posting.
Graphics are on point! Nice! Also, some nice points in that b-roll.
Thanks - and yeah, we had some great points that day of filming
Love the vids John. Thanks. Also love the paddle and now the ball database (1st of it's kind). Being a numbers/stats geek as well I'd be interested if you would consider adding 2 things to your ball database. 1st my friends and I (all 4.0-5.0 living in SoFL) are convinced the green died balls are softer than the yellow died balls. We see this in both the DuraFast 40 and the Diadem Power balls. Would you consider taking your measurements on both green and yellow for both of these balls and listing them separately in your ball database so we could see if there is any statistical difference. Also, it would be great to get a power/punch rating/number on balls. Maybe take 3 paddles (a soft one like the Luxxe, powerful one like the Gearbox Pro, and your current paddle) and do your power/punch tests (MPH) on each ball and maybe take the average of all 3 paddles on each ball. While hardness and drop bounce height are nice, it would be great to see what this translates into wrt MPH. Thanks for the consideration.
Great idea about testing different color balls for the same brand. I had the same suspicion about yellow vs. green balls. I haven't had enough play time with the new brighter Dura balls (green) to know for sure, but it's worth testing
The hardest, and most durable, of the Durafast 40 colors is the orange which I find contrasts blue or green courts very well but most of the people I play with do not like the color.
Looks like the Melin Hat Mafia got to JohnKew too! 🤣
How is the shogun? Any merit to the titanium weave?
Another great review! Like others have said you are quickly becoming my go to for reviews. I've actually been waiting for someone to do a review on this one. I was really tempted with the Ruby too but i think it's too heavy for me. Another kevlar paddle I've heard some good things about it the new edgeless prodrive encounter. Have you heard anything about that one yet? Thanks again!
Glad you liked the video! I haven't played with the Prodrive Encounter yet, but it looks nice. But just to clarify, the Kevlar is in the core on the Encounter, rather than the face, like the Ruby and Apes
Best reviews in the business. That looked like a fun game with great people. I'm glad your friends with Pickleball Will. That kid makes me laugh and he's a fellow Okie so were all smart, good looking, and Goofy! lol
Yessir, Will is indeed a great person
Thanks for recognizing the power of wit in marketing! Wondering how the Loco's plushness compares to a Gruvn Raw? Looking to make a change to a paddle company with better customer service without sacrificing the plush control of the Raw series.
Hey there! I can’t speak to plushness of another brand, but if you want a good customer service experience, we have that. We have a dedicated team that handles those. Aurora and Devin do a great job at making sure people get taken care of. We also don’t use a third party shipping company. We ship in house to ensure returns, replacements and shipping is handled fast. Thanks for even considering us!
Thanks for the great review and bringing another paddle to my attention. I'm curious if you plan on reviewing the Proton Sport Series 1 paddle. It apparently has great spin which lasts with a lifetime warranty.
John another great review. I was wondering if you have any thoughts as to why the B&B is more plush than a similarly constructed DBD? I can understand the Ruby because of Kevlar.
I imagine it has to do with the different factory where these are finished. Could be many different variables - different sourcing for the core, different oven temps during curing, etc.
You sold me! I got one, using your code...thanks John!
Rad!!!!
Hi John, I currently play with the DBD 14mm. How does the ‘pop’ compare between these two?
The pop of the Loco and the DBD 14mm are very comparable
Take off the basketball court and add 3 more courts!
yes please! The other day we had 1 guy shooting around the BBall court, and 22 pickleball players on 3 courts.
Love the channel, follow and trust the reviews. Tried a friend's Filth today and loved the extra "pop' on resets and fire fights. My dilemma now, is do I get the newer Loco or do I buy the Filth which I know I like. (I'm a 4.0 player who currently plays with the DBD, but is looking for something with a bit more "pop' but don't need the extra "power" --I come from a tennis background)
I think if you want the extra pop, and you enjoyed playing with the Filth, then that’s your paddle. The pop on the Loco is a bit more muted
BnB doesn't feel the need to lie about handle length like some other company 👀
underrated comment
I’ve spent my life lying about other dimensions. Thought I might as well be honest with my handle lengths.
@@bnbpickleballit's not the size of the handle, it's how well you can swing it.
The hot sauce flavor 🙌 oh yeah, the paddle is nice too
Another one! Great stuff, John. I’m very jealous of your edits just so you know.
Thanks man, I appreciate that!
How does it compare to the CRBN 3X?
Awesome review John! I'm curious if you've ever tried the Honolulu Pickleball Company's Sword & Shield J2 paddle.
Based on your description of the Loco, it sounds similar to the J2 I tried out. Same mold as the DBD but a bit more plush
Thanks, man! They just sent me their line of paddles, and I've only performed the metrics on them so far. But yeah, I remember the J2 feeling plush when I was testing it. But man, the J1H hits like a cannon, huh?
@@johnkewpickleball I've only hit that one against the wall so far but it definitely felt poppy! I'm out of the country for a month but plan on doing the J1s and the J5 side by side with the Vatic Alchemy paddles as soon as I'm back
Have you had a chance to review the Stealth V4?
John I’m gonna need you to conform to new ppa serve rules please 😂
Is this the Lifetime in Reston?
Do you play at the centennial lifetime John?
Not yet, but I regularly play at Flatirons and Westminster
@@johnkewpickleball oh nice! I play at the Westminster LT sometimes. Didn’t know you live in colorado. That’s awesome!
Do you know if bread and butter are doing anything different with the Loco to help with core crush and delimitation? I am between getting this one or the Ronbus nova. Ronbus is specifically speaking out about it but I don’t know anything about b&b
Hey there. With thermo paddles there is no solve on core crush/delam. That being said things have gotten a lot better but it’s still not perfect. I will say what I think a lot of brands won’t. If you are a high level player that plays 6-7 days a week for multiple hours daily 3-6 hours a day, you are going to experience paddle breakdown. When we launched the Filth, we started to see some core crushing and I called every single one of those first people that had issues. Almost 100% of them were between the ages of 25-40, played 6-7 days a week, were 4.5 to 5.0 players that all had plans of becoming a pro. Lol. On the flip side we have people still using paddles that they purchased almost 8 months ago that play a few times a week for a couple hours and have not had any issues. Devin in our office ran some number and our delam/core crush numbers are about 3-4 percent. In closing, it happens to high level avid players. We are super chill about warranty replacements and even have a program for our bangers that like to tend to burn through paddles.
Hi John, great review as always. How would you rate the loco vs. its stablemate, the filth?
The Loco is much quicker in the hands, but lacks the big power of the Filth
Is that pretty much the only difference? @@johnkewpickleball
I love the detail that you give and you give a lot of data but I'm not so sure you're right on the way you describe hand speed. In this video you said swing weight was a few points lower and therefore your hands were quicker moving into position but that's not what swing weight would impact. static weight would impact that swing weight is only your speed swinging the paddle. Not moving your hands into position from forehand to backhand as you described
That looks like an awesome lifetime which location is that ?
It's the one in Westminster, CO
Has anyone seen his drumming channel? This guy is in incredible. LOVE THE TOOL COVERS
Oh yeah. Actually the Franklin Ben Johns
So it’s the same as every other thermo paddle around its shape. But comes with hot sauce. Noted
Basically it’s not a game changer. Pick your favorite color out of all these copycat paddles.
Which is the original one and which are the copycats
@@Syndrome88this shape was originally designed by Dale at 6.0 in 2022. While our shape is an almost carbon copy of the 6.0, Dale and I got together and he was cool enough to license the shape to us. We respect the fact he engineered the DBD but wanted it in our arsenal and worked out a deal where we compensate him for each paddle we sell. To be clear our paddle is made in a different facility with different materials which explains the variations John speaks about in this video. Also you can ignore Robert Harless, he is still mad we didn’t accept him as an ambassador and at this point he is becoming our own little meme. 😂😂😂😂
@@bnbpickleball first off, not getting on board with u guys was no big deal. Second, I just spoke to the sales manger at top carbon. That’s where six zero, volair, rombus, legacy, even some Selkirk, to name a few are made. They never heard of u guys. Also, after I introduced your filth in my area. The people that bought them have moved on from your cheaper Crbn 1x. But I’ve always gave u guys kudos for that. Just do something original. But that’s something you don’t know anything about. You copied Buff before this. You’re an fn joke
@@bnbpickleball Btw, do you ship to Canada (Ontario)?
@@bnbpickleballvery cool, appreciate the transparency!