Honolulu J2FC+ Long Handle – First Impressions & Honest Thoughts

I finally got my hands on the popular Honolulu J2FC+, and I was lucky enough to grab the long-handle version. After a few sessions with it at my local indoor club, here are my first impressions — what I liked, what felt a little off, and where I think this paddle really shines.

Initial Feel & Specs (Sort Of)

Right out of the box, this paddle felt super light. Paddle nerds, forgive me — I didn’t get the exact static weight, but the handle had 8.1oz written on it. That normally wouldn’t feel “light” to me, but the balance point is completely different from paddles like the Vatic Flash or elongated shapes like the Bread & Butter Loco.

Those feel slightly more top-weighted. This J2FC+? Not at all.
It’s whippy, fast through the air, and has one of the best swing feelings I’ve tried. If you want precise tech specs, check your favorite pickleball reviewer — but from a player’s perspective, this thing cuts through the air beautifully.

Power, Control & Feel

In terms of power, the J2FC+ sits below my Vatic Pro VSol Power. It’s close in feel but doesn’t produce that same “hot” ball speed on drives. However, it makes up for it with excellent control and a very clean feel on touch shots.

Where it really stood out:

• Stability during volleys

• Easy mobility

• Topspin forehand drops (some of my best yet)

My drops were better than expected, and I could feel the paddle helping me shape the ball with that smooth topspin arc.

On defense, the fast swing speed gave me great reach and quick hands — especially in fast exchanges.

Short Game & Dinks

Like my VSol Power, it took me a bit to adjust on dinks, mainly because I had been playing with the B&B Loco, which has a completely different sound and feel. Once I settled in, though, I was really happy with my third-shot drops and resets.

Drives & Serves

This is where I noticed the biggest opportunity for improvement.

The paddle needs a bit of weight.
Once I made some quick adjustments and focused on plowing through the ball, it was better — but I definitely plan to tune it with lead tape on the sides to get a more solid feel like my VSol Power Flash.

About That Long Handle…

Honestly? It feels odd with this shape.

I’m a fan of long handles for two-handed backhands, but on the J2FC+:

• It doesn’t feel like it gives me a big advantage

• The paddle’s balance gets a little thrown off

• I almost wish I bought the standard handle length to keep the original J2 shape intact

If you rarely use a two-handed backhand, I’d recommend sticking with the regular handle length.

Aesthetics & Design

Let’s talk looks.

The paddle face shape is… unique.
To me, it kind of resembles a Minecraft villager jawline — which is wild and not in my personal top tier of designs.

The gray color surprised me though. I didn’t think I’d like it, but it’s actually pretty clean in person.

The thing I’d change?
The excessive text printed on the face. I get the brand identity, the sword-and-shield theme, the scriptures — all cool ideas — but less is more. A cleaner face would look premium.

Performance Summary

What I loved:

• Fast, whippy swing speed

• Great stability

• Excellent control for volleys, resets, and drops

• Beautiful sound on hard hits

• Strong topspin potential

• Affordable compared to other high-end paddles

Opportunities:

• Needs added weight for more drive power

• Long handle throws off the balance

• Grip needs an overgrip — not very tacky

• The face design is a bit overdone

Who Should Consider This Paddle?

If you like paddles shaped like the 11six24 Vapor, this is extremely close in feel.

If you want:

• Solid control

• Good spin

• Stability

• A fast, whippy paddle

This is a great option — especially for the price.

If you want more power and pop, I’d personally recommend:

• Vatic Pro VSol Power Flash (Long Handle)

• Bread & Butter Loco Hybrid

Final Thoughts

Honolulu Pickleball is doing some great work with the J2 series — both the J2NF and J2FC+. The J2FC+ isn’t perfect, but it’s absolutely a paddle I’ll keep in my bag, especially for sessions where I want to focus on control, resets, and spin.

These are just my opinions, and I’m not paid for this review. If you’re grabbing one, check out discount codes like West Side Pickleball on YouTube or your favorite reviewer.

If you're debating handle length, think honestly about how often you actually use a two-handed backhand or two-handed dinks. That might make your decision easy.

Have a great Thanksgiving — and happy hitting.
Peace!

@infotechyeti

YouTube.com/@infotechyeti 

2025 Black Friday Pickleball Deals!

2025 Black Friday Pickleball Deal Roundup

Black Friday is heating up in the pickleball world, and there are some fantastic deals, especially when you stack in my discount code TechYeti. Here are the top brands and paddles I’m watching — plus what I personally might pull the trigger on.

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🔥 Top Brand Deals

1. 11six24

   • Their Black Friday discounts include 20% off all paddles but 10% off Jelly Bean models.

   • My TechYeti code stacks on most of their paddles, making this a very good play.

   • Cant wait to get my Hurache-X paddle! 

2. Vatic Pro

   • Their Black Friday deal (Nov 23–30) includes a discount on key paddles: V‑Sol Pro & Power drop from $110 to $100. 

   • On top of that, you can stack my code TechYeti for an extra discount.

   • I'm very interested in their VSol Pro V7 long-handle paddle as my first LH from Vatic Pro — and plan to compare it with my Luzz Tornazo and BNB Loco.

3. Luzz

   • If you buy 2 Pro Cannon paddles, you get an extra $10 off, plus you can apply my TechYeti code to stack more savings.

   • Their Infinity Series paddles are a great budget pick (or gift) — after their deal and stacking my code, you can get one for around $30 or less.

   • They also offer 10% off accessories and run raffles / giveaways during their Black Friday event, which starts Nov 24. (Note: check their site for live details.

4. Warping Point 

   • Warping Point has great pricing, and you can use my code TechYeti there.

   • Lots of good pick-up potential if you’re building out your UPA certified paddles.

5. Friday (Pickle)

• There’s a very cool deal on the Friday Fever All Black Stealth paddle — for about $89, it comes with an upgraded grip, a free hat, and a protective sleeve.

• You can stack my code (JONATHAN40142) on top. 

6. Volair

   • They’re running an awesome BOGO deal on a number of popular paddles. Id probably go with their elongated.  2 paddles for $120! That is great deal for anyone starting off in pickleball. 

   • Note: ambassador codes may be paused. 

7. Bread & Butter

   • Bread & Butter has a solid Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale. 

   • Use code BADABING at checkout for pricing on their products including the Loco. (Bread & Butter Pickleball Company)

   • Their sale runs Nov 19 through Dec 2

   • Many paddles and accessories are discounted. 

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📦 My Current Go-To / Target Paddles

Here are the paddles I’m most focused on right now — either because I already love them or because I’m eyeing a future buy.

Here are a few

• Vatic Pro VSol Power Flash — one of my go-to all foam power paddles.

• Vatic Pro VSol Pro ( V7 Long‑Handle) — going to buy on Sunday.

• Luzz Pro 4 Tornazo — I love the paddle but the Pro Cannon is a better priced paddle

• 11six24 Vapor Power — great deal w 20% off any paddle except 10% off Jelly Bean models.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Dinking! 

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 Tornazo, 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 Tornazo, 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.