Back to Rec Play, Mental Growth & Testing the Boomstik

 Now that ladder league is over, I’m back to playing weekly pickleball with the fellas — and honestly, I love it.

There’s something about playing free and relaxed with friends versus competing against people you don’t know. I learned the same lesson when I played competitive cornhole: the mental game changes everything. When you’re playing strangers, it’s not just about shots — it’s about managing pressure, score awareness, expectations, and self-talk.

That’s something I’m still learning.

During the last night of ladder league, I made a conscious effort to be kinder to myself. If I made a mistake, I didn’t spiral. If I got worried about the score, I reset. And I’ve been doing better with that. The goal is simple: play my best without letting the scoreboard control my mindset.

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The Paddle Dilemma

Going into rec night, I wasn’t sure which paddle to use.

My go-to has been the Bread & Butter Loco — I love it. But the higher swing weight sometimes makes it feel just a split second slower getting ready at the kitchen. That might just mean I need to stay paddle-ready at all times.

The Luzz Inferno? Incredible for flicks, slaps at the kitchen, and overheads. It feels electric in those moments.

Then there’s my trusted Vatic Pro V7 long handle — amazing balance and swing weight, especially for hands battles and quick slams near the net.

But something told me to use the Selkirk Boomstik Elongated.

Now I’ll be honest — it was hard for me to buy this paddle. Not just because of the money but because I never saw myself spending $333 on a paddle.

After last night? I get it.

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Why the Boomstik Surprised Me

The Boomstik is heavy. The swing weight isn’t ideal for quick flicks. But the traits it does have fit my game extremely well.

I’m not an overly aggressive player. But if the ball sits high enough, I’m putting it away.

Drops are my go-to. I try to slow the game down and force a dink battle, especially against players who love to speed everything up.

The pop on this paddle has helped my drops tremendously. From the baseline, it just floats into the kitchen when I think it might fall short. I’ve been practicing on my Enhance Dink Master 3.0 wall at home, focusing on tracking the ball at its apex — especially for drops and dinks — and I can feel that work translating.

Am I elite at drops? No.

Am I confident? Yes.

And that’s huge.

In defensive situations, the pop actually works in my favor. When you’re in transition and just need to get the ball back over the net, the paddle does a lot of the work for you.

With less poppy paddles like the Prism Flash or even the V7, the angle has to be perfect. With this one, there’s more margin. That stability is noticeable.

There were a few pop-ups — it’s still breaking in — but overall, it impressed me.

Boom power is real.

The sweet spot and spin exceeded my expectations. I was shocked at how the ball dipped back into the court. My topspin serve felt great. Slice serve still needs work.

Overheads? If I connect clean, there’s no coming back.

But I’ve learned something important: I don’t need to swing 90% every time. Placement wins more points than power.

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What I Focused on Last Night

A few intentional adjustments:

• Move up to the net sooner than later as my partner is hitting his return — even if it’s slightly high. Trust my hands.

• Build a consistent serve routine. Deep breath. Same location. Don’t overcomplicate it.

• Stay patient in dink rallies. I remember one point where I sped up the ball when it was low when I shouldn’t have. Lesson learned.

Most of the games went to deuce. Defense was strong. It felt like a dogfight in the best way possible. I wish we had another hour before the facility closed.

One thing I was proud of: my forehand drop showed up. My backhand has always been more reliable, but the forehand felt more confident last night.

Court positioning overall felt better. I committed to moving forward and applying pressure. For context, I had TTO surgery about 2.5 years ago. Best decision I made for my knee.

Last night I didn’t even wear a brace. I’ve been focusing on strengthening, stability work, and stretching — and it’s paying off.

One thing I always tell newer players: invest in good pickleball shoes first. Stability matters. I’ve seen too many people roll ankles wearing running shoes. HOKAs might be great for running, but court movement is different.

Shoes before paddles.

Always.

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Is the Boomstik Worth It?

Selkirk Sport makes high-end gear across the board — paddles, shoes, apparel. The Boomstik is legit.

But would I recommend it to everyone?

No.

If you’re playing competitive leagues and tournaments consistently and sticking to one paddle — yes, it’s worth considering.

If you’re mostly playing casual rec and rotating paddles often, there are plenty of excellent alternatives at lower price points.

For me? I’m glad I bought it.

Last night was intense, fun, back-and-forth pickleball. Long rallies. Great defense. Smart positioning. Mistakes, yes — but growth too.

And as I wait for the weather to warm up in New England, we’ll probably head outdoors in a few weeks and save some money on court fees… unless it gets too crowded and we sneak back inside.

Either way, I’ll be ready.

And for now, the Boomstik is staying in the bag.

 Overall we had a great time and fun workout and cant wait for next week to meetup with the fellas.  

What a Recent Pickleball Ladder League Really Taught Me

When I signed up for the 3.5+ men’s pickleball ladder league, I didn’t really know what to expect. I just knew I wanted more competitive reps. More pressure. More growth.

Six weeks later, I finished with a record of 11 wins and 19 losses.

Not great. Not horrible either. But here’s the part that stung — I finished second to last.

Paddles I Played w in League (Bread & Butter Loco*, Luzz Inferno, Vatic VSol Pro V7 LH)

The league wasn’t ranked by wins. It was ranked by point differential. So even when I won, if the score was 11-8 instead of 11-2, it didn’t carry much weight. The numbers don’t lie. My differential wasn’t good. And as much as I tell myself numbers aren’t everything, they do tell a story.

That story? I’m probably at the lower end of 3.5 compared to that group.

And honestly, that’s okay.

One thing I noticed right away was the top players were different. Out of the 24 guys in the league, the ones near the top didn’t just show up once a week. They were playing multiple times a week. Some of them had podium finishes in 3.5+ tournaments. A lot of them were already on the courts from 6–8pm before our 8pm matches started. By the time league began, they were loose, warm, and dialed in.

Smart? Absolutely.

Realistic for me with work and family? Not always.

I’ve played four-hour sessions during the summer before, and I love it. By hour three, I can feel the fatigue creeping in — but that’s when I’m fully warm, relaxed, and playing free. In league, I was sometimes warming up during the first game while others were already in rhythm.

The league itself was run through the CourtReserve app, which honestly was great. It auto-paired partners, rotated courts, and made it easy. One of the biggest benefits was not needing a set partner. You show up solo, and you play. That part I really liked. I got to play with people I normally wouldn’t. I saw different styles. Different tendencies. Different personalities.

And I improved in areas because of it.

There’s this heavy slice serve some guys hit — not topspin, but a sharp, curving serve that dips and dies near the kitchen. Early on, I couldn’t return it cleanly. The ball would just drop and fade off my paddle. Over time, I adjusted my positioning slightly more to the right, anticipated the curve, and started handling it better. Not perfect, but better. That felt like real progress.

But here’s where things got interesting.

On the lower courts — where I played most of the time — the game was fast. Drives everywhere. Speed-ups. Minimal dinking. Almost no resets. And what made it tougher was that even after driving, a lot of players wouldn’t move up to the kitchen.

I’m not going to pretend I dropped every ball either. I drove plenty. But there were moments where I knew I should’ve slowed it down. I knew the smarter play was a drop, a reset, a dink — something to transition forward properly. Instead, the game often turned into “who can hit harder.”

And transition, I’m realizing, is everything.

Knowing when to move up.
Knowing when to stay back.
Knowing when to shift from defense to offense.

Even for me, I noticed I sometimes hesitate moving up when my partner hits a return. With my history of knee surgeries, I’m not as quick to close in as some guys. I know when I should go — but my body takes an extra half-second. At this level, that half-second matters.

Communication was another thing I struggled with. I’m usually vocal — calling balls, directing traffic, saying “mine” or “yours.” In this league, I got quieter. I’m not even fully sure why. Maybe because I didn’t know my partners as well. Maybe because I was overthinking. But I noticed it.

Poaching is something I’m learning too. I see opportunities. I go for them occasionally. But if my shuffle isn’t set right, I’ll dump it in the net. I’ve been conservative because of that. Still improving.

Now let’s talk about the real challenge.

Me.

I realized over these six weeks that I am extremely hard on myself. Back-to-back balls into the net? It lingers. A simple return long? I replay it in my head. I’d carry an error from three games ago into the next match. Sometimes even from the week before.

The night before the final league night, I listened to a mental performance coach talk about separating effort from outcome and managing emotions in competition. One phrase stuck with me.

Be kind to yourself.

That last week, I kept repeating it.

Before every serve, I slowed down. I took a deep breath. I stopped trying to crush heavy serves that sometimes clipped the net. I focused on just putting the ball in play. Build the point. Play simple.

Week two had actually been my best week, and when I look back, it’s obvious why. I wasn’t forcing anything. My serves were consistent. My returns were solid. I wasn’t chasing perfect. I was just playing.

Free points are killers. Giving away serves or easy returns is a momentum swing you feel immediately.

There were frustrating moments too. In/out calls were tough sometimes. From certain angles, a fast ball is hard to judge. A few times I called one out and saw the look on their faces like it clipped the line. A couple times I just gave them the point. Not ideal — but part of rec play reality.

Despite finishing near the bottom, I did some things really well.

My overhead confidence has grown a lot. Especially with paddles like the Luzz Inferno, Tornazo, and Selkirk Boomstick — those feel incredible out of the air. When I got a clean overhead, it was usually over.

My third-shot drop is something I’m genuinely proud of. I’ve worked hard on it at home with the Dink Master 3.0. Seeing a smooth backhand drop float over the net and not get slammed back at my feet? That’s satisfying. That’s earned.

I can hang at 3.5. I’m not dominating it. But I can compete. And that matters.

Would I recommend a ladder league?

Yes — especially if you don’t have a consistent partner and want structured competition with rotating pairings. It’s great for exposure and variety.

But for me personally? I’d rather build chemistry with a steady partner. Learn each other’s tendencies. Stack. Adjust roles. If he’s aggressive, I reset and defend. If I’m attacking, he covers middle. There’s something powerful about that consistency.

The league cost $150 plus tax for six weeks. Not cheap. Open play near me is $20, but it books fast. Indoors is fine, but I’ll always prefer outdoor summer pickleball. The heat. The sound. The atmosphere. It just hits different.

In the end, this league wasn’t about my record.

It was about learning that my mental game needs work. That breathing before serves matters. That slowing down wins more than forcing pace. That I have strengths. And that I need to stop being so hard on myself.

Everyone posts their highlights.

Not many people post 11–19.

But growth doesn’t always show up in standings.

If you’re competitive like me and struggle to let mistakes go, hear this:

Be kind to yourself.

You’re learning.
You’re improving.
And that counts.

Two Paddles, Two Personalities w Similar Power | Loco vs VSol Pro V7 LH

 

In this comparison, I break down the Bread & Butter Loco vs the Vatic Pro VSol Pro V7 LH, focusing on feel, power, control, stability, and overall playability. The VSol Pro V7 LH shines with control and confidence on drives, while the Loco brings a firmer, poppier response with great stability thanks to its heavier build. Two solid paddles with very different personalities.

Paddle Discounts & Gear I Personally Use

If you’re looking for discounts, below are paddle companies and gear I actually trust and use. You can use code TechYeti where noted.

Paddles

• Vatic Pro – VSol Pro V7 LH

• Luzz Pickleball – Tornazo, Inferno, Pro Cannon (listed in my order of preference)

• Warping Point Pickleball – Neon
  Gen 3 hybrid feel, similar to the Vapor Power but not as poppy

• Friday Pickle – 101 Elongated
  (Affiliate code: Jonathan40142)
  My first Gen 3 elongated paddle. Still a solid paddle I pull out for fun.

• Enhance Pickleball – Duo Elongated
  Great feel with strong power and pop. More muted on soft shots, but a really satisfying pop on drives.

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Training Equipment

• Dink Master 3.0 – Use code TechYeti
  I wasn’t sure about this at first, but it’s become a must-have for at-home training. If you have the space, I’d honestly recommend this over buying another paddle.

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Pickleball Bag

• Luzz Sports Bag – Use code TechYeti at checkout

My First Night in a Men’s 3.5+ Pickleball Ladder League

My First Night in a Men’s 3.5+ Pickleball Ladder League

Going into my first men’s 3.5+ pickleball ladder league, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’m not officially ranked, but based on the USAP guidelines, I know I fall somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4.0. On most days, I’d say I’m around a 3.65 or 3.75—good fundamentals, solid shots, but still learning how to handle consistent pressure from higher-level players.

The main reason I signed up was simple: it’s cold outside, and I wanted consistent indoor play. The cost felt steep at first paying everything upfront, but when you break it down, it comes to about $25 a week for two hours. That part made sense.

First Impressions & League Format

What caught me off guard right away was the format. No waiting between games. No bouncing between courts. It was just four players per court, playing back-to-back games the entire session. We play either six games to 11 (win by one) or four games to 15. In all it was great.

I also learned something important pretty quickly—this ladder league isn’t based on wins. It’s based on points. The more points you score, the better you place. That changes everything.

Walking onto the court, it was obvious that most of these guys already knew each other. Names were being called out, stacking positioning was executed by other players and I was clearly the new guy. While warming up, someone joked, “You better get that Loco working,” after I reached for a tough dink. I brushed it off, knowing my serve and my Loco both have plenty of power and spin when I need them and responded, “Oh don’t you worry I will make this paddle work just fine.” And it did against him.

Chemistry, Expectations, and Pressure

My first partner was very vocal and highly motivated after every round, clearly there to win—just in a quieter way. I’m different. I play best when I stay calm and let the game come to me. Early on, I could already tell expectations were high, and that pressure showed up quickly. But it “was” my first game, and it usually takes a few good rallies or games for me to truly warm up and get comfortable. One thing I did notice, though, was that none of my teammates on that court had any discussions between games—just the usual sports etiquette: “good game” or “nice hit.”

 

Before the first serve of my first game, he asked if I stacked. I told him I understood stacking and positioning, but I wasn’t fully consistent running it in live games yet. He was a lefty and wanted the right side, which made sense strategically, but he decided to play straight up instead. I was a little disappointed by that at the time, but now I know—next time I’ll just jump in with both feet and say yes, or even ask others if they’d like to do it.

That moment showed me something important: these guys understand the game well. The challenge wasn’t knowing what to do—it was adapting to how each player played, and doing it fast.

The Reality Check

The first two games were rough. Really rough. We lost 11-2 and 11-4. One of the opponents—let’s call him Player 3—hit everything hard. Not just hard, but fast, aggressive, and relentless. One ball even caught me near the armpit and shoulder area.

Speed-ups kept targeting my partner, and his reaction time struggled. Watching that unfold was tough, because there wasn’t much I could do except try to adjust strategy mid-game.

By the third and fourth games, I started reading Player 3 better, but the damage had already been done. We lost again, including a close one that felt winnable if a few returns had gone our way.

A Change in Partners—and More Lessons

After rotations, I ended up partnering with Player 3, who was undefeated at that point. I thought we’d dominate. Instead, returns went out, points slipped away, and we lost 11-6 before finally winning the last game 11-7.

It wasn’t how I wanted my first night to go. I didn’t feel like my skills—or my style—really came through. There just wasn’t chemistry, and everyone felt all business. I play best relaxed and having fun but my close friends were on other courts so I could not partner up with them.

What I Learned

This night taught me a lot:

• Trying to slow the game down against a heavy driver doesn’t always work
• Weak resets against bangers get punished
• I need to be more aggressive when the opportunity is there
• Footwork matters more than I realized
• Free points on serves hurt more than missed winners
• Stay strong with my serves as its my strength
• Keep dinking and don’t speed up right away

That said, there were positives. My drops caused errors. My dinks were effective when I stayed patient. I transitioned to the kitchen well without rushing. And in a non-recorded game at the end, my serve really shined—including an ace.

I also learned something about myself. I get frustrated when I feel like I’m letting my partner down—and it shows. One mistake sticks in my head longer than it should, and I wear it on my face. That’s something I need to clean up is my mental game.

Looking Ahead

I finished the night with scores of 11-4, 11-3, 11-9, 11-6, and one win at 11-7. Not great, but ladder league adjusts. Next week, I’ll likely match up with different players, and I’m confident things will improve.

I’m still debating paddles—the Loco felt heavy by the end of the night, while the Inferno felt light and explosive on serves. Maybe the Inferno comes out against the bangers next week.

It wasn’t the start I wanted, but it was honest, eye-opening, and motivating. I’ll take that.

Till next week!

My Top Pickleball Paddles for 2025

Real-player perspective. No hype. Just paddles I've actually used and loved in 2025!

As a normal dad of two who grinds it out at rec play outdoors with the fellas, winter league nights, and content creation—not a pro videographer—I get which paddles I actually recommend. Being an ambassador for Vatic Pro and someone who loves testing all kinds of paddles, I’ve played with a wide range this year: Gen 1.5, Gen 3, Gen 4, hybrids, elongated, full foam cores, and everything in between.

Here are my honest picks for the best paddles of 2025, broken down by category—based on real play, consistency, value, and the feeling you get on court.

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🏆 Best Power Paddle of the Year: Luzz Inferno

Originally, I thought this category was locked up by the Bread & Butter Loco. But after spending more time with the Luzz Inferno toward the end of the year and revisiting it on court, my mind completely changed.

The best way I can describe hitting with the Inferno on hard shots is this:
it feels like hitting a baseball with a wooden bat instead of an aluminum one.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the feel and sound on contact. On full swings, drives, and put-aways, this paddle absolutely cracks. The sound is loud, clean, and confidence-inspiring—but what surprised me most is that despite being a foam paddle, it still offers really solid dwell time.

Where the Inferno shines:

• Elite power on drives and hard hits

• Amazing crack sound that makes the ball feel heavy

• Good balance, especially for an elongated paddle

• Solid dwell for a foam-core power paddle

• UPA certified, so I know I can take it straight into tournament play

• Metallic blue design that looks just as good as it plays

At the net and on dinks, it’s good—not elite—but that’s not where this paddle is trying to win. The Inferno knows exactly what it is.

This paddle sings on hard hits. It’s the kind of paddle that makes you want to swing out, step into drives, and finish points. And for that reason, the Luzz Inferno is my Power Paddle of the Year.

Runner Up: Bread and Butter Loco  

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🏆 Best Paddle for the People (Best All-Court for Rec Players)

Honolulu J2 FC+ (or J2 NF)

This paddle blew me away.

The sweet spot is huge, the stability is elite, and the price is very reasonable compared to big-brand premiums. It’s the paddle that feels good to literally anyone who picks it up—new players, improving rec players, and even competitive players.

If there’s one “give this to anyone and they’ll like it” paddle in 2025, this is it.

Runner up: Friday Fever 101 

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🏆 Surprise Paddle of the Year: Enhance Duo

The Enhance Duo is the paddle that impressed me the most out of nowhere.

It feels like a Gen 3 in consistency but delivers Gen 4-style crispness and pop. It has:

• A clean crack sound

• Real power and plow-through

• Great control at the kitchen

• One of the most balanced “new tech” feels this year

The only downside is the edge guard printing on the black model—but performance-wise, it’s absolutely top-tier. This thing earned its spot in my bag.

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🏆 Best Value Paddle: Vatic Pro VSol Pro & VSol Power 

As a Vatic Pro ambassador, I’ve played with just about everything they’ve dropped—and their value is unbeatable.

VSol Power Flash SH

The Pro V7 (long handle) and the Power Flash both explode with power while still offering top-tier feel. You get:

• Full foam (Power) or floating foam (V7) options

• Top-performing cores

• Premium carbon

• Insane value compared to the rest of the market

The Pro V7 long handle is currently in my main bag—right behind the Enhance Duo. But if I had a larger bag to carry more paddles Id have the VSol Power Flash in my bag as well. Since I have been on the elongated preference that is why the V7 is my go to for Vatic. 

Runner up: Warping Point Neon & Rythm paddles 

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🏆 Best Control Paddle (Beginner-Friendly Pick): Vatic Prism Bloom 16mm

For players who want control over power, or those starting out and learning the soft game, the Prism Bloom 16mm is perfect.

Huge sweet spot, predictable touch, clean feel, and affordable.

Runner Up: Friday Fever Elongated
Great feel, decent power, fun colors, and one of the better elongated options under $100.

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🏆 Most Undervalued Paddle of the Year: Friday Fever 101

Friday Pickleball dropped one of the biggest steals of the year—the first Gen 3 paddle for under $100.

This paddle got me into elongated paddles and Gen 3 tech. It’s lightweight, customizable, has great pop and control, and they even released a stealth black edition for the holidays.

This is a true all-court sleeper hit and shocked that only one recognized YouTuber mentioned it as their all-court paddle of the year.  Good price, good designs and solid paddle. 

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🏆 New Paddle Brand of the Year: Luzz Pickleball

Luzz came out of nowhere and made noise in 2025.

They launched multiple hits:

• Luzz Pro Cannon — $93 and one of the best budget paddles of the year

• Luzz Tornazo — a premium build and feel

• Luzz Inferno — power beast of a paddle with great drive and response

They offer good warranties, legit performance, and smart marketing. Luzz earned this award by simply bringing solid gear at great prices.  I think they will grow even more in 2026. 

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🏆 Paddle of the Year: Bread & Butter Loco (elongated) 

After all the testing, comparisons, late-night editing sessions, and countless rec games this year, the paddle that earned Paddle of the Year for me is the Bread & Butter Loco — and honestly, it wasn’t even that hard of a decision once I looked back on everything.

This is the paddle I kept coming back to more than anything else.

Here’s why the Loco takes the top spot:

• Elite Power + Unique Feel:
  It delivers massive pop, punch, and put-away strength, but without feeling overly springy. It cracks the ball loud, heavy, and confident — yet still gives you enough control to keep things dialed in.

• Incredible Fall Release:
  Bread & Butter absolutely outshined the field this fall. Their rollout was clean, timely, and honestly one of the better product experiences of the year.

• Unboxing + Design:
  Nobody else matched the full experience — the packaging, the look, the branding, the feel. It’s premium without the attitude. They nailed it.

• Innovation That Actually Performed:
  They delivered something fresh: a powerful paddle that didn’t feel wild or uncontrollable, and a build that felt rock-solid from day one.

Behind the Loco, I have two strong runner-ups:

Runner-Up #1: Luzz Tornazo

The Tornazo plays very close to the Loco. The power, the density, the feel — it almost took the spot. But the Loco just had that extra edge: the experience, the polish, the release, the attention to detail.

At the end of the day, all three are fantastic paddles. But Bread & Butter Loco didn’t just play well — it delivered the full package and followed through with everything players want: performance, build quality, design, and reliability.

Runner-Up #2: Enhance Duo

The Duo feels incredible — like a Gen 3 that plays like a Gen 4. Balanced, explosive, controlled, and one of the biggest surprises of the year.

That’s why it’s my Paddle of the Year for 2025.

Thank you to everyone who watched my YouTube videos, hit subscribe, and took the time to comment. That support motivates me more than reviewing paddles ever could. I’m not a high-end video YouTuber, but showcasing paddles, sharing honest thoughts, and connecting with the community is what I truly enjoy.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the paddle companies who trusted me with their products and gave me the opportunity to share my opinions. Luzz Pickleball reached out at a time when I was close to taking a good break from pickleball, and sending me the Pro Cannon got me excited and back on the court early—I've been a fan ever since. Warping Point went above and beyond by sending multiple paddles to review, offering great prices and UPA-certified options. Joysent showed that there are solid, lesser-known brands out there with good value and clean designs. And of course, Vatic Pro—I’m thankful to be part of their ambassador program. Their pricing, quality, and consistency keep me a fan and always will.

As for 2026, I’m not sure what’s next—but after a year of mostly outdoor play with friends, I’m excited to finally dip my toes into tournament play, likely in the 3.5 division, and kick off men’s league in January. Above all, I’m thankful for another year—my family, my faith, and my health. After TTO surgery two years ago, I never thought I’d be this active again. Pickleball has been an unexpected blessing: a way to connect, compete, have fun, and stay moving. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

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