I have been blessed as being a pickleball paddle reviewer for pickleball paddles, so when I heard that the Loco 2 was coming out, I knew I needed to review the paddle and compare it to the BNB Loco 1. Which paddle is best and which should you choose?
Considering the Loco 1 is now around 25% off and comes with additional accessories, it’s important to make the right choice. In this article, we will cover first impressions, playability, cost considerations and how to use the best Bread and Butter pickleball discount code BEPICKLEBALLER that provides 10% off.
First Impressions
The Loco 2 looks like an update to the formula that made the original Loco popular, rather than a completely different paddle. Bread & Butter has kept the 16 mm dual-density foam core and changed the paddle face, adding its Space Dust Grit surface. The company says the new surface is designed to deliver spin that lasts longer.
That makes the Loco 2’s main promise pretty clear: keep the Loco’s familiar blend of pop and power, while improving the surface’s spin and durability.
That’s a sensible direction for a second-generation paddle. If you already like the feel of the Loco 1, the Loco 2 appears designed to build on that platform instead of asking you to adjust to a different type of paddle. But the new grit is still the part I’d most want to test for myself. A new surface can look impressive on paper, but what matters is how it performs after real play.
The Loco 1 is a classic paddle. I have the elongated shape that feels a bit top heavy, but it has amazing power and spin as you can feel right away.
My Loco 1 came with a paddle over which was a nice accessory.
The BNB Loco 2 and Loco first impressions were great, but how did the paddles play? Let’s cover that next.
Playability
The two paddles share the same 16 mm dual-density foam core, so I’d expect them to have a similar foundation for power and feel. The most noticeable difference should come from the Loco 2’s Space Dust Grit face, which is designed to improve spin and hold that performance longer.
Control
The Loco 1 has a lively response that can reward a confident swing, while still offering a useful balance of power and control. Players coming from a softer, more muted paddle may need some time to adjust to its pop.
Since the Loco 2 keeps the same core, you can expect an overall response to feel familiar. The new surface could make it easier to shape drives and serves with spin, helping keep aggressive shots dipping into the court. On dinks, blocks, and resets, though, control will also depend on how the paddle’s pop and feel come together.
I would argue that the Loco 1 wins for control although that’s a slight edge given how the paddles play. The Loco 2 could prove just as controllable, especially for players who use spin to shape their shots.
Power
The Loco 1 has plenty of power for a paddle with a 16 mm foam core. It can drive the ball with authority while offering a more balanced feel than a paddle built only for maximum power.
The Loco 2 keeps that same core, so you may not expect a dramatic change in power. Its new face could help players produce heavier, dipping shots when they add topspin, but that’s different from the paddle simply hitting harder.
I would argue that the Loco 2 has slightly better power, but it could be similar. The Loco 2 should retain the Loco 1’s lively response, while the new surface may make its spin-based offense more effective.
Spin
Spin is the clearest reason to consider the Loco 2. Bread & Butter’s main update is its Space Dust Grit face, designed to provide more durable spin performance. If it delivers, players who use topspin drives, serves, rolls, and sharp angles may notice the biggest benefit here.
The original Loco can already generate spin. The question is whether the Loco 2’s surface helps produce more spin, maintain that performance longer, or both.
I would 100% argue that the Loco 2 is the winner in spin given the new Space Dust Grit face. It’s the category where I’d expect the most noticeable difference between the two paddles.
Cost Considerations
The Loco 1 is listed at about $149.25, down from $199. With the code BEPICKLEBALLER, the paddle goes down from $149.25 to $134.33. That’s a fantastic value for such a premium paddle.
10% Discount Code: BEPICKLEBALLER.
The BNB Loco 2 is listed at $220. That puts the Loco 2 roughly $70 higher before any discount codes or bundle differences. That said, with discount code, BEPICKLEBALLER, the paddle comes down to $198.00. Given how well the Loco 2 plays, the paddle is a decent value given the power and spin.
The original Loco is especially compelling if you find a deal that includes a paddle cover or other accessories. Check the specific shape and listing, since included items can vary. The Loco 2 listing includes a paddle cover, and BNB says the first 1,000 orders also come with a limited-edition box and Chamoy peach rings.
The key question is whether the Loco 2’s updated grit is worth the extra cost. If spin is a major part of your game, and the new surface performs as intended over time, the Loco 2 may justify the premium. If you’re mainly looking for the Loco feel and power at a better price, the Loco 1 looks like the stronger value.
Here’s a table I created for you to compare both options.
BNB Loco 2 vs. Loco 1: Quick Comparison
Both paddles share BNB’s 16 mm foam core. The Loco 2 updates the face with Space Dust Grit; the Loco 1 costs less and comes in more shapes.
| Feature | BNB Loco 1 | BNB Loco 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
$134.33
$149.25 sale / $199 regular with BEPICKLEBALLER Best value |
$198
$220 regular with BEPICKLEBALLER |
| Core | 16 mm dual-density EPP and EVA foam. | Same 16 mm dual-density EPP and EVA foam. |
| Face | T700 raw carbon fiber with fiberglass for added pop. | Same face materials, with updated Space Dust Grit. |
| Control | Slight predicted edge; familiar, lively response. | Should feel similar; spin may help shape attacking shots. |
| Power | Strong power, especially in the elongated shape. | Likely close, with a slight predicted edge to Loco 2. |
| Spin | Strong spin potential. | Likely edge from Space Dust Grit, designed for durable spin. |
| Shapes | Standard, Hybrid, and Elongated. | Hybrid and Elongated currently listed. |
| Approval | USAP approved. | USAP and UPA approved. |
| Extras | My Loco 1 included a cover; bundle items can vary. | Cover included; first 1,000 orders also include a special box and Chamoy peach rings. |
Prices and bundle details can change. Playability comparisons for the Loco 2 reflect expectations from its published construction and updated surface.
Which Paddle Should You Choose?
Choose the BNB Loco 1 if you want to save money, like the original Loco’s feel, or want a strong combination of power and control at a lower price. It may be an especially good deal if your chosen offer includes the accessories you want.
Choose the BNB Loco 2 if you’re willing to pay more for the updated surface and want a paddle designed to deliver durable spin. It keeps the original’s core platform, while the new grit is the feature most likely to set it apart.
Based on their design, I’d expect the Loco 2 to have the edge in spin, with power remaining close and control depending on how each player responds to the paddle’s feel. The Loco 1 looks like the stronger value, while the Loco 2 is the more appealing option for players who want the latest surface technology and put a premium on spin.
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