Bread & Butter Fat Boy Review: A Kevlar Widebody with Some Surprises

[@HeavyAndLow]

I've said this before and I'll keep on saying it. The only reason I'm not a paddle reviewer is because I know I couldn't do a better job than John Kew. Best reviews you can find.

[@pickleballeffect]

I agree. Every time I watch one of his reviews I think I should retire lol. I love how he approaches it and his edits are awesome.

[@sully7582]

Bought this paddle based on this review and definitely do not regret it. Very forgiving and high maneuverable paddle. Gives you lots of confidence at the kitchen.

[@garrisonbennett2693]

"Bread and Butter has been on a roll since they released the Filth last year. " ... Bread and Butter ... "on a roll" ... Well done, sir. 👏👏

[@sweetfancymoses2942]

I find this joke margerineall

[@johnkewpickleball]

Nice work spotting the pun!

[@mooremathewj]

I added a 1oz Slyce speed cap to my FB. 3grams at 4&8. 1st 2 weeks I played it stock and it played amazing. For my playing style adding the Slyce 1oz has elevated the maneuverability. I also think offensive shots at the kitchen are elevated as well. I’d recommend at least experimenting with the speed cap.

[@timkadom1722]

Nice review John. First drop of fat boy sold out in 4 minutes :)

[@johnkewpickleball]

Haha, yeah I heard that. My video was late, but I don't mind. Hopefully it helps people make an informed decision for next week's drop

[@Fernaggio]

John, your content and data is second to none. Thank you sir.

[@Luc-k6w]

Just got this paddle 2 days ago. John’s description is dead on. A beast at the kitchen for counters, great control from the back of the court on 3rds. I think it’ll take a while to get used to the pop but overall, great paddle for my play style.

[@cheevang9806]

Can you elaborate on the pop? Is it popping up balls on dinks/close resets?

[@Luc-k6w]

@@cheevang9806 for example, on a return from a fast dink with top spin on it (from your opponent), if your paddle angle is slightly to open, the ball will pop up easily. However, for counters on drives received at the net, the punch volleys are lethal. Basically, if you shoot a ball at a static paddle, a poppy paddle would ‘return’ the ball faster and further than a less poppy one (softer paddle).

[@cheevang9806]

@@Luc-k6w thanks. Yeah I was thinking that might be an issue for me. I rather take the forgiveness of a soft paddle and generate my own pop

[@IJoeSimmonsI]

We need the Monarch Control review!! Thanks

[@TimS923]

What’s peoples weight set up on the Monarch Control? Anyone using the Slyce cap?

[@HeavyAndLow]

From what I have seen the all court is the more interesting of the three monarch options.

[@TimS923]

@@HeavyAndLow I chose the control version as I already the the Hurache-X Control+ and wanted to add a Kevlar paddle to my bag. Just trying to get it dialed in.

[@IJoeSimmonsI]

@@TimS923 I did Eddie's setup listed in the podcast and have been really happy with mine.

[@TimS923]

@@IJoeSimmonsI thanks for the info

[@aaronsegal1682]

Absolutely love this paddle. And the look is truly amazing. Have Shogun and FatBoy in my bag…and love going between the two paddles. Bread & Butter is truly on fire.

[@MotlyUele]

I have the same 2, money!

[@swimgood2952]

Can’t wait to have mine in hand!!

[@RTJ-PB]

Hey John, what about EKew for the name of the Pod - you guys are the best - thanks for all you do and for the database - keep up the great work!

[@rogerfernandez4839]

Nice review. Just confused why you keep calling it a kevar paddle when its a combo of carbon fiber and kevlar. Interested to see how this plays vs the apollo and thebnew monarchs, but wondering how it fairly matches considering this is the only widebody with a combo face.

[@dallinloosli9175]

Hi @Johnkew Pickleball! First off, I cannot commend you enough for the quality of your videos and reviews. Your work is unparalleled in the paddle reviewing space. Second, I was hoping you could help me choose my next paddle. I am currently playing with the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S. I like the paddle, but my main complaints are that it is somewhat lacking in power and pop and the sweet spot is not as large as I'd like it to be (off center shots just die off the paddle). I am a more control oriented player (I'd rather drop than drive on my third shot etc.) but I play with a number of bangers who have wicked fast drives, requiring me to be really fast at the kitchen. The qualities I would most prioritize in a paddle are (in descending order of importance) hand speed, control, pop, spin, and then power. I come from a table tennis background, so I like the shorter handles and do not use a two handed backhand. The paddles you have reviewed that I am most interested in are the Thrive Azul, Volair Mach 2 Forza, and now the Bread and Butter Fat Boy. What are your recommendations? Do you think any of those three paddles would best suit my preferences? Or is there a better alterative? Thank you so much in advance!

[@waterek1]

HEY! I know those guys! Looking good Tony and Blake! The Station is the destination for a strong pickleball foundation!💪

[@HDmanzano1995]

We need an Apollo vs Fat Boy comparison video ASAP 😳

[@johnkewpickleball]

Coming tomorrow on the pod

[@HDmanzano1995]

@@johnkewpickleball 🔥🔥🔥

[@wupat81]

@@johnkewpickleballwhat about vs the Mach 2 Forza? I know it isn’t Kevlar but it’s still an amazing wide body !

[@tanamorgan3039]

STS Pickleball review compares the Fat Boy with about 3 others, Apollo Spartas being one of them.

[@RhynoCoach]

Already hitting the Fat Boy and love it!

[@HeavyAndLow]

I love B&B. The FatBoy was on my short list. Ended up going with the J3K Pro. No regrets.

[@johnkewpickleball]

J3K Pro is a solid paddle; glad to hear you're liking it

[@CyberSonic157]

How does the Fat Boy's pop and feel compare to the Apollo? Is it softer and more plush feeling like a J2K?

[@mooremathewj]

Adding Slyce Cap? Any thoughts? I’ve experimented “wit” and “wit out” the Slyce Cap. For my playing style I prefer “wit” Slyce Cap 1 ounce plus 3 grams tungsten at 4&8. Anyone’s thoughts or opinions are welcomed!

[@ArianaWilson-]

Thanks for your review. How does this compare to the Hudef APEX Pro? It is made of T700 raw carbon fiber.

[@John-cs1cj]

I play with the PIKKL Hurricane Pro 16mm. I bought it based on your comments and its rating on your chart. I really like it. But I’m a bit confused because other reviewers like Pickleball Effect Braydon and Farmer Lanky say the Hurricane is much softer than the Fat Boy or Monarch All Court. But that isn’t what your database says. Are the other reviewers wrong or do you think you over rated the power and pop of the Hurricane? I’m now considering buying the Hurache Monarch All Court, but don’t want to if it’s less powerful than my Hurricane. Thanks!!

[@j.7723]

Great paddle

[@saikumarkongara3345]

Bread & Butter Fat Boy vs Six Zero Ruby, which one do you recommend?

[@ametis38]

Hey John. how do u compare fatboy with monarch? especially the all court? thanks

[@Tunemanjjw]

How would you say the Fat Boy plays and feels compared to the Mach 2 Forza 16 mm and 14 mm?

[@johnkewpickleball]

Similar levels of pop as the 14mm M2F, but nearly as forgiving as the 16 M2F

[@sherylbuck7377]

Do you have a video on what is the best way to clean Kevlar paddle? Reset?? or Damp Cloth?

[@DogBehaviorSolutions]

Rubber cleaner. It’ll be fine.

[@zentrader1734]

How does it compare to the Forza Mach 2? They seems almost the same.

[@kimleith1378]

"epoxy embossing" Finially someone calls it like it is. Not grit i.e. paint grit.Hoping to hear your take on the THOMPSON line.

[@justinthai909]

Would you recommend this is I really liked the loco

[@silvershroud3355]

Have you tried the ethos dunamis yet? If so how’d you like it?

[@landonp.4073]

Can we get a reload review?

[@Prydesterr]

Outro song?

[@NJCheenz2388]

I have a question about the bodhi grips. Do you remove the stock grip and replace it or you go over it? Thanks!

[@johnkewpickleball]

They are overgrips, so they just go over the stock grip

[@NJCheenz2388]

@@johnkewpickleball thanks! Sorry for the dumb question haha

[@f2sports_pickleball]

We would like to work with you to review our edgeless Kevlar. Can you share your contact info?

[@lucydoyle9010]

Does bread and butter give u a time frame to try ?

[@johnkewpickleball]

No stipulations. Paddle companies just send me paddles to test/keep, and I review the ones that stand out, have interesting/novel technology, or public interest

[@wupat81]

They have a 30-day return window to use it and return it if you don’t like it!

[@lucydoyle9010]

@@wupat81 Thanku

[@afterthesmash]

In terms of conflict of interest, as soon as a reviewer takes a cut with a discount code, the inbuilt incentive is to defocus paddle durability. I trust John, but that's how it works. Why take your cut once on a paddle that lasts two years, when you can take your cut four times on paddles that become worthless after six months of hard play? Or eight times on paddles threading the space needle of the day on the fleeting edge? I've noticed this consistently with all the reviewers fronting a discount code. Durability is often the last and least point of discussion, if it gets discussed at all.

[@cjpixel]

how do propose reviewers assess multi-year durability with a week or two of testing? Reviewers regularly address aspects of build quality (thermoforming, top sheet material, core etc), an in a review this is pretty much what you could expect --- it's an initial quality assessment. If you are worried about durability, get something with a a decent warranty. But paddles wear out, it's just a fact of how they are made. Only exception to that might be reload paddle's RLD-1, which is a great direction to take things and hopefully more makers will start licensing their top sheet system. Then it will be more like table tennis where you can stay with a blade for years. But paddles have quirks, and if the RLD-1 doesn't fit you there's no other option yet.

[@CEMESTEBAN]

First :-)