Hey, pickleball fanatics! Ready to level up your game with the best intermediate pickleball paddles? We wrote a post here about what to consider in a paddle as an intermediate player.
But time has passed, and there are new contenders! Bread & Butter’s Loco—with pre-orders kicking off today (August 20, 2025)—and Wild Thang paddles are here to bring fun and performance. These USAP-approved Gen 4 paddles offer pro-level spin and control, rivaling brands twice the cost. Crafted by a Florida-based, American, veteran-owned company, they’re perfect for intermediates seeking power, precision, and court swagger. Save with code SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.
Still learning or want a great paddle for your family full of beginners. This is a solid choice.
Searching for the best intermediate pickleball paddles or discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles? We’ve got you covered. We’ll break down their specs, compare them to top brands like Selkirk and Joola, explain what makes Gen 4 paddles special, and show why these are the ultimate fun-first choice for intermediates.
Why Bread & Butter Paddles Are Top Picks for Intermediates
Bread & Butter Pickleball, founded by Marine Corps veteran Doug Sapusek in Florida, makes pickleball a blast. Their USAP-approved paddles, like “Loco” and “Wild Thang,” add personality to every swing. For intermediates, these paddles balance power for drives, spin for sneaky shots, and control for pinpoint dinks, all tournament-ready. Check out our intermediate pickleball tips for more ways to up your game.
What’s the secret? They use T-700 carbon fiber faces and advanced cores—features found in premium brands—at a fraction of the cost. Players love the lively “pop” and quiet hits that surprise opponents. Learn more about paddle technology at Pickleball Studio.
What Are Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles?
Gen 4 pickleball paddles, like the Loco, use advanced tech like full foam cores for balanced power and control, improved durability, and a forgiving sweet spot compared to Gen 3 paddles with polypropylene layers. These USAP-approved paddles are ideal for intermediates.
What to Look for in Gen 4 Paddles:
- Spin-Friendly Surface: Gritty carbon fiber for trick shots and control.
- Balanced Core: Full foam for power and touch, ideal for dinks and drives.
- Weight: 7.8–8.2 oz for fast swings without fatigue.
- Durability and Sweet Spot: Enhanced materials and a forgiving sweet spot for consistent rallies, plus USAP approval.
Bread & Butter’s Loco nails these Gen 4 features, offering pro-level performance at a budget-friendly price. Use code SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.
Loco: The Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle for Control
The Loco, with pre-orders live today, is a control beast with a playful edge. This USAP-approved Gen 4 paddle has a T-700 carbon fiber face with a fiberglass layer, delivering spin and a hybrid shape for maneuverability.
- Key Features: Gritty weave for high spin, 16mm dual-density foam core (EPP and EVA), forgiving sweet spot, USAP-approved.
- Why It’s Fun: Quiet yet explosive, it’s a ninja paddle—subtle on dinks, fierce on drives. Reviewers on Reddit call it a “control beast.” Want more power? Try the Shogun.
- Best For: Dink-heavy intermediates who want tournament-ready versatility.
Pre-order your Loco here with SIMPLY15 for top savings.
Wild Thang: Power-Packed for Aggressive Intermediates
The Wild Thang is Bread & Butter’s power beast, with a T-700 carbon fiber and aramid weave face for monster pop and spin. Its USAP-approved, elongated shape maximizes power.
- Key Features: Advanced face for high spin and pop, elongated design, USAP-approved.
- Why It’s Fun: Quirky graphics and powerful feel bring energy, perfect for bold shots.
- Best For: Power-driven intermediates who crush drives and overheads.
Unleash the Wild Thang here with SIMPLY15 for discounts.
Specs Showdown: Bread & Butter vs. Top Brands
How do these paddles compare to 2025’s best? Bread & Butter’s USAP-approved paddles deliver premium features at budget-friendly value, making them a no-brainer for intermediates. See more comparisons at DUPR.
| Paddle | Weight (oz) | Length x Width | Core Thickness | Material | Spin Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread & Butter Loco | 7.9–8.1 | 16.2″ x 7.6″ | 16mm | T-700 Carbon + Fiberglass | High (Gritty Weave) | Control & Spin |
| Bread & Butter Wild Thang | 8.1 | Elongated | 16mm | T-700 Carbon + Aramid | Very High (Pop Layer) | Power & Speed |
| Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 | 7.7–8.1 | 15.5″ x 8″ | 13–16mm | Polypropylene + Carbon | Medium-High | All-Court Balance |
| Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS | 7.8–8.2 | 16.5″ x 7.5″ | 16mm | Carbon Fiber + Foam | High | Pro Control |
| Six Zero Double Black Diamond | 7.9–8.1 | 16″ x 8″ | 16mm | Carbon + Hybrid Core | High | Value Spin |
Bread & Butter’s Loco matches competitors’ swing weights and stability, with playful designs and a veteran-owned ethos adding flair. Wild Thang’s power rivals pricier options, making it a smart choice for intermediates.
Why Bread & Butter Paddles Are Smarter for Intermediates
Bread & Butter’s Florida-based, veteran-owned ethos shines in every USAP-approved paddle. Their carbon fiber faces and spin-heavy surfaces rival high-end brands but stay affordable. More spin means trickier shots, and lightweight designs let you play longer. Use SIMPLY15 for discounts on Bread & Butter pickleball paddles.
These paddles cut through gear noise, giving intermediates quality gear without drama—perfect for Simply Living Brands’ mission.
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles for 2025
Ready to spice up your game? The USAP-approved Loco (pre-order today!) and Wild Thang are your tickets to fun, fierce, affordable play. Use code SIMPLY15 at Bread & Butter Pickleball for the best savings. Drop a comment—Loco or Wild Thang, which vibe’s got you? 🏓
Hesacore Grips: Level Up Your Game
Pair your paddle with a Hesacore Grip for better control. Its hexagonal shape improves finger placement and power. Use code SIMPLY for 10% off at Hesacore.
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