Bread and Butter Shogun Review: Still Worth It?
If you’ve been on the hunt for a stylish yet high-performance paddle, look no further than the Bread and Butter Shogun. With new paddles entering the market every week, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly chasing the next big thing. But after spending some serious time with the Shogun, I’m here to answer the question: Does this paddle still hold its ground in 2024?
First things first, Bread and Butter sent me this paddle for review—but I want to make it clear: they’re not paying me for this review, and they don’t get to see it before you do. However, I do have a discount code for you: use "pickleballblast" at checkout to get 15% off the Shogun (or any other Bread and Butter paddle), while also supporting this channel.
Now, if you’re just here for a quick summary, I’ve got you covered—but make sure you subscribe for more paddle reviews like this. Here’s the TL;DR on the Shogun: it’s an elongated all-court 16mm paddle, with a carbon and titanium face, and it’s quickly become my main paddle. It’s versatile, well-rounded, and an absolute joy to play with.
But let’s get into the nitty-gritty details and see if this paddle is still worth considering.
Specs: What’s Under the Hood
Before we dive into how it performs on the court, let’s look at the basics:
Shape: Elongated
Core: 16mm
Face Material: Carbon fiber and titanium (though Bread and Butter now describes it as a carbon fiber and polyester weave)
Weight: 8.2 oz (static weight)
Swing Weight: 120
Twist Weight: 6.18
Grip Length: 5.5 in
Grip Circumference: 4.24 in
Price: $190 (before using the "pickleballblast" discount, which brings it down to $160)
Power: Perfect Balance, No Need for Extreme Punch
Let’s talk power—because the Shogun delivers solid power, though it’s not quite the rocket-launcher that some of the Gen 3 paddles are offering these days. For me, this is exactly where I want it to be: plenty of power without feeling out of control.
During testing, I averaged 50.4 mph on serves, with a top speed of 57 mph. While that’s lower than some of the newer, more powerful paddles, it still places it in the upper half of Gen 2 paddles. I love how it feels when ripping the ball—it has a springy pop that provides a satisfying feeling, especially on putaway shots. Plus, the paddle has great plow-through, which gives me confidence when executing powerful shots.
Control: A Plush and Unique Feel
Now, let’s dive into control. This paddle is dense, but not in a muted way—there’s a unique plushness to it that I absolutely love. Thanks to its carbon fiber and titanium surface, the Shogun offers an unmatched feel that gives me solid control, while still providing a satisfying amount of pop.
Bread and Butter originally marketed it with a carbon fiber and titanium face, but later changed the description to include a carbon fiber and polyester weave. Honestly, I’m not sure why they changed that—but it doesn’t matter. The paddle still feels amazing, and for me, it’s the best-feeling paddle I’ve played with.
This mix of feel and control makes it a great all-around paddle, and it’s the main reason why the Shogun quickly became my go-to.
Spin: Solid Numbers, But Feels Like More
The Shogun measures around 2028 RPM for spin—which is solid, but not necessarily groundbreaking compared to some of the newer paddles on the market.
However, here’s the kicker: when I’m on the court, the spin feels aggressive, more than the numbers suggest. I think this comes down to that plush, pocketing feel. The ball stays on the paddle just long enough to generate serious dip on my shots. Even though the measured spin isn’t the highest, it’s clear that this paddle can deliver in the spin department during actual gameplay.
Hand Speed: Faster Than Expected
The swing weight of 120 on the Shogun is a little heavier than what I’m used to, but after an adjustment period, I actually found that it feels quicker than I expected. It’s not as fast as ultra-light paddles, but for a paddle with this swing weight, it feels surprisingly responsive in hand.
Pop: Just the Right Amount
The pop on the Shogun is right where I want it—not too much, not too little. It’s controllable, and I rarely find myself making mistakes from overhitting the ball (which can happen with some of those overly poppy paddles). This makes it a great option for a variety of playing styles, whether you’re a power player or someone who likes to stay more controlled.
Design: A Showstopper
When it comes to design, Bread and Butter doesn’t disappoint. They’re known for their standout aesthetics, and the Shogun is no exception. The paddle has a clean, bold look, and it’s clear that a lot of attention to detail goes into their branding.
But it’s not just about looks. The customer experience with Bread and Butter is top-notch. From the moment your paddle arrives at your doorstep, you’ll notice the attention to packaging and presentation. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re holding something special.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Shogun in 2024?
To sum it all up, the Bread and Butter Shogun excels in versatility. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, this paddle will deliver solid performance across the board. Its unique feel, solid power, control, and comfortable pop make it a joy to play with, and its design is one of the best on the market.
Pros:
Excellent all-around performance
Great feel and control
Solid power
Comfortable pop
Stunning design and packaging
Great customer experience from Bread and Butter
Cons:
Handle circumference might feel large for some (though easily fixable with a grip change)
Not as powerful as some of the Gen 3 paddles (but still plenty powerful)
Overall, I think the Shogun is one of the best paddles of 2024—or at least in the conversation. While it might not be the newest kid on the block, it’s absolutely worth your consideration, especially if you’re looking for something all-court, well-rounded, and stylish.
Have you tried the Shogun? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.
If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to subscribe and keep an eye out for more paddle reviews coming soon. See you on the court!
Would you like any changes or additional sections to be added to the post? Feel free to let me know!
Bread and Butter Pickleball Discount Code
If you’re looking to buy the bnb shogun or any other bread and butter pickleball paddle consider using the code PickleballBlast to save 15% over on the Bread and Butter Pickleball website!
