Bread and Butter Invader Paddle Review

Bread and Butter Invader

I’m thrilled to share my latest paddle adventure with you, especially because Bread and Butter has never let me down. If you’ve been following my journey, you already know I’ve put a few of their paddles through the wringer and always come away impressed. From the moment I caught a glimpse of the Invader’s vivid alien design, I felt that same surge of optimism I get whenever a new Bread and Butter box lands on my doorstep, because let’s be honest, their packaging and marketing are an event in themselves. I couldn’t wait to peel back the layers, get a feel for that carefully wrapped paddle, and finally see if it lives up to the excitement that’s been buzzing around it. Get ready, because I have a good feeling about the Bread and Butter Invader Pickleball paddle!

The Bread and Butter Invader pickleball paddle combines a highly refined hybrid design with a vibrant neon alien aesthetic. Bread and Butter is known for eye catching creations like the Shogun and Fat Boy paddles, and the Invader stands out even more. It aims to deliver a blend of pop, spin, and control across all areas of the court, baseline, transition zone, and kitchen. Based on personal experiences, the Invader’s stiffer feel is immediately noticeable. It rewards players who thrive on feedback and precision, making it particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced players who want an all-court solution without sacrificing unique style.

During my first few hits, I found the Invader surprisingly maneuverable despite its moderate weight of around 8.1 ounces. It transitions smoothly from baseline drives to up close net battles, offering enough pop when I needed to push an attack and just enough softness for dinks and resets. If you’re a more aggressive player who enjoys shaping your shots, the Invader’s layered face materials will give you the spin and power you need, although it may feel stiffer than purely fiberglass or purely carbon paddles.

Specifications

• Weight: Approximately 8.1 oz (Static Weight ~8.09 oz)
• Dimensions: 16.2–16.25″ x 7.6–7.75″
• Thickness: 16 mm
• Material (Face/Core): T-700 CF x Electroplated Polyester Weave plus a fiberglass layer, over a high-density polypropylene honeycomb core with unibody thermal form construction and edge foam
• Handle Length: 5.3 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches

Performance Analysis

• Control/Feel: The Invader has a stiffer sensation upon impact, but the titanium (PET) and fiberglass combination offers a surprisingly plush feel on well struck balls.
• Power: Moderate to high. My tests clocked drives around 51.9 mph, with serves averaging 53.4 mph. The additional fiberglass layer ramps up responsiveness.
• Spin: 1,990 RPM range. Enough spin to shape passing shots and keep opponents guessing, but it’s not an extreme spin paddle.
• Pop: Measured around 33.8, which translates to a lively bounce off the face. Many players noted this paddle feels more energetic than other T700 based options.
• Forgiveness: Above average. The sweet spot is generously placed higher up on the face, and the twist weight rating (around 6.8–6.85) supports stability on off center hits.
• Maneuverability: Its swing weight sits in the 116 range, offering quick handling at the net. With a lower swing weight than heavier elongated paddles, the Invader is surprisingly easy to whip around.

Bread and Butter Invader In Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

The paddle’s design screams personality. A neon green alien graphic sits on a carbon fiber inspired surface with purple edges and a matching grip, making the Invader impossible to miss. The face comprises a mix of electroplated PET substrate with aluminum deposition, interwoven carbon filaments (700-tow increments), plus a fiberglass layer underneath for extra pop. The unibody thermal form construction with edge foam adds stability and durability. In hand, it feels solid and well engineered.

On Court Performance

The Bread and Butter Invader truly shines during high speed rallies. Its balanced feel allows you to transition from baseline drives to net battles without feeling sluggish. The larger sweet spot, placed higher on the paddle face, rewards precise hits and allows some leniency on off center contact.

Control

Despite its poppy nature, the Invader retains good control. When going for drops or dinks, I noticed a stable response, and many players confirm it’s easy to dial in short shots. The stiffer feedback might take a bit of adjustment for those used to ultra soft paddles, but once you find your rhythm, there’s plenty of precision.

Power

From the baseline, the Invader packs sufficient power to drive the ball effectively. Tests measured serves at about 53.4 mph. Punch volley speed averaged 37.6 mph, indicating that you can pounce quickly when the opportunity arises.

Spin

The combination of carbon fiber, titanium, and fiberglass yields respectable spin rates in the 1,990 RPM range. It’s not an extreme spin monster, but there’s enough grip on the ball to shape aggressive angles and challenge your opponent’s reach.

Pop

The fiberglass layer wakes up under heavier swings, giving a satisfying pop. Compared to some other hybrid paddles, it’s a bit more explosive, which can help aggressive players who like to push the pace. However, it’s not so overpowering that you lose command over delicate shots.

Forgiveness

With a higher sweet spot and above average twist weight, the Invader remains stable even when you miss the center. This is crucial for quick exchanges at the net where there isn’t much time to line up perfect contact.

Maneuverability

Its swing weight falls around 116, making the paddle feel agile. You can adjust quickly to fast drives or overhead smashes. It’s a blessing for players who frequently press forward at the kitchen line, as the Invader remains speedy during firefights.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Versatile design suitable for baseline drives, net play, and everything in between
  • Appealing neon alien graphics and fun brand personality
  • Stiffer feel provides crisp feedback and helps shape shots
  • Generous sweet spot higher on the paddle face
  • Solid spin rates for an all-court approach
  • Maneuverable swing weight allows quick reaction in tight exchanges
• Cons:
  • Does not excel in one specific category like pure power, pure control, or intense spin
  • Stiffer impact may not suit players who prefer extremely soft feedback
  • Some might find the face slightly smaller compared to maximum allowed dimensions
  • Bold design might not appeal to minimalists

Player Feedback

Many players have shared glowing reviews for the Bread and Butter Invader. Some highlight its “all-court” versatility, noting it excels in control and remains easy to swing. One player mentioned they love it solely based on aesthetics at a 3.0 level, stating, “A cool looking paddle is the only thing that matters to me right now.” Another referenced ditching their CRBN3X because they found the Invader more fun to use, especially with Bread and Butter’s 30 day return policy.

Others compare it favorably to the Shogun and J2K from Honolulu Pickleball. One player pointed out that the Invader offers “more touch and plow through” than the J2TI, with enough dwell for shaping shots. Another liked that the Invader is “Shogun on steroids,” giving them enough pop at the net while keeping solid control.

People who prefer elongated paddles praise the Invader’s improved reach and handle length. Some highlight that while it’s not as purely powerful as the Joola MOD or the Fat Boy, it provides a more consistent mix of spin, pop, and control. The key takeaway from multiple voices is that the Invader is a “plug and play” option, easy to pick up, with no glaring shortcomings across the board.

Our Invading Take on the Bread and Butter Invader

The Bread and Butter Invader earns a rating around 8.6 out of 10 in my personal book. While it may not break new ground in any single area, it blends power, spin, control, and maneuverability into one vibrant package. Priced around $189.99 (after discount to $161.50), it’s an intriguing buy for people that play pickleball who want a hybrid shape with a fun flair. Its stiffer design delivers immediate feedback, aiding precision and spin. However, if you crave a super plush feel or top tier power, you may want to look at more specialized 14 mm or 16 mm paddles. For all-court players who like to mix finesse and controlled aggression, the Invader is worth a hard look.

Comparable Paddles

• Bread and Butter Shogun: Features the same titanium face but a different shape and higher swing weight for more power, albeit with slower net maneuverability.
• Honolulu J2: Similar plush feel but slightly less pop. The Invader adds a fiberglass layer for a more reactive hit.
• Fat Boy: Known for its extra large sweet spot. Less power than the Invader, but possibly faster net handling for some players.

Bread and Butter Invader Q&A

Q: Is the Bread and Butter Invader suitable for beginners?

A: While it’s user friendly, the stiffer feel might be more appealing to intermediate or advanced players who want direct feedback. Beginners can still enjoy its versatility, but they may prefer a softer paddle at first.

Q: Does the Invader generate enough spin to compete with top spin focused paddles?

A: It generates decent spin, but it’s not the absolute top in the spin category. However, it’s more than enough for shaping dinks, serves, and passing shots.

Q: How does the Invader compare to the Shogun?

A: Both share a titanium face, but the Invader’s hybrid shape reduces swing weight for faster net play. The Shogun tends to have a bit more power off the baseline, while the Invader mixes pop and maneuverability.

Q: Can the fiberglass layer make it too poppy?

A: It’s lively, but not uncontrollably so. Many players say they appreciate the added fiberglass for that extra boost on drives while still maintaining good touch near the net.

Q: Is there a risk free way to test the Invader?

A: Bread and Butter offers a generous 30 day return policy. If you don’t love it, you can send it back, which makes trying the Invader fairly low-risk from the BnB website.