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Paddle Comparison

APL Starion vs Bread & Butter Loco

The APL Starion (SW 116.4) and Bread & Butter Loco (SW 115.46) sit 0.94 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The Bread & Butter Loco also has the wider sweet spot — TW 6.86 versus 5.93 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. Shape adds another dimension: the Starion is elongated, the Loco is hybrid, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position.

Who wins on what

Power

APL Starion

Higher Swing Weight (power) (116.4 vs 115.46, +0.94)

Hand Speed

Bread & Butter Loco

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (116.4 vs 115.46)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Bread & Butter Loco

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (5.93 vs 6.86, +0.93)

Value

Bread & Butter Loco

Lower effective price ($179.99 vs $179.10, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

APL
Bread & Butter

Model

Starion
Loco

Shape

Elongated
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

8.0 oz
8.2 oz

Swing Weight

116.4
115.46

Twist Weight

5.93
6.86

Play Style

power
power

Retail Price

$179.99
$199.00

Discount

—
10% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$179.99
$179.10

APL

Starion

$179.99

Bread & Butter

Loco

$179.10 (was $199.00)

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Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the APL Starion if…

  • You prefer the elongated shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the hybrid.

Pick the Bread & Butter Loco if…

  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.86 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • You prefer the hybrid shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the elongated.

Frequently asked questions

Is the APL Starion or the Bread & Butter Loco better for power?

The APL Starion generates more power — SW 116.4 vs 115.46 on the Bread & Butter Loco, a 0.94-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Loco's lower swing weight is the advantage.

Which paddle is more forgiving — the APL Starion or the Bread & Butter Loco?

The Bread & Butter Loco is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.86 vs 5.93 on the APL Starion. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.

What is the price difference between the APL Starion and the Bread & Butter Loco?

With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the APL Starion is $179.99 and the Bread & Butter Loco is $179.10. The Bread & Butter Loco is $0.89 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.

How does the shape difference affect how the APL Starion and Bread & Butter Loco play?

The APL Starion's elongated shape delivers extra reach and a higher sweet spot — better for drives, resets, and transition-zone play. The Bread & Butter Loco's hybrid gives a balance of reach and maneuverability — versatile for both the kitchen and the baseline. For players who live at the kitchen line, that shape distinction often matters more than a 1–2 point SW difference.

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