Paddle Comparison
Bread & Butter Loco vs Selkirk Vanguard Control
The Bread & Butter Loco and Selkirk Vanguard Control are nearly identical in swing weight (115.46 vs 115.29), making build quality, surface feel, and brand preference the deciding factors. The Bread & Butter Loco also has the wider sweet spot — TW 6.86 versus 5.51 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. Shape adds another dimension: the Loco is hybrid, the Vanguard Control is elongated, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position. On price, the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $29 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.
Who wins on what
Power
Bread & Butter Loco
Higher Swing Weight (power) (115.46 vs 115.29, +0.17)
Hand Speed
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (115.46 vs 115.29)
Sweet Spot / Forgiveness
Bread & Butter Loco
Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.86 vs 5.51, +1.35)
Value
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Lower effective price ($179.10 vs $150.00, with PLAYBOOK)
Side-by-side specs
Brand
Model
Shape
Thickness
Weight
Swing Weight
Twist Weight
Play Style
Retail Price
Discount
Effective Price
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Which paddle should you buy?
Pick the Bread & Butter Loco if…
- You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.86 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
- Your game leans power — this is tuned for that style.
- You prefer the hybrid shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the elongated.
Pick the Selkirk Vanguard Control if…
- You're price-conscious — about $29 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
- Your game leans control — this is tuned for that style.
- You prefer the elongated shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the hybrid.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bread & Butter Loco or the Selkirk Vanguard Control better for power?
The Bread & Butter Loco generates more power — SW 115.46 vs 115.29 on the Selkirk Vanguard Control, a 0.17-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Vanguard Control's lower swing weight is the advantage.
Which paddle is more forgiving — the Bread & Butter Loco or the Selkirk Vanguard Control?
The Bread & Butter Loco is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.86 vs 5.51 on the Selkirk Vanguard Control. 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 Bread & Butter Loco and the Selkirk Vanguard Control?
With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the Bread & Butter Loco is $179.10 and the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $150.00. The Selkirk Vanguard Control is $29.10 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.
How does the shape difference affect how the Bread & Butter Loco and Selkirk Vanguard Control play?
The Bread & Butter Loco's hybrid shape delivers a balance of reach and maneuverability — versatile for both the kitchen and the baseline. The Selkirk Vanguard Control's elongated gives extra reach and a higher sweet spot — better for drives, resets, and transition-zone play. 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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