If you’ve read my reviews, you know I’m both intrigued and skeptical when it comes to new paddle innovations. But Bread & Butter Pickleball Company? They’re leading the charge in a crowded paddle market with bold designs, creative names, and even over-the-top packaging—like their paddle faces proclaim, they are “Designed in Outer Space.”
After testing their Shogun this summer and recent play with their Fat Boy, I’m officially sold on their paddles—they’ve become part of my go-to paddle rotation. And now, straight from “outer space,” comes the new Invader paddle. With its hybrid design, standout purple and chartreuse look, and features borrowed from the Shogun, Loco, and Fat Boy models, it’s a true all-court game-changer.
Featuring a unique hybrid shape, a woven-texture paddle face, and a cutting-edge core, I’m giving the Invader a solid 5 out of 5 balls. (Bonus: no trip to Mars required to snag one!)
Hybrid Design: Perfect mix of power and control.
Fiberglass Layer: Extra pop and great feel.
High-Tech Face: Carbon-poly weave for spin and precision.
Unique Style: Bold, eye-catching design.
By The Numbers
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.2” |
| Width | 7.6” |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm |
| Grip Length | 5.3” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25” |
| Weight (as tested) | 8.06 oz (marketed as 8.1 oz) |
| Price | $189.99 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Thermoformed T700 unibody with foam edge interior
- High density polypropylene thermoform core
- Fiberglass layer
- T700 carbon fiber and electroplated polyester weave face
- Wrap-around, hard protective edge
- Octagon/condensed foam handle
- USA Pickleball-approved
First Impressions
Like the Shogun and Fat Boy, the Invader’s packaging is bold, colorful, and completely over-the-top—in the best way possible. My initial reaction? “Is this all just fluff and eye candy?” Between the playful branding, stickers, paddle cover, and yes, even a bottle of Invader-branded hot sauce, it’s quirky and fun.
But knowing Bread & Butter’s reputation, I was confident there was substance behind the flash.
Underneath the vibrant green alien graphic lies the paddle’s standout feature: a subtle hybrid shape. This design, a mix of elongated and broad-based paddles, offers a balance of stability, maneuverability, and versatility—essentially the best of both worlds.
The grip impressed me right away, with plenty of length and a comfortable diameter. The tackiness and texture felt above average, and the paddle’s balance and swing weight were spot on right out of the box. Compared to the Loco, the Invader has a lower swing weight and higher twist weight, which was evident during my initial swings.
I couldn’t wait to take it to the court!
Game On… The Play Testing
When I test a new paddle, I typically run it through some drills to get a feel for it before hitting rec play. But with the Invader? I couldn’t wait. I skipped the usual routine and went straight to the court, excited to see what this interstellar beast could do.
Performance Right Out of the Gate
Right from the start, the Invader delivered. Whether it was serves, dinks, drops, or speed-ups, this paddle performed like some of the best I’ve tested. It reminded me of the Shogun and even my Diadem 18K Edge Speed Pro, but with a softer, more muted feel that gave me incredible control.
When I needed power—whether for a drive, speed-up, or high-spin serve—the woven face and fiberglass layer underneath stepped up. The paddle provided a satisfying combination of control and punch, proving its versatility for all-court play.
Kitchen Control and Maneuverability
At the kitchen line, the Invader shined. Dinks felt precise and controlled, with excellent targeting capability. Compared to the Shogun, the Invader’s lower swingweight and higher twistweight allowed for faster short swings and greater maneuverability.
The hybrid shape brought even more to the table, with a larger sweet spot and impressive stability on every shot. Power and pop felt on par with the Shogun, but with noticeably better control—perfect for players looking to balance finesse and power.
While the Invader is marketed as an all-court paddle with average pop, I found it had more than enough power for 2.0-4.0 players, unless your game is focused entirely on banging shots.
Spin That Wins
Spin lovers, rejoice—this paddle is a spin machine. The electroplated carbon fiber and poly face, producing a textured grit, made generating topspin, backspin, and slices effortless.
The spin capability felt comparable to the Shogun, which has maintained its surface texture and spin quality after three months of play. If you rely on spin to dominate game play, the Invader won’t disappoint.
A Paddle That Delivers
The Invader is an incredibly versatile paddle, blending power, control, and spin in a way that feels effortless on the court. Whether you’re dinking at the kitchen or ripping a topspin drive, this paddle delivers consistent performance and a touch of flair to match its standout design.
For players looking to level up their game with a reliable all-court paddle, the Invader has landed.
The Final Score
| Feature | Rating (out of 5 balls) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 5 |
| Grip | 4.5 |
| Control | 5 |
| Spin | 5 |
| Power | 4.75 |
| Aesthetics | 5 |
| Price Point/Value | 5 |
| OVERALL | 5 |
Hybrid Design: Perfect mix of power and control.
Fiberglass Layer: Extra pop and great feel.
High-Tech Face: Carbon-poly weave for spin and precision.
Unique Style: Bold, eye-catching design.
Just like the Shogun and Fat Boy paddles, the Invader immediately stands out with its novelty appeal. From the bold name and eye-catching graphics to the vibrant colors, it’s a paddle that’s as fun as it is effective. But beyond the playful design, the Invader backs it all up with top-tier performance, offering surprising power for an all-court paddle.
With a price under $200, it’s a fantastic value for players ranging from beginners to seasoned 3.5 and above. After all, a paddle “designed in outer space” has to be out of this world, right?
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
