The Shogun pickleball paddle – is it just another hyped-up, stylish paddle? Bread & Butter is known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and bold paddle names like Filth, Fat Boy, Loco, and Drip. The brand definitely oozes hipster vibes.
What sets the Shogun apart? The standout feature is its red and metallic textured face, blending carbon fiber and titanium—a combination I haven’t seen anywhere else. The founder, Doug, describes it as an “all-court” paddle, offering a perfect balance of power and control.
After testing it, I’d say the Shogun is a true warrior on the court, earning a solid 5 out of 5 balls.
- Carbon Fiber & Titanium weave face for power and control.
- Elongated shape enhances power and pop.
- Durable T700 Unibody construction for top performance.
- 16mm Polypropylene Core for a solid feel.
- Octagon handle with vibration dampening for comfort.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Width | 7.375″ |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm |
| Grip Length | 5.5″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25″ |
| Weight | 8.18 oz (marketed as 8 – 8.3 oz) |
| Price | $189.99 |
Nuts & Bolts
- Thermoformed T700 unibody
- High density polypropylene thermoform core
- Titanium/T700 carbon fiber weave face
- Wrap-around, hard protective edge
- Highly condensed foam handle
- USA Pickleball approved
First impressions
The Shogun’s presentation box is a standout—cool, colorful, and full of playful vibes. Bread & Butter went all-in on the branding, featuring a Shogun warrior holding swords and paddles. The paddle cover is just as impressive, made of padded neoprene with matching graphics.
Unveiling the paddle, you’re greeted by a bright yellow handle with plenty of grip. But what really steals the show is the paddle face—its unique textured weave looks and feels amazing.
The paddle feels solid in hand, and the elongated shape fits perfectly. My swing test? Smooth, with a solid swing weight and great balance. This weapon is battlefield-ready!
Game on… the Play testing
Unlike my usual paddle tests, I dove straight into some rec play with the Shogun—no drills, just real game action. And right from the first swing, I felt like a court warrior.
There’s plenty of power behind this paddle, and the audible pop with each hit was instantly satisfying.
Testing the Spin: A Shogun’s Grip
Naturally, my first instinct was to put the paddle’s face to the test with some spin shots. And let me tell you, the topspin serves and slice returns were nothing short of impressive. It felt like the Shogun was grabbing the ball and twisting it with force.
The spin control was as good as any paddle I’ve tried, and I was pulling off some nasty drives and drops that were tough for my opponents to handle. And yes, this paddle is USAP approved, so no worries on legality!
Power and Pop: Kitchen Line to the Baseline
As I played more, I realized how well the paddle performed when I needed to tap into its power. Whether I was speeding up at the kitchen line or firing a drive down the center, the Shogun delivered.
While it’s not marketed as a high-power paddle, I found it had more than enough pop for serves and volleys.
Control and Touch: Dinks at the Kitchen Line
When it came to dinks and kitchen play, the paddle impressed me with its touch and accuracy. The balance and twist weight really shine in those slower, controlled moments.
Despite the power behind it, I could still feel every contact and dial in those soft shots. Plus, the sweet spot felt just right—big enough to give you that extra confidence.
Feedback from Fellow Players
I handed the paddle to a few intermediate and advanced players for their take, and they agreed: the Shogun is a solid all-court performer.
It offers a perfect blend of power, control, and touch. No matter the playstyle, it was a great paddle for handling every situation on the court.
A Conversation with Bread & Butter’s CEO, Doug Sapusek
My chat with Doug Sapusek, the founder and Chief Excitement Officer of Bread & Butter Pickleball, was as fun as it was insightful. What was supposed to be a quick conversation turned into 45 minutes of laughter, stories, and deep insights into the brand’s mission.
Doug explained how this Gen 2 Shogun paddle was named after his wife’s Tokyo marathon run. It combines the best existing paddle tech with their unique woven face design, creating an all-around performance paddle ideal for all levels of play.
When I asked about the bold packaging, paddle cover, and graphics, Doug simply said, “It’s the brand, man! We want to be different, and we won’t change.” And with Doug’s excitement, I’m now eagerly waiting to see what comes next. (Hint: Something big is coming soon!)
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (1 out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 5 |
| Grip | 5 |
| Control | 5 |
| Spin | 5 |
| Power | 4.75 |
| Aesthetics | 5 |
| Price Point/Value | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5 |
The packaging and paddle practically shout “novelty!”—and rightly so. From its bold appearance to the unique titanium-carbon weave face, this paddle is unlike anything else.
Just moments ago, I caught a hidden gem in the fine print: apparently, this paddle was “designed in outer space”! WTH? Lol. And the Japanese text inside the box? Still a mystery, but I can only imagine it’s equally quirky.
Bottom line: the Shogun delivers top-tier performance. At $189.99, it’s on the pricier side, but for what this paddle offers, it’s well worth it. So, grab one and head into battle!
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
