Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm vs Ronbus Nova R1
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Ronbus Nova R1 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Ronbus Nova R1 wins this matchup for most players: it takes control and value on Paddle DNA against the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm, which costs $220.
Power
Too close to call
88 vs 87
Spin
Too close to call
91 vs 88
Control
89 vs 85
Forgiveness
Too close to call
85 vs 85
Hand speed
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm
111 vs 116 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$160 at IQ 85.7 vs $220 at IQ 85
Overall pick: Ronbus Nova R1 · $160 · IQ 85.7
Paddle DNA head-to-head
Estimated scores: the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm Paddle DNA is our estimate from published specs, not a sourced profile.
- 88Power87
- 85Control89
- 91Spin88
- 85Forgiveness85
- 86Sweet spot86
- 86Stability87
- 76Maneuverability73
- 84Pop83
- 83Touch86
- 85Consistency87
- 76Swing weight79
- 82Twist weight84
- 61Launch angle57
- 83Plow through85
- 85Softness85
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm vs Ronbus Nova R1 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm | Ronbus Nova R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $220 | $160 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85 | 85.7 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.05 | 8.1 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 111 | 116 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.7 — better | 6.4 |
| Shape | hybrid | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.2 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | T700 raw carbon fiber with Space Dust grit over a fiberglass layer | Raw T700 carbon |
| Core material | Dual-density foam core (EPP and EVA) | Foam-perimeter polymer |
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm verdict
The second-generation Loco in the hybrid shape keeps the dual-density foam core and adds Space Dust grit. A published 111 swing weight makes it quicker than most 16mm power hybrids, while the 6.7 twist weight keeps it stable.
Ronbus Nova R1 verdict
Ronbus keeps doing the same thing: premium specs, mid-tier price. The Nova R1 lands between a control and power build and does not embarrass itself in either direction.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is control: Ronbus Nova R1 scores 89 against 85 for Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm — a 4-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, maneuverability, touch, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Ronbus Nova R1 is $60 cheaper at $160.
Control
Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 4 points (89 vs 85).
Launch angle
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm leads by 4 points (61 vs 57).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.9 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $60.
- Twist weight
- Consistency
- Control
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.6 vs 84.7 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $60.
- Control
- Touch
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.1 vs 85.2 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $60.
- Touch
- Control
- Plow through
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.5 vs 84.8 on the weighted index). Take Ronbus Nova R1 and keep the $60.
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm
Take Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm if you want launch angle (+4). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm review →Ronbus Nova R1
Take Ronbus Nova R1 if you want control (+4). Its swing weight of 116 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Ronbus Nova R1 review →Where to Buy
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm
Ronbus Nova R1
Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm vs Ronbus Nova R1 FAQ
- Which is better, the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm or the Ronbus Nova R1?
- Ronbus Nova R1 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.7 vs 85), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — control — Ronbus Nova R1 leads by 4 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm, at 111 kg·cm² swing weight against 116 for Ronbus Nova R1. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm or the Ronbus Nova R1?
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm scores 88 for power against 87 for Ronbus Nova R1. That comes from a 16 mm Dual-density foam core (EPP and EVA) core swinging at 111 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Ronbus Nova R1 at 89 versus 85. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm scores 91 for spin off its T700 raw carbon fiber with Space Dust grit over a fiberglass layer face, against 88 for the Raw T700 carbon face on Ronbus Nova R1. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 85 on forgiveness despite twist weights of 6.7 and 6.4.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Ronbus Nova R1 costs $160, $60 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm: 16 mm Dual-density foam core (EPP and EVA) core with a T700 raw carbon fiber with Space Dust grit over a fiberglass layer face. Ronbus Nova R1: 16 mm Foam-perimeter polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Ronbus Nova R1, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.3 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Ronbus Nova R1 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Forgiveness (85) and sweet spot (86) are identical, so a developing player can start on either — decide on price and handle feel.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm at 8.05 oz against 8.1 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (111 vs 116) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm to the Ronbus Nova R1?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Ronbus Nova R1 leads on control by 4 points; everything else is within 4 points. At $220 vs $160, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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- Nova R1 vs Oni 16
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Read the full reviews: Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid 16mm and Ronbus Nova R1. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.