The Invader 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review: Specs & First Look

Matt Khoury

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Pickleball Reviewer

Dec 10, 2024

4

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The Invader 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review: Specs & First Look

Upcoming Review: The Invader 16mm Pickleball Paddle

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Invader 16mm Pickleball Paddle is set to launch on November 29, 2024. With its cutting-edge materials and stellar design, this paddle promises to be a game-changer. I’ll be testing it as soon as it lands, so check back soon for my in-depth review, including performance insights, comparisons, and my honest take on whether it lives up to the hype.

What We Know So Far

Price: $189.99
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Early Incentives: The first 1,000 orders include a bottle of Flamin' Saucer Jalapeño Hot Sauce and a paddle cover.
Construction Highlights:
- Core: 16mm High-Density Polypropylene for a controlled yet powerful feel.
- Face: T-700 CF x Electroplated Polyester Weave, enhanced with a fiberglass layer for added pop.
- Weight: 8.1 oz, with a swing weight of 116-118 and a twist weight of 6.86.
- Handle: 5.3" octagon-shaped grip with vibration-dampening wrap.
USAP Approval: Expected before launch.
Best Use Case: Designed to dominate converted tennis courts.

First Impressions

While I haven’t had the chance to test the Invader 16mm yet, its specs suggest a paddle built for players who want a blend of precision and power. The hybrid face construction and fiberglass layer should provide a "poppy" response, while the unibody thermoformed design promises durability and consistency across the entire paddle face.

The Invader’s graphics, UV-printed directly onto the surface, add a futuristic flair to its appearance. It’s clear that Bread & Butter is aiming to conquer the competition with this one—#convertthemall indeed.

What to Expect in the Full Review

Once I’ve tested the Invader, I’ll cover:

Drive Power: Can it really launch balls like a rocket ship?
Drop Performance: Is it soft and precise enough for touch shots?
Spin Potential: How effective is the face material for generating spin?
Comfort & Feel: Does the octagon handle improve grip and reduce vibration?
Comparisons: How does it stack up against similar paddles in the $180+ range?

Final Thoughts (For Now)

The Invader 16mm is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Bread & Butter lineup, targeting players who value a mix of pop, control, and cutting-edge tech. I can’t wait to test it out and share my findings. Until then, keep an eye on this space for updates, or subscribe to my newsletter to be notified as soon as the review goes live.

FAQs

Q: When will the Invader 16mm be available?
A: November 29, 2024. Be sure to sign up for stock notifications to grab one early!

Q: Will the Invader 16mm be USAP approved?
A: Yes, it is expected to be USAP approved prior to release.

Q: What is the return policy?
A: Bread & Butter offers a 30-day “Love it or Return it” policy for paddles purchased in the U.S.

Bread & Butter Invader 16mm Paddle Type

CONTROL

ALL-COURT

POWER

Control
Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
All-Court
‍Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
Power
‍Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Bread & Butter Invader 16mm Performance Ratings

Company

Bread & Butter

Model

Invader 16mm

$

189.99

Purchase Info

bnbpickleball.com

Warranty

6-Months

Control

Harder to Control

Easier to Control

Power (Drives)

Low

High

Spin

Low (< 1300 RPM)

High (> 2100 RPM)

Feel

Soft

Firm

Forgiveness

Unforgiving

Forgiving

Shot Resetting

Difficult

Easy

Touch Shots (Dinking & Dropping)

Difficult

Easy

Buy Invader

BUY PADDLE

Bread & Butter Invader 16mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)

16

Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).

Spin RPM

Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.

Length (in)

16.25

Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.

Width (in)

7.75

Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.

Static Weight (oz)

8.09

Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.

Swing Weight

113.95

Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.

Twist Weight

6.85

Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.

Balance Point (cm)

A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.

Serve Speed Power (MPH)

Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.

Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)

Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.

Handle Length (in)

5.5

Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.

Handle Circumference (in)

4.125

Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.

Manufacturing Process

Thermoformed

Impacts durability, performance, and feel.

Surface Texture

Peel Ply (Coarse)

Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Core Cell Size (mm)

8

Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

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Warranty Information

If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we’ll assume you’re loving your new paddles and are crushing it on the courts. But in case you encounter some workmanship or manufacturing issues Bread & Butter warrants the paddles to be free from defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions FOR 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE in the United States and Canada. The warranty is non-transferable and only valid to the original purchaser. The warranty does not apply to replacement paddles.

Learn more about the warranty