Doug Sapusek built the Loco, sold Bread & Butter to Selkirk, and has a theory about Chris Olson and wide bodies.
Bread & Butter sent me the Loco 2 free.
Loco 2, $198 with code NICOTHELEFTY: https://www.bnbpickleball.com
Every brand that takes the code: https://www.nicothelefty.com/deals
All my paddle reviews: https://www.nicothelefty.com/reviews

No notes, no prep. Doug is the founder of Bread & Butter, the creator of the Loco, and now a Selkirk employee. We get into why Selkirk said no to a wide body, why the hybrid Loco 2 launched late, why no reviewers got it early, what annoys him about paddle reviewers, where the X-rays come from, how the Loco got its name, life inside Selkirk, and the bags, shoes and polos coming next. He also made a pisco sour.

Chapters
0:00 The Chris Olson strangulation multiverse
0:40 Bread & Butter sold to Selkirk. Now what?
1:20 No notes, one pisco sour
3:15 Did Chris Olson kill the wide body?
5:26 "Look at this thing. It's freaking ugly."
8:28 Why Selkirk said no to a wide body
12:06 Why the hybrid Loco 2 launched late
15:12 Justin Barton called it lazy. Doug answers.
18:09 Why no reviewers got the Loco 2 early
19:52 What annoys Doug about paddle reviewers
23:19 Do reviewers chase commissions?
25:50 The $14.99 Adidas Metalbone
27:13 Only one reviewer does it full time
28:13 Dave Portnoy-style paddle reviews
28:59 Where do reviewers get paddle X-rays?
31:15 The original Loco and a lawsuit threat
32:56 How the Loco got its name
33:47 Chris Olson or John Kew: who does Doug trust?
38:22 You can be a nerd and win in pickleball
39:53 Trust fund kids and Daddy's Backyard
43:30 Life inside Selkirk
47:53 What's next: a new paddle, bags and shoes
53:24 A polo without a collar
54:59 Will a PPA pro ever play the Loco?
59:58 Nico's picks: J Dub and Hayden
63:20 Ben Johns, Franklin and lifetime contracts
68:10 Is Robert Slusky Batman?
69:42 Which camera should Nico buy?
71:37 Watch next

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3AzwFqfAT6k

Find me
Website: https://www.nicothelefty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicothelefty/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicothelefty_

Selkirk: https://www.selkirk.com

#pickleball #pickleballpaddle #breadandbutter

James Ignatowich launched the RPM Jade with almost no reviewers, and says it sold almost 30,000. Here is why he did it.

James is the co-founder of RPM, a former PPA pro, and the least filtered person in pickleball. We talk about why he named a paddle the Jade, the line call that ended a friendship at the PPA Masters, why he stopped sending paddles to reviewers, the buyout offer he would not take, and what he would tell a 21-year-old pro.

I earn a commission when you use code NICOTHELEFTY. RPM sent me the Jade free. James is RPM's co-founder and CEO.

RPM Jade, $230 with code NICOTHELEFTY: https://rpmpb.com/NICOTHELEFTY

Every brand that takes the code: https://nicothelefty.com/deals

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/svjVFh3XIjU

Website: https://www.nicothelefty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicothelefty/

In this episode of the Forehands Middle podcast, Nico and Gino dive deep into the latest storylines shaking up the pickleball world. From their own recent tournament experiences to the ups and downs of fantasy pickleball, the brothers bring a mix of firsthand insight, sharp analysis, and plenty of humor.

The conversation takes listeners courtside at the PPA Cincinnati tournament, spotlighting the continued dominance of Anna Leigh Waters in women’s singles, the shifting dynamics in men’s doubles, and the fast-evolving landscape of mixed doubles. They also celebrate the rise of the Kawamoto sisters, who continue to prove themselves as must-watch players.

Beyond the matches, Nico and Gino unpack the business side of the sport with the launch of James Ignatowich’s new paddle company, RPM Pickleball—highlighting how pickleball’s growth is no longer just about the game, but also the personalities, stories, and brands shaping its future.

In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino dive into the wild mix of pickleball, social media, and sports culture. From dealing with online critics to sharing stories about fan interactions, the brothers give a candid look at life on and off the court.

They shift gears with a fantasy pickleball draft, breaking down players they’d pick to build the ultimate squad, while debating where the sport is headed as it grows in popularity. Along the way, they touch on the challenges of paddle reviews, the influence of social media, and the crossover excitement of football season.

The episode wraps with reflections on how pickleball’s future will be shaped not only by athletes and fans, but also by influencers, creators, and the culture surrounding the game.

In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino cover everything from fantasy football drafts in Vegas to the chaos of the PPA Las Vegas pickleball tournament. They break down the shifting dynamics of men’s and women’s doubles, the ongoing debate around bronze medal matches, and why court quality is becoming a bigger issue in pro pickleball.

Highlights include:

• Tyra & Jorja's standout performance in Vegas

• Johnny G "Looch" emerging as a singles threat

• Tanner’s unexpected villain arc

• The never-ending importance of gear (and the guys’ own experiences with it)

The brothers mix analysis with their trademark banter, giving listeners both strategy and satire as they look ahead to what’s next in pickleball.

In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino dive into their experiences at the MLP New York event and break down all the action on and off the court. From analyzing the Shock and Columbus Sliders to dissecting Ben Johns’ body language, the brothers give their unfiltered takes on player performances and team dynamics.

They recap the finals between the Fives and the Sliders, highlighting key moments and what could have swung the outcome differently. Along the way, they dig into the bigger picture: how team chemistry shapes results, why indoor play and surface consistency matter, and the unique appeal of MLP vs. PPA formats.

The episode wraps with bold predictions for upcoming tournaments—singles and doubles alike—and a look at the dominance of stars like Anna Leigh Waters, the pressure of playoff moments, and the controversies that make pro pickleball impossible to ignore.

In this episode of the Forehands Middle podcast, hosts Nico and Gino discuss the latest happenings in Major League Pickleball, analyzing player performances, team dynamics, and strategies leading into the semifinals. They reflect on the excitement of the quarterfinals, the importance of player confidence, and the impact of pressure in matches. The conversation also touches on heated moments and controversies that arise in competitive sports, culminating in predictions for the upcoming semifinals.