Gherkin Draco
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for 10% off
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $179.99
Our take on the Draco Hybrid
The Gherkin Draco is a standout foam core paddle that delivers impressive pop and lively power at a very competitive price. Its quick-in-hand hybrid shape, solid stability and customizable weight profile make it a versatile option for aggressive players who still want feel. If you like a pop-forward paddle similar to a Boomstik but don’t want to pay premium prices, the Draco is a serious contender.
Is the Draco Hybrid worth $179.99?
Yes. At $179.99 it sits in the mid price range, and a full-foam core gives you impressive pop and lively power at a very competitive price. If you like a Boomstik-style pop-forward feel but don’t want to pay top dollar, it’s a serious contender.
Who should buy the Draco Hybrid?
Aggressive players who still want feel and like a pop-forward paddle. The quick hybrid shape and customizable weight profile suit anyone who likes to tune a paddle to their game. Players who want a calm, plush control paddle should look elsewhere.
Buy it if
- You want pop-forward foam without top-tier cost
- You play an aggressive game but want feel
- You like tuning weight to taste
- You want a quick hybrid shape
Skip it if
- You want the biggest widebody sweet spot
- You prefer a plush control paddle
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
How does the Draco Hybrid play?
Gherkin’s NCP foam and floating piston core give high power and spin. At 113, the swing weight keeps the 16mm hybrid quick in the hand, and the 6.7 twist weight keeps it steady on contact. The same build also comes in elongated and widebody shapes.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Draco Hybrid?
Its biggest edge is lively foam pop at a mid price. The main cost is that a pop-forward build gives up some of the soft touch that control-first paddles offer.
Strengths
- High power with lively pop
- Spins the ball very well
- Stable high twist weight
- Weight profile you can customize
Trade-offs
- Pop-forward build trades some soft touch
- Medium swing weight, not the quickest
- Hybrid gives up some elongated reach
Closest match we’ve tested
Gherkin Draco vs Honolulu J2CR
Same hybrid shape, same 16mm Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 113
- Twist Weight
- 6.7
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
10% off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Hybrid
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 107
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- UPA-A
10% off with code KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
10% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Gherkin Draco against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Draco Hybrid
What is the price of the Gherkin Draco?
$179.99, which puts it in the mid price range for pickleball paddles. The hybrid, elongated and widebody models are all the same price.
What is the Gherkin Draco?
A full-foam hybrid power paddle using Gherkin's NCP (nanocellular polymer) foam and a "floating piston" core construction.
How does the Gherkin Draco play?
It's a high-power foam-core paddle with a 16mm core, a 113 swing weight and a high 6.7 twist weight, and it comes in hybrid, widebody and elongated shapes.
Is the Gherkin Draco USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
What are some Gherkin Draco alternatives?
Gearbox GBX Power Hybrid
Power 83Spin 77
16mm Gen 3 · Swing weight 111
Pickleball Apes Zen S+
Power 92Spin 91
16mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 107
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Draco Hybrid measured power 90, spin 84, swing weight 113 and twist weight 6.7.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.