The most effective app for leveling up your pickleball game.

Try the app

Paddle Comparison

Beyond Measure Ronin vs Gherkin Draco

The Beyond Measure Ronin carries a clear SW advantage — 114.98 versus 108.27 on the Gherkin Draco — a 6.71-point gap that means noticeably heavier drives and more power from the Ronin. Shape adds another dimension: the Ronin is elongated, the Draco is hybrid, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position. On price, the Beyond Measure Ronin is $57 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.

Who wins on what

Power

Beyond Measure Ronin

Higher Swing Weight (power) (114.98 vs 108.27, +6.71)

Hand Speed

Gherkin Draco

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (114.98 vs 108.27)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Beyond Measure Ronin

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.53 vs 6.43, +0.10)

Value

Beyond Measure Ronin

Lower effective price ($105.30 vs $161.99, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Beyond Measure
Gherkin

Model

Ronin
Draco

Shape

Elongated
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

8.0 oz
7.9 oz

Swing Weight

114.98
108.27

Twist Weight

6.53
6.43

Play Style

all-court
power

Retail Price

$117.00
$179.99

Discount

10% (PLAYBOOK)
10% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$105.30
$161.99

Beyond Measure

Ronin

$105.30 (was $117.00)

Gherkin

Draco

$161.99 (was $179.99)

See more comparisons like this — straight to your inbox

Weekly paddle picks, fresh comparisons, and exclusive discount codes.

Unsubscribe anytime · No spam · Free forever

Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Beyond Measure Ronin if…

  • You want more power — SW 114.98 is 6.71 points higher.
  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.53 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • You're price-conscious — about $57 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
  • Your game leans all-court — this is tuned for that style.
  • You prefer the elongated shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the hybrid.

Pick the Gherkin Draco if…

  • You want faster hands — lower SW (108.27 vs 114.98) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
  • Your game leans power — this is tuned for that style.
  • You prefer the hybrid shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the elongated.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Beyond Measure Ronin or the Gherkin Draco better for power?

The Beyond Measure Ronin generates more power — SW 114.98 vs 108.27 on the Gherkin Draco, a 6.71-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Draco's lower swing weight is the advantage.

Which paddle is more forgiving — the Beyond Measure Ronin or the Gherkin Draco?

The Beyond Measure Ronin is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.53 vs 6.43 on the Gherkin Draco. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.

What is the price difference between the Beyond Measure Ronin and the Gherkin Draco?

With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the Beyond Measure Ronin is $105.30 and the Gherkin Draco is $161.99. The Beyond Measure Ronin is $56.69 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.

How does the shape difference affect how the Beyond Measure Ronin and Gherkin Draco play?

The Beyond Measure Ronin's elongated shape delivers extra reach and a higher sweet spot — better for drives, resets, and transition-zone play. The Gherkin Draco's hybrid gives a balance of reach and maneuverability — versatile for both the kitchen and the baseline. For players who live at the kitchen line, that shape distinction often matters more than a 1–2 point SW difference.

Compare other paddles in our database