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Paddle Comparison

Gherkin Draco vs Nox JMA

A side-by-side spec, value, and use-case comparison of two of the most-searched pickleball paddles. Below: the attributes each paddle wins, a full spec table, and a clear recommendation for who should buy which.

Who wins on what

Power

Nox JMA

Higher Swing Weight (power) (105.94 vs 109.66, +3.72)

Hand Speed

Gherkin Draco

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (105.94 vs 109.66)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Gherkin Draco

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.74 vs 6.54, +0.20)

Value

Gherkin Draco

Lower effective price ($161.99 vs $174.24, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Gherkin
Nox

Model

Draco
JMA

Shape

Widebody
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

7.6 oz
8.2 oz

Swing Weight

105.94
109.66

Twist Weight

6.74
6.54

Play Style

all-court
all-court

Retail Price

$179.99
$204.99

Discount

10% (PLAYBOOK)
15% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$161.99
$174.24

Gherkin

Draco

$161.99 (was $179.99)

Nox

JMA

$174.24 (was $204.99)

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Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Gherkin Draco if…

  • You want faster hands — lower SW (105.94 vs 109.66) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.74 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • You're price-conscious — about $12 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
  • You prefer the widebody shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the hybrid.

Pick the Nox JMA if…

  • You want more power — SW 109.66 is 3.72 points higher.
  • You prefer the hybrid shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the widebody.

Compare other paddles in our database