HybridPower
Hybrid16mmPower
Tested by Austin Hardy
5.5+ player · Independent reviewer
Gherkin
Draco 16mm Pickleball Paddle Review
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Retail Price
$161.99$179.99
Promo Code
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Austin's Take
Austin Hardy
Gherkin isn't a household name yet, but the Draco is a serious paddle with serious specs. Available in Hybrid, Elongated, and Widebody shapes, the Draco line covers a wide range of play styles under a single design language.
Read full reviewWeight & Balance
How this paddle compares to 105+ paddles in our database.
Swing Weight108.27
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight6.43
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
Static Weight7.9 oz
7.5 ozavg 7.97 oz9.1 oz
Near average
Play StylePower
Specifications
Dimensions
Core Thickness16mm
ShapeHybrid
Weight7.9 oz
Swing Weight108.27
Twist Weight6.43
Classification
BrandGherkin
Play StylePower
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Who Draco Is For
Buy if
- You want raw power and pop on drives and serves
- You want a balanced sweet spot with decent reach
- Low swing weight (108.27) means fast hands at the kitchen
- You prefer the soft, forgiving feel of a 16mm core
Skip if
- You want more power and plow-through on drives
- You want maximum pop — thinner cores are snappier
- You're a touch-first player who rarely drives
Ready to buy? Use code PLAYBOOK for a discount.
Buy at GherkinGear We Recommend
All GearFree ShippingFORWRD Court Ranger V2
Premium pickleball footwear engineered for lateral support and court grip.
$149.00
Pickleball Playbook Pro Tack Over Grips (3 Pack)
The grip we use on every paddle. Exceptional tack, comfort, and durability.
$9.99
Vuori Pickleball Clothing
High-performance clothing built for movement. Made for the pickleball court.
How Draco Compares
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Weight
7.9 oz
Twist Wt
6.61
Thickness
16mm
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HybridPower
Playing Feel
PowerThe Gherkin Draco is a 16mm hybrid paddle weighing 7.9 oz with a swing weight of 108.27 and twist weight of 6.43. Expect a firm, powerful feel with pop on drives and serves. The higher swing weight delivers momentum through contact, rewarding full swings.
Swing Weight108.27
96.66avg 113.92124.18
Near average
Twist Weight6.43
2.36avg 6.187.41
Near average
16mm CoreHybrid7.9 oz
Written Review
Gherkin Draco Review: Three Shapes, Three Play Styles, One Paddle
Gherkin isn't a household name yet, but the Draco is a serious paddle with serious specs. Available in Hybrid, Elongated, and Widebody shapes, the Draco line covers a wide range of play styles under a single design language.
Specs at a Glance
- Core: 16mm
- Hybrid — SW: 108.27, TW: 6.43 (Power)
- Elongated — SW: 112.13, TW: 6.14 (Power)
- Widebody — SW: 105.94, TW: 6.74 (All-Court)
- Price: $179.99 — use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off
Hybrid: Compact Power
Despite being classified as a power paddle, the Draco Hybrid's SW of 108.27 keeps it maneuverable. It's the shape for players who want pop without sacrificing speed at the kitchen. Think of it as a 'controlled power' option.
Elongated: More Pop, More Reach
The Elongated version steps up to SW 112.13, adding meaningful pop on drives and giving you extra reach for poaching. At this SW it's still manageable at the NVZ but starts leaning toward offensive play.
Widebody: The All-Court Option
With SW 105.94 and TW 6.74, the Widebody Draco is the most forgiving and maneuverable of the three. It's an all-court paddle for players who want a big sweet spot, lots of stability, and a paddle that forgives misreads at the NVZ.
Verdict
The Gherkin Draco is a smart paddle line that gives you genuine choices. All three shapes are well-executed at $179.99. Use code PLAYBOOK for 10% off.
Discussion
Have questions or thoughts about the Gherkin Draco? Join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the swing weight of the Gherkin Draco?
The Gherkin Draco has a swing weight of 108.27, which is below the catalog average of 113.92.
Who should buy the Gherkin Draco?
The Gherkin Draco is a hybrid 16mm paddle best suited for power-oriented players who want pop and drive on their shots.
Is there a discount code for the Gherkin Draco?
Yes! Use code PLAYBOOK at checkout to save 10% on the Gherkin Draco. This code is verified and active.
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Draco
Gherkin