If you're looking for a power paddle well under $200, the Gherkin Draco is worth checking out. Not only does this paddle hit really hard, but it's approachable and controllable, too. It's exceptional all around.
Gherkin is known for making value paddles. With the Draco, they've ventured into higher-tech foam paddle territory. They've managed to keep the price affordable.
At $179.99 (or $162 with our 10% discount), the Draco competes with paddles that cost significantly more, such as the $333 Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik.
The Gherkin Draco is for aggressive players at the 4.0 level and up who want serious power without spending over $200. The new foam core gives it real dwell time, letting you direct the ball rather than just blast it. New players will have a hard time dealing with this much power. If you're still working your way up, the cheaper Gherkin Nightshade is a better fit. However, if you're ready for it, this is one incredible paddle for just $162.Today's best deals
Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You want tons of power:
the Draco hits almost as hard as the most powerful paddles, like the Honolulu J6CR and Selkirk LABS Boomstik.
You want power you can control:
the foam core adds dwell time to shape your shots. You're not just hitting hard – you're hitting hard with control.
You play a fast game:
this hybrid-shaped paddle whizzes through the air, giving you fast hands.
Pass if:
You're a beginner or lower intermediate:
this power takes skill to manage – start with something more forgiving like the 11SIX24 Vapor Power 2.
You prefer pop-based power:
the Draco gets its power from dwell time. If you want pure pop off the face, check out the Thrive FURY Hybrid 112.
You want the most spin on the market:
nothing generates more spin right now than the Volair Shift.
An aggressive but controllable paddle
The thing that really stands out about the Gherkin Draco is the combination of power and dwell time. If you are skilled enough to tame the power, you'll find everything you need across power, spin, control, and forgiveness.
The foam core gives you plenty of dwell (i.e. when the ball rests on the paddle face) to manipulate the ball, making this a very exciting paddle to play with. While it doesn't have the gigantic sweet spot of the Honolulu J2NF, it is still very forgiving for an advanced-level paddle.
The only players I would caution here are beginners and intermediates (anyone below the 4.0 skill level), as the power might be too much for you to handle. Instead, I'd recommend the 11SIX24 Vapor Power 2 or FLiK F3 – paddles that are easier to rein in.
If you are going for the Draco, the value is hard to beat. Gherkin stays true to its reputation for making affordable paddles to rival the most expensive.
Paddle Weight
7.9 oz
Paddle Length
16.25 inches
Paddle Width
7.75 inches
Handle Length
5.5 inches
Grip Circumference
4.25 inches
Paddle Face Material
CFC (carbon fiber-fiberglass-carbon fiber)
Core Material
Foam
Core Thickness
16 mm
Sweet Spot
Large
How the Gherkin Draco plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 10/10 | Drives are the standout. I can hit low, heavy balls that my opponents have to dig up on, which then open up easy attacking opportunities on the next shot. I can push my opponents to the back wall or fence with my serves because they are so powerful. |
| Control | 9.5/10 | I can hit hard step-back attacks and put the ball at my opponents' feet. I can also counter with real placement rather than just redirecting. The only reason it's not a 10 is because lower-level players will have to adapt to controlling the amount of power. |
| Spin | 9/10 | Not the spinniest paddle out there, but it's easy to shape the ball. I can lift volleys and roll them aggressively into the baseline, getting them to bounce awkwardly at my opponents rather than just sitting up. |
| Forgiveness | 9/10 | The forgiveness is great, partly thanks to the foam. The ball comes off the face consistently. It doesn't pop up or die in a way that catches you out. I really like my defense and resets from the mid-court with it. |
| Weighting | 9.5/10 | The weight feels aggressive but never sluggish. I don't find myself getting tired in longer sessions, which is always a concern with powerful paddles. As someone prone to pickleball elbow, I've had zero problems with it so far. |
| Grip | 9/10 | I have no issues with slipping from sweat. This is a comfortable square handle with a knob on the end that I like, that's not as pronounced as the knobs on Selkirk handles. It's just right. |
| Durability | 9/10 | I've spent a good few hours of heavy hitting with multiple players (including some big hitters) and had no issues. I've noticed the usual minor scuffs on the face and edges, but nothing to worry about. The light blue colorway hides wear well, which is a nice touch. |
| Aerodynamics | 9.5/10 | This slices through the air and is very fast on counters. I enjoy wielding it at the net, too. I can switch from backhand to forehand really quickly when somebody attacks me, and can get it back at them fast. |
✅ Pros
Amazing power
I'd put the Draco just a touch below the Honolulu J6CR ($180) and Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik ($333) when it comes to hitting power. For the price, I definitely wasn't expecting this much power.
Excellent control
With pop-based paddles, the ball launches off the face. With the Draco, the dwell time lets you move the ball around easily and accurately. It's a rare paddle that scores super-high on both power and touch.
Learn more about dwell-based power vs pop-based power.
Room to customize
The weighting is so good that you can add weight to this paddle and it still moves around so well. There's room to customize without it becoming sluggish.
❌ Considerations
Lively for new players
Beginners and even many intermediates will have a hard time dealing with all the power. It's a good idea to start with something more manageable, so check out the best beginner paddles and the best intermediate paddles for great options.
Don't know your skill level? Read our pickleball skill level guide to find out.
There are luxury options available
If you like the sound of this paddle but you have a bigger budget, I'd check out the CRBN TruFoam Barrage or JOOLA Pro V instead. These have a more premium build and feel, and are built for pros and the most advanced players.
Gherkin Draco price – is it worth it?
At $180, the Draco is competing against some serious paddles. For pure power, the Honolulu J6CR ($195) is one of the best power paddles you'll find. However, what sets the Draco apart is the combination of power and dwell. The J6CR hits harder but doesn't have the same level of control.
If power with usable control is your priority, the Draco is a top rival to the Bread & Butter Loco and the Honolulu J2NF as one of the best pickleball paddles in the mid-tier price range. It's a great alternative to a $250 paddle.
Today's best deals
Alternatives to the Gherkin Draco
Here are three other paddles worth considering depending on what you're looking for:
More forgiveness
Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF
Pop-based power
Thrive FURY Hybrid 112
Step down in price
Gherkin Nightshade
What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.
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