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.
