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Gherkin Draco OP-H

ApprovedApproved Sep 4, 2026Last verified Nov 8, 2026View on USA Pickleball
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Specifications

Foam
Core thickness16 mm
ShapeNot listed
Outline (per USA Pickleball)Rectangle with round corners
Face materialRaw carbonListed as "RCF"
Surface finishCoating
Cell sizeNot listed
MD numberNot listed
WeightNot listed
Not listed
Not listed
LengthNot listed
WidthNot listed
Handle lengthNot listed
Grip circumferenceNot listed
MSRP (manufacturer list price)Not listed
Release yearNot listed
Manufacturer pageNot listed

Source: USA Pickleball Approved Equipment List. Specs not on the official list show as "Not listed" until we verify them.

Weights, dimensions and MSRP come from manufacturer or retailer pages, are checked by an editor before they appear, and link to their source. MSRP is the list price on the date shown, not a live price.

16 mm
Length class not listed · illustration, not to scale

What these specs mean

Core thickness
A 16 mm core is the most common choice for control. The extra depth absorbs more impact, which tends to make dinks and resets easier to keep low, with a little less pop.
Core material
Foam cores (such as EVA, EPP or PU foam) are a newer construction. Brands use foam to add pop and a more even response across the face; feel varies a lot between foam types and designs.
Face
A raw carbon face leaves the carbon-fiber surface untreated. Its natural texture tends to grip the ball for spin, though texture can wear with heavy use.
Combination
A thick foam core aims to keep a soft, controlled feel while adding the extra pop foam is used for.

These are typical tendencies of each construction. Weight, balance, surface treatment and each brand's specific materials also change how a paddle plays.

Pro tour legality (UPA-A)

Amateur and USA Pickleball–sanctioned events accept paddles on the USA Pickleball list. PPA Tour and MLP pro events require UPA-A certification.

UPA-A
Not on the UPA-A list

We only link a UPA-A entry when brand, model and core thickness clearly match; uncertain pairs wait for review. If you think this paddle is on the UPA-A list, check the source below.

UPA-A approved paddle list ·Decertified and delisted paddles

Where to buy

We don't list retailers for this paddle yet. We'll only add links we've checked, and we'll always disclose when we earn from them.

More from Gherkin

All Gherkin paddles
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    Approved:
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Same construction, other brands

Foam core, 16 mm.

  • Core:
    Foam
    Thickness:
    16 mm
    Shape:
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    Face:
    Carbon fiber
    Approved:
    Nov 6, 2026
  • Core:
    Foam
    Thickness:
    16 mm
    Shape:
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  • Core:
    Foam
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  • DECATHLON

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    Core:
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    Thickness:
    16 mm
    Shape:
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    Approved:
    Nov 3, 2026
  • DECATHLON

    HYBRID PRO
    Core:
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    Thickness:
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    Shape:
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  • DECATHLON

    POWER PRO
    Core:
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    Thickness:
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  • TENFESSO

    HZ2026-01
    Core:
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    Thickness:
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    Shape:
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    Approved:
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    Shape:
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    Face:
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    Approved:
    Oct 30, 2026

Learn more