Hands-On Review and Preorders Launch for Gherkin DRACO Foam-Core Paddle

Gherkin has pushed preorders for the DRACO, a new foam-core paddle the company markets as its Full Foam Gen 4 entry, and early hands-on coverage highlighted a 16mm floating foam core and a lively pop-forward feel. Demand was strong enough that Gherkin lists the first batch and bundle deal as sold out while advertising a second-batch expected ship date of 2/19/26.

The paddle centers on what Gherkin calls a privately sourced NCP Foam, described in company copy as “a Nanocellular Polymer Foam material that ensures consistency, reliability, and repeatable performance from paddle to paddle.” Gherkin also bills a Floating Piston Construction that “allows the foam to work independently within the structure, creating impressive power on full swings while preserving precise touch on controlled finesse.” Pickleball Blast’s hands-on review echoed the design language, noting “Draco’s 16mm floating foam core (branded NCP foam), hybrid/elongated shape, a lively ‘pop-forward’ feel …”

Gherkin supplied numeric metrics to back play claims, stating the DRACO “loads and releases energy efficiently, is extremely maneuverable/customizable (112 Swing weight Avg), and incredibly stable (6.7 Twist Weight Avg).” The company says the updated hybrid shape “blends elongated reach with a generous sweet spot, providing confident power from the baseline, quick hands at the net, and massive stability out the box before any player customizations.” Those figures and phrases are presented as company-supplied metrics and marketing claims rather than independent lab results.

The preorder bundles include a Gherkin Logo Neoprene Paddle Cover, a Gherkin Logo Paddle Eraser, and a Gherkin Logo Lanyard. Promotional checkout notes on the order page encourage visitors to “Subscribe for 10% off Paddle Purchases” and advertise “free shipping for USA customers on orders over $99.” Gherkin’s product page also repeats the preorder header “# Pre-Order Draco (Expected Ship Date: 2/19/26)” alongside the sold-out first-batch notice and a “2nd Batch Expected Ship Date: 2/19/26” line.

One inconsistency appears in the company copy: the foam is named as NCP Foam and expanded as Nanocellular Polymer Foam, but one sentence uses the variant “NPC Foam.” That discrepancy is noted in the materials provided and may warrant confirmation from Gherkin.

An Instagram post captured early consumer enthusiasm, saying “I love this paddle and think Gherkin is really making a statement that they are here to play in 2026. Full review at the link in my bio. more.” For players weighing a switch, the DRACO promises a blend of baseline power and net control thanks to its hybrid/elongated profile and foam construction. Expect second-batch shipments tied to the 2/19/26 date and follow up with Gherkin for confirmation of the foam acronym, testing methodology behind the swing and twist metrics, and full availability and pricing details.