Avoura Rhapsody 13 Pickleball Paddle Review

Avoura Rhapsody 13 Pickleball Paddle Review: A Legacy of Innovation and On Court Excellence

I recently received the Avoura Rhapsody 13 pickleball paddle to test and share my honest, no strings attached impressions. Neither AJ nor I received compensation or were required to say anything positive. What follows is our genuine take based solely on our time on the court.

As someone who has tested a variety of paddles, I had high expectations going into this review. Especially knowing that the Dawson family, who truly knows pickleball, is behind this design. Their pedigree in the sport, including multiple US Open and National titles, set the bar high. And while the Rhapsody 13 has many pieces to compete at a high level, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer elongated paddles, you may find the widebody shape takes some getting used to.

Priced at $225 on the Avoura website (Use Discount Code: PICKLETIP for $10 OFF), the paddle is crafted in the USA and promises advanced features like a massive sweet spot, innovative perimeter weighting, and a unique handle design. Read on for an in depth look at its specs, performance, and how it stacks up in real play.

Personal Experience & The Dawson Legacy

Steve Dawson isn’t just a name in the industry, he’s a multiple US Open and US National Pickleball Champion with decades of experience. His contributions include collaborating on the design of top tier paddles, and his passion for the game is evident in every detail of the Rhapsody 13. Knowing that the Dawson family is behind this project set my expectations high.

I took the Rhapsody 13 to the local courts with AJ and other players to test it in real game scenarios. It was exciting to see a paddle that embodied the Dawson philosophy: robust performance combined with thoughtful design to minimize arm fatigue. The innovation is clear, from the patented paddle shape to the clever integration of a gel infused perimeter, and that immediately builds confidence.

Specifications

• Weight: Approximately 8.1 oz (range: 7.8 – 8.2 oz)
• Dimensions: 15.5″ (Length) x 8.3″ (Width)
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Material (Face/Core): T700 raw carbon fiber face with an American made polypropylene honeycomb core
• Handle Length: 5.25 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.1 inches

Performance Analysis

From my first swing, the Rhapsody 13 impressed me with its blend of control, power, and spin. Here’s a quick rundown of its key performance areas:

• Control/Feel: Soft and responsive with excellent dwell time, great for precise dinks and drops.
• Power: Strong pop for aggressive shots, yet the energy remains controlled.
• Spin: High spin potential, thanks to the T700 carbon fiber surface.
• Forgiveness: The wide sweet spot means off center hits still deliver solid performance.
• Maneuverability: Quick at the net and light enough to enable fast hand battles despite the wide body.

Avoura Rhapsody 13 In Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about the Rhapsody 13 is its patented paddle shape. Avoura’s design makes the paddle widest at the sweet spot, ensuring the largest and most natural hitting area possible within regulatory dimensions. This “method to the madness” not only boosts performance but also lends a unique aesthetic that sets it apart.

The paddle is built in the USA with quality materials, a T700 raw carbon fiber face paired with a polypropylene honeycomb core. The edgeguard to handle connection is also patented, so while the handle is a modest 5.25 inches, it feels effectively longer because every bit of space is usable.

Avoura Rhapsody 13 On Court Performance

After hours of play, several things became clear. The Rhapsody 13 is engineered for speed ups and counterattacks. Its low swingweight and short profile allow you to move from zero to sixty quickly, making it exceptionally nimble. Whether you’re executing quick net exchanges or launching a surprise speed up, the paddle responds with the kind of precision that gives you a “ping pong” feel at the net.

Control

The large sweet spot gives you confidence even on off center hits. During dinking and drop shots, the paddle’s soft feel and consistent response made it easy to keep your shots low and well placed.

Power

The power is impressive, each shot delivers a satisfying pop. I was surprised at how well the paddle could generate force despite its shorter overall length, making it a formidable weapon for drives and put away shots.

Spin

The T700 carbon fiber surface really shines when you need to add spin. Whether it’s a heavy topspin serve or a slicing dink, the paddle grips the ball well enough to allow for creative shot making.

Speed Ups and Attacks

This is where the Rhapsody 13 truly excels. Its maneuverability allows you to disguise speed ups until the very last moment. When attacking, especially with low to high strokes below the net, the paddle’s low swingweight ensures you can get back into position quickly for counterattacks. If you enjoy aggressive play and creative, daring shots, this paddle lets you be as inventive as you like.

Additional Observations about the Avoura Rhapsody 13

I did find that, for my style, adding some weighted tape at the top of the paddle enhanced forgiveness on high hits without noticeably increasing the swingweight.. After playtesting the Avoura Rhapsody 13 Pickleball Paddle for a few hours, I felt it could benefit from a slight adjustment. I added tungsten tape at the 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions, which gave the paddle a bit more power without compromising maneuverability. This subtle weight distribution allowed me to dial in my serves and drives with greater precision while maintaining quick hand speed at the net. The added stability also made a noticeable difference in blocking and countering fast paced shots.

Avoura was thoughtful enough to include some weighted tape along with a fresh overgrip and even a ball in a nicely packaged box. This attention to detail is always appreciated, and goes to show the pride taken by this company.

That said, the Rhapsody 13 isn’t for everyone. If you’re used to an elongated paddle, the shorter, widebody shape might take some getting used to. However, if you’re a fan of paddles like the 11SIX24 Monarch Jellybean or the Bread and Butter Fat Boy, you might find that the Rhapsody 13 fits your game perfectly.

Avoura Rhapsody 13 Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Dawson family’s expertise is evident in its design and performance.
• Patented widebody shape maximizes the sweet spot for consistent hits.
• Exceptional speed ups and counterattack capabilities due to low swingweight.
• High spin production and excellent control even on off center shots.
• Thoughtful extras like weighted tape, overgrip, and a ball included in the package.

Cons

• The shorter overall shape may challenge players accustomed to elongated paddles.
• The crisp “pop” might be louder than some prefer.
• Premium pricing at $225 may not suit every budget.

Player Feedback

Feedback from other players was consistently positive. Many noted how the massive sweet spot and stable feel helped them remain confident during fast paced exchanges. Some did mention that the widebody shape requires a brief adjustment period if you’re used to longer paddles, but once that hurdle is overcome, the performance benefits are clear.

What Makes the Rhapsody 13 Worth Considering?

The Dawson family knows pickleball, and it shows. The Rhapsody 13 has all the pieces to compete at a high level. Offering a patented paddle shape that maximizes the sweet spot and an ingenious design that emphasizes speed ups and counterattacks. It’s low swingweight and agile nature make it lightning fast to transition between shots. Ideal for players who thrive on creative, daring attacks at the net.

Comparable Paddles

When comparing the Rhapsody 13 to other widebody paddles in the market, its distinct features, such as the patented wide sweet spot and rapid response for speed ups, set it apart. If you appreciate the playability of paddles like the 11SIX24 Jellybean or the Bread and Butter Fat Boy, you may find that the Rhapsody 13 offers a refreshing yet familiar feel with enhanced performance.

Avoura Rhapsody 13 Q&A

Q: Is the Avoura Rhapsody 13 USAPA approved for tournament play?
A: Yes, it meets USAPA guidelines and is legal for sanctioned events.

Q: Who should consider this paddle?
A: It’s best for intermediate to advanced players who value power, spin, and quick counterattacks. Beginners can also enjoy its large sweet spot, provided they’re willing to adjust to a widebody shape.

Q: Does the shorter shape affect play?
A: While the shorter length may require a brief adjustment, many find that the wide face and agile handling more than compensate for any reach lost.

Q: What extras are included?
A: Avoura includes some weighted tape (which can improve forgiveness on high hits), a fresh overgrip, and a ball, all packaged neatly.

Q: Is the paddle arm friendly?
A: Yes. Its design, with a gel infused perimeter and excellent shock absorption, helps reduce vibration and is gentle on the arm.

Q: How does it perform in speed ups and counterattacks?
A: The low swingweight and quick profile make it lightning fast. Ideal for players who rely on rapid transitions and creative shot making at the net.

Q: Where can I buy the Avoura Pickleball Paddle?
A: The Avoura website (Use Discount Code: PICKLETIP for $10 OFF).