Introduction
When my wife brought home the Avoura Rhapsody 13 pickleball paddle, my first reaction was, “Is this even legal?” Its sleek, teardrop-shaped design and impressive dimensions made me question whether it met USAP regulations. After measuring, I confirmed that the paddle’s total width plus length is 60.5 cm, just under the 60.96 cm limit. That’s a mere 1/16 inch to spare! So, yes, it is legal.
With that question answered, I decided to visit the Avoura website to learn more. One statement immediately caught my attention:
“The Rhapsody 13 is designed with player comfort in mind. The NASA-grade honeycomb core helps absorb vibrations, reducing strain on your arm and elbow. Additionally, the paddle’s Sweet-Spot Enhancement System (SES) allows for more forgiving hits, which can further reduce the impact on your joints.”
This was important to me for two reasons:
- I had just returned from a pickleball camp where Ben Johns addressed us and said that he rarely hits a ball hard, except in firefights.
- I had rotator cuff surgery on my “off arm” a week earlier, so if I was going to test the paddle, I would have to avoid any motions that would result in a herky-jerky motion, and I would not be able to hit my two-handed backhand.
That was fine with me because I only started hitting a two-hander after I had surgery on my right arm and was trying to recover my one-hander, and I wanted to see if not trying to hit hard shots really worked. I mean – what does Ben Johns know anyway? (PS: I got to play a few points with him and he did not hit a hard shot).
Specifications: Precision Meets Performance
Before testing the paddle, I examined its specs, and three key features caught my attention:
- Weight: At 8.1 ounces, the Rhapsody 13 is on the heavier side for my preference, but it still feels manageable.
- Swing Weight: With a swing weight of 110, the paddle is considered light, making it quick and responsive during fast exchanges.
- Twist Weight: The twist weight of 7.76 is notably high compared to most paddles (which range between 6.0-6.7). This higher twist weight translates to a larger sweet spot and better control, making it ideal for precision shots.
The teardrop shape of the paddle shifts the balance point further up, extending the sweet spot closer to the tip. While this design makes the paddle feel slightly top-heavy, it also enhances its performance in key areas like dinking and groundstrokes.
Performance: A Paddle Built for Control and Comfort
Testing the Rhapsody 13 was a revelation. Here’s how it performed across different aspects of the game. Note that I did not hit any two-handed backhands which was fine with me. I only developed a two-hander after surgery on my other shoulder, and I have been working my way back to a one-hander, so every backhand shot I hit was a one-hander.
- Dinking: The paddle excelled in dinking, offering excellent responsiveness on both straight-ahead and cross-court shots. I found it easy to execute top-spin forehand dinks and underspin backhand dinks, thanks to the paddle’s forgiving sweet spot.
- Third-Shot Drops: This was where the Rhapsody 13 truly shined. Hitting third-shot drops felt effortless, whether aiming for the corners or the middle of the court. Inspired by Ben Johns’ advice to target the middle, I focused on precision over power, and the paddle delivered consistently.
- Serves: With my dominant arm in a sling, I had to adapt my serve technique. I placed the ball on the paddle face, let it drop, and hit it off the bounce. The results were impressive—I consistently landed serves within one or two feet of the baseline, with a decent amount of top spin.
- Return of Serve: Again, I prioritized depth over power. By focusing on a specific point in the horizon, I was able to land deep returns with ease. The paddle’s larger sweet spot made it easier to control the ball’s placement.
- Groundstrokes: The Rhapsody 13 performed admirably on groundstrokes. I focused on depth and underspin, and the paddle’s design allowed for precise shot placement without requiring excessive power.
- Firefights: While I avoided aggressive exchanges due to my injury, I did some light drilling with my wife. The paddle provided more power than I expected, allowing me to redirect shots toward the baseline with minimal effort.
Bottom Line
The Avoura Rhapsody 13 is more than just a paddle—it’s a tool that encourages smarter, more controlled play. Its large sweet spot, high twist weight, and vibration-dampening core make it an excellent choice for players prioritizing precision and comfort.
Ben Johns’ advice to avoid swinging hard resonated with me during this test. The Rhapsody 13 proved that a compact, controlled swing can generate plenty of power and accuracy. While I didn’t play any full games during my recovery, the paddle’s performance convinced me that this approach is the way to go.
Purchasing: Is It Worth the Investment?
At $225, the Rhapsody 13 is undeniably on the pricier side. There is a reason or this. Avoura cuts, prints, assembles and sources from the USA. They ship paddles from where they are made. Locally they make dozens of prototypes for the Dawson family to test per day, ensuring that they are able to quickly execute.
So, who are the Dawsons? The Dawson family is sometimes known as “the first family of pickleball.” The family consist of Led by Jennifer Dawson, a Hall of Famer with 20 U.S. Open and National titles, Steve Dawson, a three-time U.S. Open and Canadian National Champion, and Callan Dawson, a world professional champion (a 6.33 doubles player and a 5.7 singles player). So, Avoura paddles are infused with expertise and competitive insight at every level.
Yes, the paddles are on the high end, but the Rhapsody 13’s advanced features and exceptional performance justify the cost for serious players. If you’re looking for a paddle that combines control, comfort, and innovation, the Rhapsody 13 is worth every penny.
For those interested, you can save $10 by using this link: Avoura Rhapsody 13 Purchase Link.
Final Thoughts
The Avoura Rhapsody 13 is a standout paddle that delivers on its promises. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to improve your control, or simply want a paddle that enhances your game, the Rhapsody 13 is a top-tier choice.
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