Bottom Line:
The made in America Avoura Rhapsody’s real super powers are speed ups and counter attacks. The low swingweight and short profile make it lightning fast to go from zero to sixty, and you can really be creative and daring with your attacks knowing that the paddle is fast enough to get back in position for the counter. Players who want that ping pong feel at the net are going to love this paddle.
Model: Rhapsody 13
Manufacturer: Avoura
Paddle Type: All-Court/Power
Spin: Very High
Player Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Thickness: 13mm
Weight: 7.8 - 8.2 oz.
Surface: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
Build: "Gen 1" Cold-Layered Construction
✅ Pros
- Incredible spin potential
- Great maneuverability
- Durable construction
❌ Cons
- Lots of pop can be tough to control
- Shorter shape not for everyone
Playtesting
Dinks and Drops – With higher than average pop off the face, dialing in the soft game to keep the ball low over the net takes some adjustment if you are coming from a more control oriented paddle. The benefit of the Rhapsody is it's large consistent sweet spot that makes it predictable so that once you are dialed in on power level, you can place the ball with confidence, and if you hit your drops and dinks with topspin, you'll get even more forgiveness.
Speed ups and attacks – This is where the Rhapsody shines, it's such a maneuverable and poppy paddle that you can easily disguise speed ups until the last moment and get enough power on the ball to disarm your opponent. You will need to utilize low to high strokes to keep the ball in play when attacking below the net, but that's true of most paddles in this power range.
Serves and Drives – Despite its shorter stature, the weight distribution and layup of the Rhapsody can bring the heat when you need it to. Being such a whippy paddle, it's easy to accelerate through the ball and take advantage of the powerful core and top tier spin, though you'll need to take extra care to keep your legs bent through contact to ensure you don't misshit the ball off the top of the edgeguard.
Counters and blocks – Sending the ball back over the net with interest is one of the Rhapsody's greatest perks, and counter punchers everywhere will enjoy the feeling of being one step ahead of their opponents. You don't often get a paddle that has a big sweet spot, great pop, and extremely good maneuverability, but the Avoura Rhapsody is one of them.
Tech
Patented Paddle Shape – The first thing you'll notice on the Rhapsody is the unorthodox shape, but there's a method to the madness. Avoura's patented shape makes the paddle widest at the sweet spot to ensure the largest and most natural hitting area possible within the confines of the allowed dimensions of a paddle.
Final Thoughts
The Dawson family knows pickleball, and I’m not surprised at all that the Rhapsody has all the pieces to compete at a high level. That being said, this paddle isn’t for everyone. Those who prefer elongated paddles will have a tougher time adjusting to the widebody shape. I will say for me, some weighted tape at the top of the paddle gave more forgiveness on high hits without driving up the swingweight too much, and Avoura is nice enough to include some along with a fresh overgrip and ball in a nice boxed package. For creative attackers, counter punchers, and those who want a paddle that will last a long time, the Rhapsody will be your new best friend.
About the Author
Joseph is a 5.0 rated player that lives and plays in Seattle, WA and is obsessed with finding players the right gear for their game.
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