Exclusive Interview: Steve Dawson on Avoura, the Rhapsody Paddle, and What’s Next

[@daltonhess4627]

What a great interviewer. Great at leading questions

Just ordered mine, looking forward to playing with it 😊

[@kimleith1378]

Living in San Diego and playing at Bobby Riggs occasionally , Steve, Jennifer and Callan are Legends here. The shape is similar to a Padel paddle and their paddles are pretty much the same. I hope the Rhapsody stays like this. People mocked the ProKennex Oval shape too. Was a bit shocked when he sold the company over a year ago. Would like to see other color schemes in the future. The cost being up there does not scare me, since it's USA made with US materials. Patents are very expensive. Multiply that by how many are used and the cost to make goes really high. I keep saying I am not going to buy any more paddles but, I'll make an exception for Steve.

[@Ternary5]

So basically a gen 1 poly core wide body. USA sourced similar to the paddletek, with an edge weighted “gel”. The Vatic Saga is similarly a gen 1 with edge foam for that perimeter weighting. Not sure what the innovation is here but if it’s anything it’s the extra edge weight. The 11six24 jellybean is similarly a gen 1 with edge foam in a wide body at 1/3rd the price. Would try those side by side during this 30 day free trial to see if there is anything beyond marketing jargon supporting the price on this paddle.

[@PickleballCentral]

All fair points, but I can address the price and performance differentiators there. The Rhapsody's innovation comes primarily from its shape and handle connection, with the perimeter weighting being an important addition. You'll find more pop with the Rhapsody than either the Saga or the jellybean, but in turn not quite as effortless control. Making paddles in the US does cost more than importing from China, and while the Rhapsody is expensive in comparison to many cheaper imported paddles, it's actually competitively priced for an American made performance paddle when compared to the other domestic options. At the end of the day, you're right that trying the paddle itself is the best way to compare, and we fully support you utilizing our 30-day test drive to do so! - Joseph

[@monkmelodies-relaxmusic2339]

Need numbers power, spin & swing weight

[@PickleballCentral]

Swingweight: 110 (Low) Twistweight: 7.76 (Very High)

[@billkennedy401]

Good luck - I've been asking for spin rates for over a week

[@windowman9406]

For emphasizing sweet spot as much as you do, you should provide the twist rate spec.

[@PickleballCentral]

7.76! We will be releasing our full review next week with more specific technical information.

[@ValueRobot]

Best of Luck to the Dawsons in this very competitive paddle market.

[@AvouraSports]

Thank you! We are up for the challenge!

[@seanwilson512]

Looking forward to getting mine

[@debbirabinowitz]

is it USAPA approved ?

[@PickleballCentral]

It is!

[@PickleballCentral]

Drop any questions you have on the Rhapsody down below!

[@cliffmarhoefer4172]

what about the surface and spin quality

[@kimleith1378]

Peel Ply, paint grit, something new, give us the tech.

[@PickleballCentral]

@cliffmarhoefer4172 The surface is a "raw carbon fiber" texture similar to other paddles like it on the market. Both of our test models were consistent side to side and paddle to paddle which you love to see but don't always get. Spin potential was in line with Paddletek and Engage's raw carbon fiber options.

[@PickleballCentral]

@ We will be posting our own full review of the Rhapsody next week with all technical details included

[@kimleith1378]

@@PickleballCentral Couldn't control myself. Ordered today.

[@zelos1982]

This is not a unibody, right? So could snap between handle and plate of paddle.

[@PickleballCentral]

The Carbon fiber face layers extend all the way through the handle, and if they act like carbon fiber should, handle breakage is unlikely, but we would of course cover any issues of such within warranty.

[@zelos1982]

@PickleballCentral thank you for the clarification!