Take a deep dive into the real data and engineering changes for the NOX AT10 2026 series of padel rackets here with each 2026 racket analysed and compared with 2025 models and previous. 

Is the upgrade really worth it, how much of a change in the racket design is there, we answer all these questions and more in this in-depth look at the most popular padel racket range as designed by Augstin Tapia himself.

 

1) NOX AT10 Luxury Genius 18K Alum 2026

 — Balanced Precision and Spin

Racket Shape & Feel:

A relatively round head shape that prioritises control and forgiveness — ideal for all-around players who want to shape points rather than dominate with brute force. For 2026, NOX continued the round hybrid geometry but refined the mould to enhance stability and a cleaner sweet spot feel compared to earlier 2025 AT10 18K versions. 

Materials & Surface:

Utilises 18K Alum carbon fibres in the face for a balance between comfort and reactive stiffness. What’s genuinely new for 2026 is the Dual Spin surface — combining a 3D relief with a silica sand finish across the entire face — significantly improving spin potential over the old SPIN 3D plus sand combo. 

Core & Technology:

MLD Black EVA in the core delivers a more elastic and smoother impact compared to some harder cores in past AT10 models. The Weight Balance adjustable system allows custom tuning of balance (added in 2026 across multiple AT10 models). Photochromic reactive paint gives it a vivid, modern aesthetic. 

Play Style & Balance:

Balanced to slightly even — a blend of control and moderate power, great for players emphasizing placement and spin from the baseline.

Colours & Design:

Sleek and striking – black/dark tones with reactive paint that shifts shades in light. There were no widely marketed special editions beyond signature branding in 2026.

2026 Change Summary:

• Dual Spin surface across the face (big spin leap)
• Adjustable Weight Balance system
• Photochromic reactive paint for aesthetics
• Slight resin and carbon layout tweaks for more predictable feel

 

2) NOX AT10 Luxury Genius 12K Alum Xtreme 2026

 — Signature Versatility

Racket Shape & Feel:

Teardrop head delivering a harmonic balance between control and explosive power. For 2026, NOX redesigned the mould for better stability in transitions between defence and attack. 

Materials & Surface:

Face constructed from 12K Alum Xtrem carbon — this higher density and aluminised carbon significantly reduces fibre waviness, increasing stiffness and consistent performance across temperatures compared to older 12K. Combined with the Dual Spin rough surface, it’s geared for spin and cleaner pop. 

Core & Technology:

HR3 Black EVA offers firmer response with a high memory effect — this core was tuned for 2026 to feel tighter on contact than some earlier AT10 12K cores. The Weight Balance counterweight, EOS Tunnel perforations (aerodynamics) and Smartstrap system are all new upgrades. 

Play Style & Balance:

Balanced to slightly head-light — more control-oriented but still powerful enough for decisive shots.

Design & Colours:

Signature NOX black + chromic reactive paint in the core — aggressive yet elegant. No specific limited editions beyond the line variations.

2026 Change Summary:

• 12K Alum Xtrem carbon with aluminium lamination for thermal stability
• Dual Spin surface across the face
• New mould delivering more consistent sweet spot and improved aerodynamics
• Weight Balance tuning included

 

3) NOX AT10 Luxury Genius 12K Alum Xtrem Lite 2026

 — Light Control Focus

Racket Shape & Feel:

Drop/teardrop with a slightly lighter total mass (~355–365 g) — focusing on manoeuvrability without sacrificing performance. Compared to regular 12K XTREM, this version feels softer and more agile. 

Materials & Surface:

Shares the same 12K Alum Xtrem carbon face and Dual Spin surface tech found in the standard 2026 Luxury lineup. The key 2026 upgrade here is this Lite version’s HR3 White EVA core — softer, lower density for better touch and control. 

Technology:

Weight Balance system, EOS Tunnel aerodynamics, DCS structural integrity and Smartstrap features are all included — making this one of the most tech-rich lightweight blades in the line. 

Play Style & Balance:

Ideal for technical players who prefer explicit control and quick reaction at the net rather than raw hitting power.

Design:

Still cohesive with the rest of the 2026 range — sleek graphics with reactive paint accents.

2026 Change Summary:

• More delicate, softer feel due to White EVA core
• Maintains all other 2026 innovations — balanced tech in a lighter package

4) NOX AT10 Luxury Genius Attack Padel Racket

— Aggressive Power Play (12K XTREM)

Racket Shape & Feel:

This Attack version adopts a diamond shape, prioritising power and reach in smash situations. Compared to prior Attack variants, the 2026 model uses the updated AT10 Luxury mould for superior balance and control even when swinging hard. 

Materials & Surface:

12K Alum Xtrem carbon face with Dual Spin in 2026, paired with a harder HR3 Black EVA core for explosive shots. 

Technology:

Includes Weight Balance system to fine-tune head-heaviness for even more punch. EOS Tunnel and Smartstrap continue throughout the Luxury lineup. 

Play Style & Balance:

More head-heavy feel fosters offensive play — especially overheads and smashes.

Design:

Darker accents with chromic paint complement the aggressive intent.

2026 Change Summary:

• Updated Attack mould for consistency across power shots
• New surface and material tech from 2026 series

 

5) NOX AT10 Pro Cup Hard 2026

 — Classic Power Oriented

Racket Shape & Feel:

Teardrop silhouette that balances power and control, leaning noticeably towards power in 2026. NOX used the successful 2025 mould but added new features like EOS Flap aerodynamics and a more tuned HR3 Hard EVA core to improve responsiveness. 

Materials & Surface:

Instead of full carbon face, this Pro-level model uses aluminised fiberglass (“Fiberglass Silver”) — giving a stiffer bio-elastic feel between traditional fiberglass and full carbon. The Exclusive Spin surface uses dual texture for better grip and spin generation while still keeping comfort. 

Technology:

Carbon frame for durability, Pulse System to reduce vibration, and the new EOS Flap for manoeuvrability are clear 2026 additions. Smartstrap is also present. 

Play Style & Balance:

Head-heavy balance enhances shot momentum — ideal for offensive intermediate/advanced players who want a more powerful, aggressive game.

Design & Colours:

Typically metallic finish with structural accents; 2026 added photochromic accents for visual flair. 

2026 Change Summary:

• EOS Flap for improved aerodynamics
• Refined vibration reduction
• Updated face and core interplay vs earlier 2025 versions

 

6) NOX AT10 Pro Cup Soft 2026

 — Comfort & Control

Racket Shape & Feel:

Teardrop shape but with a softer overall feel compared to the Hard version — aiming at players who value comfort and precision. The HR3 Soft EVA core absorbs impact better, making it easier to place balls but with slightly reduced outright power. 

Materials & Surface:

Like the Hard version, it pairs aluminised fiberglass with a carbon-reinforced frame and the same Exclusive Spin dual textured surface. The softer core and lashings of 2026 tech make it more forgiving than previous Soft models. 

Technology:

Pulse System for vibration absorption, EOS Flap for agility, and Smartstrap system all contribute to a more comfortable experience. 

Play Style & Balance:

Very balanced, more comfort-centric, encouraging consistency and slower rallies when needed.

Design:

Often black/blue with modern 2026 accents — reactive paint sometimes included.

2026 Change Summary:

• EOS Flap aerodynamics added
• Softer EVA tuned for better control and reduced arm strain

 

Overall 2026 AT10 Changes vs Previous Years

New Materials & Surfaces:

Introduction of 12K Alum Xtrem carbon with aluminisation and tighter weave for superior stiffness, surface uniformity and temperature stability (vs older 12K or earlier 18K only) — boosts precision and power consistency. 

Dual Spin surface across most luxury models (full face 3D + silica sand) for enhanced spin options vs older rough finishes. 

Ergonomics & Playability:

Weight Balance adjustable system allows players to tailor swing weight. 

EOS Tunnel / EOS Flap aerodynamic tweaks for better control at speed. 

Smartstrap wrist-strap system for easier grip customization and hygiene. 

Aesthetics:

Photochromic reactive paint giving rackets a dynamic look that changes with light — unique to 2026. 

Play Style Evolution:

2026 AT10 rackets, on the whole, feel more tuned and consistent across the range — prior models sometimes faced feedback about inconsistent stiffness or softer feels, especially 18K variants. The material upgrades and balance adjustability aim to give players more predictable power and control profiles than earlier years. 

 

Model	Best For	Strengths
Luxury Genius 18K Alum	Balanced control and spin	Easy handling, great all-around feel
Luxury Genius 12K Alum Xtrem	Power + versatility	Firm pop with spin & control
Luxury Genius 12K Alum Xtrem Lite	Technical play & agility	Lightweight, responsive
Luxury Genius Attack 12K	Offensive players	Diamond head + power
Pro Cup Hard	Aggressive intermediate	Punchy & power-centric
Pro Cup Soft	Comfort-oriented	Softer response & control

 

 

Common Innovations Across 2026 Models

Before diving model-by-model, here are the major new technologies and construction changes introduced in 2026 that didn’t exist (or were much more limited) in 2025:

Carbon 12K Alum Xtrem — an aluminised 12K carbon that’s thinner, more uniform, and thermally stable, yielding higher stiffness and better power transfer especially over rough surfaces. 

Dual Spin Surface — full-face roughness combining 3D texture + silica sand across the entire face (not just zones). This yields more predictable, consistent spin than the mixed textures on 2025 rackets. 

Weight Balance System — an entirely new adjustable balance system that lets players insert or remove small counterweights to tune racket balance for power or control. 

Chromic Paint Finish — reactive photochromic coating on the core/heart for striking aesthetics and premium identity. 

Aerodynamic Frame Redesign (EOS Tunnel/EOS Flap) — improved airflow and manoeuvrability vs. 2025 profiles. 

These features represent a significant design strategy shift — instead of just yearly colour/graphic tweaks, NOX’s 2026 collection reworks materials, balance customization, and grip/surface tech. 

 

Comparing 2026 models VS 2025 - Is the Upgrade Worth It?

 

1) Nox At10 Genius 12k Alum Xtrem By Agustin Tapia 2026 vs 2025

Materials & Surface

• 2025: 12K carbon with selective rough + sand zones.

• 2026: Upgraded 12K Alum Xtrem carbon, which is stiffer, more uniform, and thermally stable, plus Dual Spin full-face surface for more consistent spin. 

Core / Feel

• 2025: MLD Black EVA core — balanced feel.

• 2026: HR3 Black EVA — firmer, more reactive, delivering faster rebounds and sharper control, especially at high speeds. 

Shape / Balance / Handling

• 2025: Traditional teardrop teardrop head but without balance adjustability.

• 2026: Same teardrop shape but with Weight Balance System and updated aerodynamics via EOS Tunnel — improving hand speed and net play reactions. 

Result: 2026 is more powerful, spin-oriented and controllable, with personalised balance and aerodynamic benefits — a notable evolution rather than a simple refresh. 

 

2) Nox At10 Genius 12k By Agustin Tapia Padel Racket vs 2025

This is effectively the standard Genius 12K model — the core differences mirror the XTREM but with some nuance:

Carbon & Surface:

• 2025: Standard 12K carbon with mixed textures.

• 2026: 12K Alum Xtrem with Dual Spin — greater surface uniformity, stronger grip, more spin. 

Balance & Handling:

• New Weight Balance System and aerodynamic frame — absent in 2025. 

Core:

• Likely HR3 series in 2026 vs. MLD Black EVA in 2025 — firmer response and energy return. 

Result: More refined feel, better spin control and customisable balance — a clear upgrade if precision and adaptability matter.

 

3) 18K Variants (e.g., Legacy Genius 18K Series) – 2026 vs 2025

Material & Surface:

• 2025: Exclusive Spin (3D center + outer sand zone).

• 2026: Dual Spin across full face, allowing higher and more consistent spin generation with every shot. 

Core:

• Core remains MLD Black EVA in both years, but 2026 benefits from improved balance and aerodynamics. 

Balance / Frame:

• New aerodynamics (EOS Tunnel) and Weight Balance System, which were not present in 2025 models. 

Result: The feel is still familiar but with enhanced spin potential, cleaner feedback, better stability at high pace, and adjustable balance — a real step up from 2025’s incremental update. 

 

4) Attack Variants (Diamond Head) – 2026 vs 2025

Core & Material:

• 2025 Attack: carbon + MLD EVA with Exclusive Spin zones.

• 2026: 12K Alum Xtrem or 18K Alum + HR3 Hard EVA core in Attack variants — producing a firmer, more explosive impact. 

Balance Customisation:

• Weight Balance System is new in 2026, letting players shift between power-focused head-heavy setup or more controlled balance — not available in the 2025 Attack models. 

Result: More dynamic, crisp attacking profile — especially on smashes — and greater control over balance for strategic net play. 

 

5) NOX AT10 Pro Cup Hard Padel Racket and NOX AT10 Pro Cup Soft Padel Racket vs 2025 Versions (e.g., NOX AT10 Pro Cup Hard 2025)

Tech / Construction:

• 2025 Pro Cups: AT10 Pro Cup Hard/Soft used aluminised fiberglass face, Pulse System, and Classic Exclusive Spin, with a traditional feel. 

• 2026 Pro Cups: Added EOS Flap aerodynamics (better manoeuvrability), Pulse System tuned, and Exclusive Spin texture (unchanged), plus the broader AT-mould improvements — although they don’t get Dual Spin or Weight Balance (reserved for Luxury). 

Result: Comfort and stability improved slightly due to aerodynamics, but core character remains closer to 2025 than the Luxury line.

 

Feature	2025 AT10 Series	2026 AT10 Series
Carbon Face	Standard 12K/18K carbon, zoned textures	12K Alum Xtrem, aluminised uniform texture
Surface Texture	Exclusive Spin (zones)	Dual Spin (full face)
Core Foams	MLD Black EVA throughout	HR3 Black/Hard EVA + MLD depending on model
Balance Customisation	None	Weight Balance System
Aerodynamics	Standard frame	EOS Tunnel / Flap redesign
Finish / Aesthetics	Standard paint	Chromic Paint reactive finish
Spin Potential	Good (textured zones)	Better + more consistent (Dual Spin)
Overall Feel	Traditional AT10	Sharper, faster, customizable and tech-rich

 

2026 is a real evolution, not just cosmetic — with material, surface, balance and aerodynamics innovations across the Luxury AT10 range. 

Adjustable balance and Dual Spin are the biggest tangible playability upgrades from 2025.

Intermediate players might see noticeable improvements in spin and response, while high-level players get more control over balance and feel. 

Shop the Full 2026 AT10 Racket Range