Nox AT10 2026: Genius vs Attack, 12K vs 18K compared
The AT10 is Agustín Tapia's signature series with Nox and one of the most searched-for padel rackets around. If you want one, though, you're faced with five names that sound almost identical: Genius 18K, Genius 12K, Genius 12K Lite, Genius Attack 18K and Genius Attack 12K. Here I sort out the 2026 range: what shape, core and carbon each change, and which AT10 suits your game. One note first: I haven't measured these rackets in a lab. The data comes from Nox retailers and racket databases, and some shops list slightly different weights.
Nox AT10 2026: the models at a glance
Every model in the Luxury Genius range has a carbon frame, a 38 mm profile and a rough face. They differ in three things: shape, core and the carbon in the face.
- AT10 Genius 18K Alum: teardrop, medium balance, 360 to 375 g, multilayer black EVA core (medium firm), 18K carbon face.
- AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem: teardrop, medium balance, 360 to 375 g, hard Black EVA HR3 core, 12K carbon face.
- AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem Lite: like the 12K, but 355 to 365 g and with a softer White EVA HR3 core.
- AT10 Genius Attack 18K Alum: diamond, head-heavy, 360 to 375 g, multilayer black EVA core, 18K carbon.
- AT10 Genius Attack 12K Alum Xtrem: diamond, head-heavy, 360 to 375 g, hard HR3 core, 12K carbon.
On top of that there are cheaper spin-offs such as the AT10 Pro Cup Soft and Hard, based on the previous year's mould, and limited editions such as the Buenos Aires Edition. The list price of the Genius models is €390; in shops they usually cost around €200.
Genius or Genius Attack: teardrop vs diamond
The most important decision is the shape. The Genius is a teardrop with medium balance: it forgives off-centre hits, is quick at the net and still gives you enough punch for the bandeja and the smash. It's the all-round AT10 for most players.
The Genius Attack is a diamond with more weight in the head. That means more power overhead, but less manoeuvrability in defence, and it demands cleaner contact. It's built for players who usually play on the right and want to finish points with the smash.
Why shape matters so much is explained in detail in round, teardrop or diamond.
12K or 18K: what the carbon really changes
The number before the K tells you how many thousand carbon filaments make up each bundle in the weave. With Nox, though, the carbon comes as a package: the 12K models ("Alum Xtrem") pair the face with the hard HR3 core, while the 18K models use a multilayer, slightly softer core.
- 12K Alum Xtrem: stiffer and more direct. With a fast swing the ball flies off the face; on slow balls you have to generate more pace yourself.
- 18K Alum: a little softer and more comfortable, and the ball comes off well even at medium pace. For most club and recreational players it's the easier choice, for the elbow too.
My rule of thumb: if you're not sure you swing fast enough for a hard racket, take the 18K.
Weight Balance, Dual Spin and the Lite version
All Genius models have the Weight Balance system: small 2 g and 4 g weights fit into the frame and shift the balance towards the head or the handle. That lets you make a Genius a bit more attacking without switching to the Attack. The face is called Dual Spin: a 3D texture with a sandy finish that helps you put spin on the ball.
The Lite is around 5 to 10 g lighter and has a softer core. That doesn't sound like much, but you'll feel it in your arm after two hours. It suits players who find 370 g too heavy but want the shape and face of the AT10. Lighter alternatives from other brands are in my list of the best padel rackets for women.
Which AT10 is right for you? Plus current prices
- Intermediate or advanced, all-round, left or right side: Genius 18K.
- Advanced, fast swing, lots of net play: Genius 12K Alum Xtrem.
- Lighter arm or elbow trouble: Genius 12K Lite.
- Attacker on the right with a strong smash: Genius Attack 18K or, with a very fast swing, Attack 12K.
No AT10 is built for beginners: 360 g and a hard face forgive very little. The rackets in my list of the best padel rackets for beginners are a better fit. To see how the AT10 compares with other top rackets, have a look at the 9 best padel rackets of 2026.
Tennis-Point currently stocks these three models, with prices from 7 November 2026:
- Nox AT10 Genius Attack 18K*, around €210.
- Nox AT10 Genius Attack 12K Xtreme*, around €209.
- Nox AT10 Genius 12K Xtreme Lite*, around €217.
Links marked * are partner links to Tennis-Point. If you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nox AT10 Genius and Genius Attack?
The shape. The Genius is a teardrop with medium balance, making it an all-round racket. The Genius Attack is a diamond with head-heavy balance: more power on the smash, but less manoeuvrability and less forgiveness.
Nox AT10 12K or 18K: which is better?
Neither is better across the board. The 12K Alum Xtrem, with its hard HR3 core, is stiffer and more direct; the 18K, with its multilayer core, is a little softer and more comfortable. If you don't swing very fast, the 18K is usually easier to get on with.
How heavy is the Nox AT10?
According to retailers, the 2026 Genius and Attack models weigh 360 to 375 g and the Lite version 355 to 365 g. The 2 g or 4 g Weight Balance weights add a little on top.
Is the Nox AT10 suitable for beginners?
Not really. The weight, the hard face and a price of around €200 suit intermediate and advanced players. For starting out, a lighter round racket with a soft core is the better choice.