How the 2026 NOX range is structured
NOX organises its lineup by player signature and playing personality rather than by level alone. AT10 is Agustín Tapia’s line — all-round, fast, built for modern attacking padel. Ventus covers the other signature models: ML10 (Lamperti), EA10 (Edu Alonso), and VK10 (Aranzazu Osoro). Pro Cup sits below the Luxury tier and targets players who want the AT10 family feel without the premium price. Equation is the intermediate line, with Soft and Hard variants covering comfort versus response. X-Series is the entry point.
The Luxury models — AT10 and Ventus — share three technologies new to 2026: Weight Balance (adjustable counterweights to tune swing feel), Dual Spin (a two-layer surface texture combining 3D relief and a silica sand finish), and a new aerodynamic mould with EOS Tunnel side channels. These aren’t marketing additions — the Weight Balance system in particular changes how the racket swings, and it’s genuinely useful for players who want to dial in between a quicker net feel and a heavier overhead.
AT10 Genius — for all-round attacking play
The AT10 Genius is the teardrop version of Tapia’s racket and the most versatile model in the 2026 lineup. The choice within it comes down to two variables: face carbon (12K or 18K) and handling (standard or Lite).
The AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem 2026 is what Tapia switched to for the 2026 season. The 12K Alum Xtrem carbon delivers a crisper, stiffer feel with better thermal consistency — it plays more predictably across cold indoor courts and warm outdoor ones. If you want a firmer contact and press forward in points, this is the AT10 to start with.
The AT10 Genius 18K Alum 2026 covers similar ground but with a slightly softer, more forgiving response. The MLD Black EVA core and 18K face combination gives more ball output on off-centre hits, which suits players whose timing isn’t always perfect under pressure. A larger proportion of club players will get more out of this version than the 12K.
The AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem Lite 2026 drops around 10g and is worth considering if you play quick net exchanges, struggle with late preparation, or find the standard version heavy through long sessions. The 12K feel is preserved — you’re trading a small amount of plow-through for noticeably faster handling.
AT10 Genius Attack — for players who finish from above
The Attack variants shift to a diamond shape and raise the balance point toward the head. The trade-off is clear: more leverage on smashes and viboras, less forgiveness on everything else. These are not all-round rackets.
The AT10 Genius Attack 12K Alum Xtrem 2026 is the firmer of the two attack models. Combined with the HR3 Hard EVA core, it transmits a lot of pace on contact — rewarding for players who time their overhead well, punishing for those who don’t. NOX also extended the grip slightly on this version to help two-handed backhand players generate more power.
The AT10 Genius Attack 18K Alum 2026 has the same diamond shape and high balance but a softer response through the MLD Black EVA core. It’s the more accessible attack option — still head-heavy and aggressive, but with a touch more forgiveness on rushed volleys. For players transitioning from teardrop to diamond, this is the easier version to adapt to.
Pro Cup — AT10 family feel, without the Luxury price
The Pro Cup line sits below the Luxury tier in construction but shares the AT10 DNA in terms of shape and balance philosophy. Both 2026 models use a teardrop shape, EOS Flap aerodynamics, Exclusive Spin surface, and a Pulse System for vibration reduction.
The AT10 Pro Cup Soft 2026 uses an aluminised fibreglass face and HR3 Soft EVA core. The result is a smooth, comfortable contact — excellent on volleys and bandejas, arm-friendly over long sessions. If your game is built on placement and feel rather than raw pace, or if you’re managing any elbow sensitivity, this is one of the most comfortable rackets in the NOX range at any level.
The AT10 Pro Cup Hard 2026 swaps the soft core for a firmer response. It suits players who want the Pro Cup price point but prefer a more direct, punchy contact — closer in feel to the Genius without the premium carbon construction.
Ventus — the signature alternatives
The Ventus family covers three different player signatures, each with a distinct personality.
The ML10 Ventus Control 3K is Lamperti’s model and the purest control racket in the 2026 lineup. Round shape, very low balance, large sweet spot, soft feel. It rewards players who build points through placement and consistency — the opposite of the Attack variants. If your game is built in the back court and you’re not looking to generate power from the racket itself, this is the model to look at.
The VK10 Ventus Control 12K 2026 is Aranzazu Osoro’s racket — also round and control-focused, but slightly lighter than the ML10 and with a 12K carbon construction that adds a bit more crispness to the response. Players who find the ML10 too muted will likely prefer the VK10.
The EA10 Ventus Hybrid 12K Xtreme 2026 is Edu Alonso’s model — teardrop shape, medium balance, 12K face. It sits between the control-first Ventus models and the attacking AT10 line, and is one of the firmer-feeling rackets in the 2026 collection. Players who want Ventus versatility but prefer a more direct response will find this more satisfying than the ML10 or VK10.
Equation — for improving players who want quality without compromise
The Equation line targets intermediate players who want a well-built, forgiving racket that won’t hold back their development. Both 2026 models are round-shaped and control-oriented, with the difference being purely in feel.
The Equation Soft Advanced uses a competition-grade rubber core and delivers a smooth, comfortable contact with a generous sweet spot. It’s the right choice for players who are still building consistency and want a racket that lets them focus on technique rather than fighting the equipment.
The Equation Hard Advanced 2026 swaps the soft core for a firmer, more direct response. It gives more immediate feedback on contact, which suits players who already have decent timing and want to start feeling the difference between a clean hit and a mistimed one.
Which NOX racket should you buy?
The simplest filter: identify where you score most of your points. If you finish from the net with smashes and viboras, work through the AT10 Attack variants. If you build points patiently and rely on placement, start with Pro Cup Soft, ML10, or Equation Soft. If you want an all-court racket that can do both, the AT10 Genius 18K is the most versatile option in the range at the advanced level — and the Equation Soft is its equivalent for improving players.
The Weight Balance system on the Luxury models is worth taking seriously. The ability to shift the balance point with small counterweights means one racket can feel meaningfully different depending on how you set it up — a real advantage as your game evolves.
