A First Look: Is the New NOX AT10 2026 Worth the Hype? A Review by the4Set
The padel world is buzzing, and for good reason. Agustín Tapia’s new racket, the NOX AT10 12K Alum Xtrem 2026, is here. For four years running, the AT10 has been the best-selling racket in the world, so any change is big news. We're diving into a detailed review from Pablo at the popular YouTube channel "the4Set" to see what makes this new "violin" for the "Mozart of Catamarca" so special.
What’s New? Key Upgrades from the 2025 Model
According to the4Set, this isn't just a paint job; NOX and Tapia have spent months developing significant upgrades. The most important changes are in the racket’s core construction and feel.
- New Mold and Customisation: The 2026 model features an evolution of the AT10 mold. It now includes grooves in the tip, allowing players to add lead strips to raise the balance if they choose. The air channel has also been redesigned into a more open "wind tunnel".
- Stiffer Materials, Drier Feel: The two biggest changes are in the materials. Tapia has switched from 18K carbon to a new 12K Aluminized Xtrem carbon. The rubber has also been upgraded from MLD Black EVA to a more rigid HR3 Black EVA. The result of these changes is a racket that feels noticeably harder and has a drier feel than its predecessor.
- Refined Roughness: The racket still features a mix of 3D and sandy roughness. While the 3D texture is less noticeable, the sandy roughness now covers the entire face of the racket by popular demand.
- Lower Balance: The tested racket showed a lower balance than last year's 18K model, contributing to its excellent maneuverability.
- Reactive Paint: A unique cosmetic touch is the reactive paint on the throat, which turns from white to black when exposed to sunlight.
On-Court Performance: Control meets Power
So, how do these changes translate on the court? The4Set's review gives us a clear picture.
The most significant improvement over the 2025 18K model is in control. The new AT10 has less ball output, which means you have to generate more of your own pace, but the payoff is precision. Lobs and chiquitas are more precise, and high-intensity volleys are easier to direct without the ball flying out of control. It’s a racket that adapts to you, not the other way around.
While it's more technically demanding, it isn't extremely hard. The huge sweet spot and impeccable maneuverability remain key features of the AT10 line.
What about power? The4Set's smash test was conclusive: the new 2026 AT10 clearly outperforms the 2025 18K model in power and is virtually on par with the 2025 12K model. It’s a more precise, powerful, and stiffer racket than last year's main model.
The Verdict
According to the4Set, the evolution from the 2025 18K is substantial. The new AT10 12K Alum Xtrem 2026 is described as stiffer, more powerful, and more precise—it's "just plain better". For the reviewer, it's one of the best and most complete rackets in the world, scoring a 9.25 in every aspect.
ThePadelShop.co.nz is excited to announce that we will have the new NOX AT10 12K Alum Xtrem 2026 available for sale in New Zealand in late October 2025. Get ready to experience the evolution of a legend!
Watch the full review by clicking the link below:
