Are you ready to elevate your padel game? The AT10 by Agustín Tapia, famously known as the "Mozart of Catamarca," is a perennial bestseller, and NOX has outdone themselves by releasing not one, but four new versions for 2025! Here at ThePadelShop.co.nz, we're thrilled to bring you insights from Pablo of "the4Set" YouTube channel, who thoroughly tested these rackets to help you find your perfect match.
Pablo set out to answer crucial questions: Which racket is harder? Which delivers more power? And is it truly worth upgrading from last year's model? Let's break down his findings!
What's New and What Stays the Same?
First, it's important to understand the fundamental technical differences among the four rackets. They vary in mold (hybrid vs. diamond shape) and carbon type (18K vs. 12K), leading to four distinct options. The most exciting new addition this year is the Attack 12K in a diamond shape, a combination that didn't exist last year and promises to be the most powerful.
While they have their differences, all four new AT10s share some significant features:
- MLD Black EVA Foam: This foam boasts a double density in a hard-medium-hard format, ensuring a consistent feel.
- Optimal Grip: All rackets feature a comfortable 12.5 cm grip and come with the Custom Grip.
- Enhanced Rough Finish: A major upgrade for 2024 is the new double rough texture. This features 3D rough in the center and sandy rough in the rest of the racket. Unlike the older sandy rough, which wore off with use, the new 3D rough is designed not to wear down at all, though it is "less effective" than sandy rough.
- Octagonal Butt Cap: A direct request from Agustín Tapia himself, the new octagonal butt cap offers increased stability, differing from the round one of previous models.
Pablo's Performance Review: Finding Your Perfect AT10
Pablo tested these rackets extensively, from ball output to smash power, and provided detailed insights into their feel and performance. Here's his breakdown to help you choose:
General Observations: Pablo found that while differences in hardness were subtle to discern by sound, the 12K carbon is slightly stiffer than the 18K. However, this difference isn't huge, as the foam and other materials are consistent across the AT10 line. All AT10s are "TOP rackets" that you'll feel comfortable with right away.
Let's dive into each model:
18K Alum Teardrop (Agus's Racket): The Ultimate All-Rounder
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- Feel & Sweet Spot: Pablo describes this as the most comfortable racket with the biggest sweet spot and the softest feel among the four.
- Performance: It's the most forgiving, making it easy to feel comfortable on court. With slightly more ball output than the 12K, it helps significantly in defense.
- Ideal Player: This racket will help you in every area of your game: defense, attack, volleys, bandejas. If you're looking for a racket that does everything well without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Pablo gives it a 9/10.
12K Teardrop: Pablo's Personal Favorite - Power with Maneuverability
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- Feel & Sweet Spot: This model is a bit harder than the 18K hybrid, meaning a slight decrease in sweet spot size and comfort.
- Performance: For Pablo, this was the most powerful racket due to its ease of handling and ability to accelerate better than the 12K Attack. It offers a fantastic balance of hardness, sweet spot, and agility, making it his top choice for volleys, bandejas, and víboras. It's super maneuverable and comfortable while still offering a lot of potential.
- Ideal Player: If you prioritize power and control without sacrificing too much comfort and maneuverability, this racket is a strong contender. It’s perfect for players who want a great balance and can generate some of their own power. Pablo rates it his "personal 10".
18K Attack: Powerful, Not Super Stiff
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- Feel & Sweet Spot: Compared to the 18K hybrid, this racket sacrifices some comfort due to a higher sweet spot and being a little less easy to move.
- Performance: What it sacrifices in comfort, it gains in power. In defense, Pablo found it more comfortable than the 12K Attack, offering a bit more ball output.
- Ideal Player: If you're specifically looking for a powerful racket but don't want something super stiff, the 18K Attack is an incredible option that delivers a punch without being overly demanding.
12K Attack: The Most Powerful & Technical Beast
- Feel & Sweet Spot: This is the most powerful and technical of the four rackets. It comes with the smallest sweet spot and the least ball output. Defending with this racket requires more effort due to its higher sweet spot.
- Performance: While challenging, if you're a stronger player who can accelerate it sufficiently, it might be your best option for raw power. This racket is technically demanding.
- Ideal Player: This racket will reward players who can generate their own power and possess sharp technique more than any other. If you have precision and power in your game, this racket will unleash its full potential. If your technique isn't sharp, you might struggle to get the most out of it.
Ready to Find Your Match?
The new NOX AT10 line offers something for every serious padel player. Whether you're seeking the forgiving nature of an all-rounder, the balanced power of a hybrid, or the raw force of a technical diamond shape, there's a Tapia racket waiting for you.
Explore the full range of NOX AT10 rackets on ThePadelShop.co.nz today and discover which one will help you dominate the court!
You can watch Pablo's full YouTube video by clicking the below:
