The short answer
Both 2026 AT10 Genius rackets share Agustín Tapia's teardrop shape, a weight of 360–375 g and NOX's adjustable weight system. The difference is inside. The 18K uses a multi-layer MLD Black EVA core and an 18K aluminised carbon face with an 'Intermediate' touch, so it's the more comfortable and forgiving of the two. The 12K Alum Xtrem uses a dense HR3 Black EVA core and a stiffer 12K face, listed as 'Intermediate-hard', so it's more direct and explosive but asks more of your timing.
Most improving and advanced players: the 18K. Fast, clean swingers who attack and want more punch: the 12K.
| Question | Our answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More forgiving | AT10 18K | Its multi-layer MLD Black EVA core and 'Intermediate' touch (NOX) give more help on off-centre hits than the 12K's dense HR3 core. |
| More powerful | AT10 12K | Retailers list a medium-hard touch and a high-rigidity 12K face: more ball speed from a fast, clean swing. |
| Same on both | Shape, weight, weight system | Both are teardrops of 360–375 g with NOX's adjustable 2 g / 4 g weights, Dual Spin face and EOS Tunnel. |
| More comfortable | AT10 18K | Softer core response and less stiffness mean less vibration reaching the arm. |
| Better value | No verified prices yet | We don't track live prices. Compare the shops below on the day you buy. |
| Biggest trade-off | Comfort vs punch | The 18K is the all-rounder Tapia's line is known for; the 12K trades some comfort and forgiveness for a firmer, more explosive response. |
Specs side by side
| NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum | NOX AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem | |
|---|---|---|
| Model checked | AT10 Luxury Genius 18K Alum 2026 (Agustín Tapia) | AT10 Luxury Genius 12K Alum Xtrem 2026 (Agustín Tapia) |
| Shape | Teardrop | Teardrop reported |
| Balance | Medium estimated | Medium estimated |
| Weight | 360–375 g | 360–375 g reported |
| Feel | Touch: Intermediate | Medium to hard reported |
| Core | MLD Black EVA | HR3 Black EVA reported |
| Face | Carbon Fiber 18K Alum | Carbon 12K Alum Xtrem reported |
| Level | Intermediate to advanced | Advanced |
| Play style (estimated) | All-rounder | All-rounder |
| Data confidence | Medium | Medium |
Values without a tag come from the maker's own website, checked on the date shown. "Reported" comes from independent review databases or retailers; "estimated" means no source we checked lists it. Weights vary slightly between individual rackets.
Estimated stats
NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum
All-rounderNOX AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem
All-rounderThe estimated stats are close: Estimated from specs, not lab-tested, method v2.1 (11 October 2026): a one-point gap is within the method's margin, so read small differences as tendencies. How the stats work.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum if
- You want one racket that defends and attacks equally well.
- You value comfort and a forgiving response on off-centre hits.
- You play several times a week and want to protect your arm.
- You're moving up from an intermediate racket.
Good
- Real power without punishing mishits
- All-court racket: defends and attacks
- Large, consistent sweet spot for its class
Less good
- Pro-line price
- More than a beginner needs
Avoid if: you're in your first year or have elbow pain: the firmer feel and smaller sweet spot punish mishits.
Choose the NOX AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem if
- You already hit the sweet spot consistently.
- You attack at the net and want a firmer, more direct response.
- You like a stiff racket and don't have arm pain.
- You're an advanced player who finds the 18K too soft.
Good
- Stiffer, more direct response than the 18K
- Same adjustable weight system as the 18K
- More bite on smashes and volleys for fast swingers
Less good
- Less forgiving and less comfortable than the 18K
- Pro-line price
Avoid if: you defend a lot, have any arm pain, or aren't yet hitting the sweet spot every time: the 18K is the more forgiving AT10.
Where to find them
NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum (2026)
NOX AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem (2026)
We don't print prices or stock: they change daily. "Search at" opens the shop's own search for this model; check the model year on the shop's page before you buy.
Alternatives worth a look
Questions
What does 18K or 12K mean on a padel racket?
It's the carbon weave: roughly how many thousand carbon filaments are in each strand of the face's fabric. It isn't a simple 'higher is harder' scale. How the racket plays depends on the whole build, and on these two AT10s the core makes as much difference as the carbon.
Is the AT10 12K harder than the 18K?
Yes. Retailers list the 12K Alum Xtrem's touch as Intermediate-hard and the 18K's as Intermediate, and the 12K uses a denser HR3 Black EVA core.
Which AT10 does Agustín Tapia use?
NOX makes several AT10 Genius versions under Tapia's name, including 18K, 12K and 'Attack' variants. We couldn't verify which exact version he plays in every event, so choose by feel rather than by what the pro uses.
Do the AT10 18K and 12K weigh the same?
Yes: both are listed at 360–375 g, and both have the same adjustable weights in the handle.
Sources and limits
- NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum: https://noxsport.com/en/products/pala-at10-genius-18k-alum-2026-by-agustin-tapia, https://www.padelful.com/en/rackets/nox-at10-luxury-genius-18k-alum-2026-agustin-tapia (checked 2026-10-11)
- NOX AT10 Genius 12K Alum Xtrem: https://www.padelkiwi.com/en/products/nox-at10-luxury-genius-12k-alum-xtrem-2026-agustin-tapia, https://padelgids.nl/padelgear/padel-rackets/nox-at10-genius-12k-alum-xtreme-2026/ (checked 2026-10-11)
- We haven't play-tested these rackets. Stats are estimates from specs; see how we rate.