If you’re into padel even a little, the name Agustín Tapia needs no introduction. He’s one of the most exciting and explosive players on the World Padel Tour, and his racket — the Nox AT10 Genius 18K — reflects his unique blend of speed, finesse, and tactical aggression. I’ve been using this racket for about a month now in both matchplay and drills, and here’s my honest take:
This isn’t just a signature racket with a famous name slapped on it. It’s a refined, versatile, high-performance tool that rewards players who want control with accessible power, all packed into a premium, pro-level frame.
- First Impressions of the Padel Racket
- Who Is this Padel Racket For?
- Performance Breakdown
- Durability and Build Quality
- Who Plays With It?
- What I Liked
- What I Didn’t Like
- Final Verdict
First Impressions of the Padel Racket
The AT10 Genius 18K just oozes class. From the sleek black-gold aesthetic to the subtle Nox branding and Agustín Tapia’s signature, it has a sharp, minimalist design that immediately feels premium.
It’s a teardrop-shaped racket, which means it hits that sweet balance between control and power — and that’s exactly how it plays. It feels incredibly solid in hand, with a slightly head-light to even balance. The carbon 18K face feels stiff but not harsh, and the HR3 Black EVA core gives it a nice balance of explosiveness and touch.
Who Is this Padel Racket For?
This racket is perfect for:
- Intermediate to advanced players
- Players with a balanced or attacking style
- Those who want control without sacrificing power
- Players who like fast transitions and solid volleys
- Anyone looking for a racket with pro-level quality and feel
It’s demanding enough to perform at the top level, but not so stiff or heavy that it punishes you for slightly off timing. That’s what surprised me most.
Performance Breakdown
Control – 9.5/10
For a racket that’s not round-shaped, the AT10 18K has phenomenal control. From back-court lobs to resetting fast-paced points, this racket lets you place the ball exactly where you want it.
What impressed me the most was how it performed under pressure — fast reactions at the net, low balls near the glass, and tight angles were all manageable thanks to the stability and quick response.
Power – 8.5/10
While this isn’t a brute-force, smash-first racket like the Vertex 04 or Metalbone HRD+, it still packs plenty of punch — especially when you swing with good form. The 18K carbon face adds extra stiffness and energy return on aggressive shots, making it ideal for smart power rather than raw power.
When I stepped into overheads or bajadas with proper weight transfer, the ball flew off the face. That said, it’s not built for constant bombing — this is a tactical attacker’s racket, not a pure finisher’s tool.
Feel – 9/10
The feel is one of the best parts. The HR3 Black EVA and 18K carbon surface give it crispy, sharp feedback without feeling harsh. I could really “feel” the ball pocketing slightly on volleys, bandejas, and drop shots. It allowed me to vary pace and spin with confidence.
If you’re a touch player who likes variety, this racket gives you the tools to express your creativity.
Maneuverability – 8.5/10
The balance is just right. Not too head-heavy, not too light — it felt extremely agile at the net, especially during fast exchanges. I found it easy to transition from defense to offense, and it never felt sluggish in hand.
If you’re a player who thrives on speed and anticipation, this racket keeps up without tiring your wrist or shoulder.
Durability and Build Quality
Nox never skimps on build quality, and the AT10 Genius 18K is a perfect example. The 18K carbon is strong but lightweight, and the rugged anti-slip surface helps with spin and grip on the ball. It’s also equipped with:
- Smartstrap® system – lets you easily change the wrist strap
- AVS (Anti Vibration System) – which helps reduce elbow strain
- Carbon frame with Dynamic Structure – giving it better shock resistance
Even after intense play, wall contact, and heat exposure, it still looks pristine.
Who Plays With It?
Obviously, this is the signature racket of Agustín Tapia, one of the top players on the World Padel Tour. His style is explosive, precise, and fast — and the racket is tailored to that. If you want to model your game after Tapia — fast feet, precise shots, and strategic aggression — this racket delivers the experience.
What I Liked
- Elite-level control in all areas of the court
- Fast, reactive feel at the net
- High-quality 18K carbon face gives crisp power
- Beautifully designed with pro-player feel
- Smartstrap® and vibration-dampening system
- Surprisingly forgiving for a pro-level racket
What I Didn’t Like
- Not ideal for players who rely on brute power
- Requires decent technique to fully unlock its potential
- Premium price tag, but fair for the quality
- Smooth(ish) surface might not suit spin-heavy players who prefer sandpaper grit
Final Verdict
The Nox AT10 Genius 18K by Agustín Tapia is one of the most balanced and high-performing rackets I’ve ever used. It’s not just for show — it brings an impressive mix of control, smart power, agility, and precision that works beautifully for modern padel. Whether you’re an advanced club player or an aspiring competitor, this racket helps you play fast, clean, and confidently.
If you’re the kind of player who wants to build points intelligently, dominate the net, and strike when the moment is right — this could be your next favorite weapon.
Rating: 9.3/10 – A genius-level racket for the all-court player who demands pro-level performance.
