NOX AT10 12K Lite or Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite? Both weigh 355 to 365 grams and have a teardrop shape, but the face and the core are different. The AT10 Lite has the stiffer 12K Alum Xtrem with a soft, light core. The Ventus Hybrid Lite has regular 12K carbon with a multi-layer core that gives you easier ball exit on slow balls.
Short answer: choose the AT10 12K Lite if you want the racket from the Tapia line, with the Weight Balance weights so you can adjust the balance yourself. Choose the Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite if you want the same light format for €30 less and ball exit from defence matters most to you.
The difference between the AT10 12K Lite and the Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite in brief
On paper they look alike: both 355–365 grams, 38 mm thick, a carbon frame, the Dual Spin surface and NOX's new Luxury mould for 2026. The difference is on the inside. The AT10 Lite combines 12K Alum Xtrem (the stiffest weave in the AT10 line) with a low-density HR3 White EVA core. The Ventus Hybrid Lite has a face of regular 12K carbon and an MLD Black EVA core made up of layers of different densities.
On top of that, NOX supplies the Weight Balance weights (2 and 4 grams) with the AT10 Lite, so you can shift the balance yourself. NOX does not mention that system for the Ventus Hybrid Lite. Both are the light version of a heavier racket: the AT10 Lite of Agustín Tapia's AT10 Genius 12K, the Ventus Hybrid Lite of Edu Alonso's EA10 Ventus Hybrid.
Specifications side by side
| AT10 12K Alum Xtrem Lite 2026 | Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop | Teardrop |
| Balance | Adjustable with Weight Balance (2 g and 4 g) | Medium |
| Weight | 355–365 g | 355–365 g |
| Face | 12K Alum Xtrem | 12K carbon |
| Core | HR3 White EVA (low density) | MLD Black EVA (multi-layer) |
| Hardness (feel) | Soft (NOX label) | Soft according to the NOX label; NOX's own text speaks of a firm feel |
| Surface | Dual Spin | Dual Spin |
| Level (NOX) | Professional | Professional |
| Price at Holland Padel | €219,95 | €189,95 |
Source of specifications: noxsport.com (product texts and specifications), supplemented with Padelshop.com for the Ventus Hybrid Lite. Checked on 12 October 2026. Prices on the same date.
Playing feel compared
Volleys. At 355–365 grams both are quick at the net, and that is exactly why you choose a Lite. The 12K Alum Xtrem face of the AT10 Lite is stiffer than regular 12K carbon. That gives a more direct response on a hard volley, while the soft HR3 White core dampens the contact. The regular 12K face of the Ventus Hybrid Lite is less stiff, and the multi-layer core sends the ball back a little more easily on a short block volley.
Bandeja, víbora and smash. A light racket puts less mass behind the ball, so neither of them is a smash cannon. The AT10 Lite has the advantage here that you can use the Weight Balance weights to put some weight in the head if you want more pressure on the bandeja or víbora. According to NOX, the MLD core of the Ventus Hybrid Lite is designed to stay firm on a hard finishing shot, but in this light version these are not rackets for hitting balls por tres out of the court.
Defence and comfort. This is where the Ventus Hybrid Lite shines. NOX built the MLD Black core to give extra ball exit on slow, defensive balls, and that is exactly where you sometimes miss some mass with a light racket: a lob (globo) from the back wall or a ball you play out off the glass (salida). The AT10 Lite is also very forgiving with its soft, light core, but the stiffer face asks a little more for clean contact.
What the specs say
We have not tested these two rackets side by side ourselves. That is why we give no scores or points here, but list what NOX itself says about each category and what you can deduce from it.
| Category | AT10 12K Lite | Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Manoeuvrability | ★ 355–365 g; balance can be shifted yourself with Weight Balance | ★ 355–365 g; ★ medium balance, fixed |
| Face stiffness | ★ 12K Alum Xtrem: stiff and stable according to NOX, even with temperature changes | ★ 12K carbon; no extra stiffness mentioned |
| Core | ★ HR3 White EVA: low density according to NOX, lots of control, for a soft feel | ★ MLD Black EVA: according to NOX, ball exit on slow balls and power when finishing |
| Feel according to NOX | ★ Soft | ★ Soft according to the specification, ★ "firm feel" according to the product text |
| Shape | ★ Teardrop | ★ Teardrop according to the product text; some shops call it round |
★ = official NOX specification or NOX product text. The star is not a rating.
Which one suits you?
Choose the AT10 12K Lite if…
- you want Tapia's AT10 but find 360–375 grams too heavy;
- you want to adjust the balance yourself with the supplied weights;
- you are looking for a precise, direct face with a soft core behind it.
Choose the Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite if…
- you want a light NOX racket for €189.95 instead of €219.95;
- you often defend from the back wall and want easy ball exit;
- you have no need for adjustable balance.
Choose neither if you are just starting out and don't yet know what you want: both are rackets at NOX's professional level, and a cheaper beginner racket is then a more logical start. Looking for more weight and power instead? Then take a look at the heavier siblings: the NOX AT10 Genius 18K Aluminium 2026 or the NOX EA10 Ventus Hybrid 12K Xtrem 2026 (360–375 grams).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the NOX AT10 12K Lite and the Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite?
The face and the core. The AT10 Lite has 12K Alum Xtrem with an HR3 White EVA core and Weight Balance; the Ventus Hybrid Lite has 12K carbon with an MLD Black EVA core. Weight (355–365 grams) and shape (teardrop) are the same.
How much do the NOX Lite rackets weigh?
Both 355–365 grams according to NOX. That is roughly 5 to 10 grams lighter than the regular AT10 and Ventus Hybrid models (360–375 grams).
Is a Lite racket suitable for beginners?
Yes, although NOX rates both at professional level. The low weight makes them manoeuvrable and easy to handle, but you are paying for premium materials. If you have only just started, you can also get off to a good start with a cheaper racket from our beginner collection.
Are the NOX Lite rackets hard or soft?
Soft according to the NOX labels. For the Ventus Hybrid Lite, however, NOX writes about a firm feel in the product text. The difference from a hard racket lies mainly in the core: HR3 White and MLD Black are both made for ball exit and comfort.
Which racket does Agustín Tapia play with?
Tapia plays with NOX's AT10 line, but not with the Lite version. On 4 October 2026 he and Arturo Coello won the Rotterdam P2 (6-3 6-2 against Stupaczuk and Sanz), their tenth title of 2026.
Will there be a 2027 version of the Lite rackets?
Yes. NOX has announced the Genius 12K Alum Xtrem Lite 2027 and the Ventus 12K Hybrid Lite 2027. In 2027 the AT10 name disappears. They are not yet on sale at Holland Padel.
Our conclusion
Neither is better overall, but each is better for a certain type of player. The AT10 12K Lite is the more complete one: stiffer face, soft core and adjustable balance. The downside is the price, €30 more than the Ventus. The Ventus Hybrid 12K Lite is the smart buy for anyone who wants to play light and defends a lot. The downside is that NOX itself says two different things about the hardness, so if in doubt, feel it yourself first. At Holland Padel we only have 3 of the Ventus left in stock.
Not sure? Try them during a test session in Rotterdam, or first read our review of the NOX AT10 12K Xtrem Lite 2026.
Related blogs and news
- Light padel rackets for control and arm comfort
- NOX EA10 Ventus Hybrid 12K Xtrem 2026 review
- NOX AT10 Genius series: which model suits you?
- Choosing the right padel racket weight
- Tapia and Coello win the Paris Major
Sporting regards,
Team Holland Padel
