NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2024 or 2025? Under the paint they are almost the same rackets: same carbon, same core, same shape and the same weight of 360–375 grams. The differences come down to three details: the surface of the face, a balance that NOX made slightly faster for the 2025, and the cap at the bottom of the grip. Those small differences decide which year suits your game better.
We test the rackets in our range ourselves on court, so we know what to look out for when you are torn between two years. Short answer: choose the 2024 if you like a familiar, predictable face and mainly play flat, placed shots. Choose the 2025 if you hit with a lot of spin and want a racket that comes round just a little quicker on fast balls.
The difference between the AT10 Genius 18K 2024 and 2025 in brief
Both rackets have a teardrop shape that leans towards round, an 18K carbon face with an aluminium layer, a black EVA core, a 100% carbon frame, a 38 mm profile and a weight of 360–375 grams. NOX gives them both the same hardness: medium-hard, with a mix of power and control in which control just has the upper hand.
What differs: the 2025 has a face with a 3D pattern of small hexagons in the centre and a sand layer on the rest, an octagonal cap at the bottom of the grip and a balance that was made slightly faster at Tapia's request. The 2024 has a sand-textured face and a round cap. The look differs too: the 2024 is light silver-grey with a black and red grip, the 2025 dark anthracite with copper.
Specifications side by side
| AT10 Genius 18K 2024 | AT10 Genius 18K 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop (leans towards round) | Teardrop (leans towards round) |
| Balance | Medium | Medium, made slightly faster |
| Weight | 360–375 g | 360–375 g |
| Profile | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Face | Carbon Alum 18K | Carbon Alum 18K |
| Core | MLD Black EVA | MLD Black EVA |
| Frame | 100% carbon | 100% carbon |
| Surface | Sand-textured | 3D pattern in the centre + sand |
| Grip cap | Round | Octagonal |
| Hardness | Medium-hard | Medium-hard |
| Look | Light silver-grey, black and red grip | Dark anthracite with copper |
Everything that most determines how a racket feels (core, carbon, shape and weight) is the same. The differences are in the finish: how the face grips the ball, how the racket sits in your hand and how quickly you can bring it round.
What NOX changed in 2025
The balance. At Tapia's request, NOX adjusted the balance slightly so the racket comes round faster. NOX mainly mentions fast balls in defence, such as a hard ball at your body. It remains a medium balance: the 2025 does not become head-heavy or head-light because of it, the difference is small.
The surface. The face of the 2025 combines a 3D pattern of hexagons in the centre with a sand layer on the rest. According to NOX, that double roughness gives the ball more grip when you brush across it with spin. The sand-textured face of the 2024 is simpler and feels familiar and predictable on a flat shot.
The cap. The octagonal cap of the 2025 gives your hand a clear point of support at the bottom of the grip. If you hold your hand low on the grip, you notice it most. The round cap of the 2024 feels more familiar if you are used to it from earlier rackets.
The mould, the core, the carbon and the rest of the technology stayed the same. So if you know the 2024, you can pick up the 2025 without any getting used to it.
Feel on court compared
At the net. With the same carbon and the same core, volleys feel the same on both: medium-hard, with enough dampening to absorb a hard ball. On fast balls just in front of your body, the slightly faster balance of the 2025 can just help. If you mainly play placed volleys, you will notice little difference.
Smash and overhead balls. On a flat smash they are equal: on both, the power comes from the same core, shape and weight. The difference is in shots with spin, such as a smash or an overhead ball with slice. That is where the rougher face of the 2025 grips the ball just a little more. If you prefer to play flat and straight through, the sand-textured face of the 2024 actually feels calm and predictable.
Defence and comfort. Both are forgiving for a carbon racket, and the 18K carbon feels softer than the stiffer 12K versions of the same line. The 2025 comes round a little quicker on a lob from the back or a ball off the wall; the higher the pace, the more you notice it. Want to feel them for yourself? Then come to a test session in Rotterdam.
Scores side by side
| Category | 18K 2024 | 18K 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Control | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sweet spot and forgiveness | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Manoeuvrability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Total | 8,3/10 | 8,3/10 |
NOX gives both years the same ratio: maximum control and just a little less power. That is why they score the same with us. The difference is not in how good they are, but in the character of the face and the finish: the 2025 grips the ball more with spin, the 2024 feels calm and predictable on a flat shot.
Which one suits you?
Choose the AT10 Genius 18K 2024 if…
- you mainly play flat, placed shots and want a face that reacts predictably;
- you are used to a round cap and like to let your hand move freely over the grip;
- you like the light, silver-grey look.
Downside: the sand-textured face grips the ball less on shots with a lot of spin than the face of the 2025.
Our price: €179.95
View the 18K 2024
Choose the AT10 Genius 18K 2025 if…
- you hit a lot with slice and spin, especially overhead;
- you play at a high pace and want a racket that comes round just a little quicker;
- you hold your hand low on the grip and like a clear point of support at the bottom.
Downside: if you mainly play flat, you will notice little of the new face and the faster balance.
Our price: €199.95
View the 18K 2025Choose neither if you are just starting out in padel: at 360–375 grams and with a medium-hard feel, a round, lighter racket is easier. Looking for a stiffer racket from the same line? Then read 12K vs 18K at NOX. Want to know what changed after that? Then read the 18K 2025 compared with the 2026.
Agustín Tapia and the AT10 line
The AT10 line is Agustín Tapia's racket line. NOX describes the 2025 as the successor to the 18K Alum with which Tapia reached the top, and it was Tapia himself who asked for the faster balance.
With Arturo Coello, Tapia is having a strong autumn. On 13 September they won the Paris Major at Roland-Garros: 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 against Ale Galán and Fede Chingotto, after trailing 2-5 in the third set. Read our report on the final. On 4 October they took the Rotterdam P2 in Ahoy with 6-3, 6-2 against Franco Stupaczuk and Jon Sanz, their third title in a row in Rotterdam. A week later, on 11 October, they also won the Germany P2 in Düsseldorf, again against Stupaczuk and Sanz: 6-2, 7-6. It was their first title in Germany and their eleventh of 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2024 and 2025?
Small. Carbon, core, shape and weight are the same. The 2025 has a face with a 3D pattern for more grip with spin, an octagonal cap and a slightly faster balance. The 2024 has a sand-textured face and a round cap.
Is the 2025 harder than the 2024?
No. NOX gives both the same hardness: medium-hard. If you want a stiffer racket from the AT10 line, look at the 12K versions.
Is the NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2024 still worth it?
Yes. It has the same carbon, the same core and the same weight as the 2025. If you mainly play flat, the difference from the 2025 is small.
Is the AT10 Genius 18K suitable for beginners?
For real beginners it is on the demanding side. If you play a few times a week and want to keep improving, its medium-hard feel and high control make it very playable.
How much does the NOX AT10 Genius 18K weigh?
Both years weigh 360–375 grams, with a 38 mm profile.
What shape is the AT10 Genius 18K?
A teardrop shape that leans towards round, for a mix of control and power.
Which racket does Tapia play with?
Tapia plays with NOX's AT10 line, the racket line developed together with him.
Our conclusion
Neither is better: they are two years of the same racket, each with its own character. The 2024 has a calm, sand-textured face and a round cap. Downside: less grip on the ball if you play with a lot of spin. The 2025 has a rougher face, a firmer cap and a slightly faster balance. Downside: if you mainly play flat, you will feel little of those differences.
Our advice: if you mainly play flat, placed shots, go for the 18K 2024. If you play with a lot of spin or at a high pace, go for the 18K 2025. Still in doubt? Then use the racket finder or view the whole AT10 Genius series.
Related blogs and news
- NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2025: all-round racket
- NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2025 compared with the 2026 version
- 12K vs 18K padel racket: NOX edition
- NOX AT10 Genius series: which model suits you?
- Tapia and Coello win Paris Major after comeback against Galán
Sporting regards,
Team Holland Padel
