Table of contents
- 1. The NOX ML10 Ventus Control 3K 2026 in brief
- 2. Miguel Lamperti, the man behind the racket
- 3. How does it play? Our honest findings
- 4. The face, the core and the technology
- 5. Who is this racket for?
- 6. Who is it not for?
- 7. Our rating
- 8. Final verdict
1. The NOX ML10 Ventus Control 3K 2026 in brief
This is the 2026 model from the ML10 line, Miguel Lamperti's signature series. On paper it is a control racket. Two years in a row it was voted best control racket, and NOX markets it that way too: round face, big sweet spot, comfort first.
But we played it ourselves. And to be honest, "control racket" is a label that doesn't do this racket justice. We'll come back to that in a moment.
2. Miguel Lamperti, the man behind the racket
If you have followed padel for longer than one season, you know Lamperti. The Argentinian with the bandana, the man who has been playing at the highest level for more than twenty years and still doesn't seem to have any plans to stop. He is now well into his forties, which makes him one of the oldest active pros on the circuit.
That is no side issue when you look at his racket. Lamperti has never played like the classic powerhouse who blasts everything. His game revolves around position, around putting the ball exactly where the opponent doesn't want it, around patience until the moment is right. Someone who has competed at that level for two decades doesn't choose a racket that forces him into maximum effort on every shot.
You feel that philosophy in the ML10. This racket doesn't ask for brute force. It asks for timing. And if you have that, it gives back more than you expect.
3. How does it play? Our honest findings
This is where it gets interesting, because our experience on court differs from the story in the brochure.
The face feels medium, stiffer than expected. Not the soft, spongy feel of a classic control racket, but certainly not rock-hard either. Right in the middle, with just a bit more stiffness than the brochure suggests. You get direct feedback and feel exactly what the ball is doing, without it becoming unpleasant.
No trouble with your arm. This is what makes the medium face so strong. You have the directness of a stiffer racket, but after a long session you don't feel your elbow. The HR3 core combined with the damping simply does its job here. For players who are on court three times a week, that is no minor detail.
Control is the foundation, power is the bonus. Where the racket really excels is control. You put the ball where you want it, full stop. But when you want to attack, it doesn't let you down. There is more power in it than the label suggests, especially on the smash and the attacking volley.
The sweet spot is big. Here the story is completely right. You don't have to hit perfectly to play a good ball. Shots that land just off-centre still go where you want them. That saves frustration and errors in long rallies.
It is easy to manoeuvre. At the net it reacts quickly. In defence you can get it up quickly for the lob. Not a racket you have to drag around.
In short: this is a racket that presents itself as a control racket , but in practice simply gives you the freedom to attack. That is a pleasant combination and, as far as we are concerned, exactly why it works so well.
4. The face, the core and the technology
Without turning it into a technical lecture, this is what's inside and why it matters.
3K carbon face. The carbon fabric is more coarsely woven than, for example, 12K or 18K. That gives a firmer and more direct feel and makes the face durable. This explains why it feels stiffer than you would expect from a control racket, without it coming at the expense of comfort.
HR3 Color EVA core. The type of rubber Lamperti has used for years. It provides good ball return and at the same time dampens enough to spare your arm.
Round shape. The balance point is lower, so the sweet spot sits in the centre of the face and the racket stays manoeuvrable.
Dual Spin surface. A 3D texture in the middle of the face and a sand finish around it. More grip on the ball, so more spin if you play with it.
Pulse System. Vibration damping in the handle. You don't consciously notice it while playing, but you do the day after.
5. Who is this racket for?
- Players who want to improve. The big sweet spot is forgiving, but the racket doesn't hold you back as you get better. You grow into it rather than out of it.
- Net players. Fast, manoeuvrable, direct. At the net you have everything under control.
- Players with arm or elbow complaints. The HR3 core combined with the damping makes it kind to your joints.
- All-rounders. If you want to both defend and attack without switching rackets, this one fits perfectly.
Not sure yet whether you are more of a power or a control player? Our blog on power versus control will help you on your way.
6. Who is it not for?
We don't like blogs in which everything is perfect, so here is the other side.
- If you want a truly soft face. This one sits in the medium segment and feels on the stiff side. If you are looking for that typical soft, spongy touch where the ball seems to stick, a softer racket will suit you better.
- If you are purely chasing maximum power. There is more power in it than expected, but a real teardrop shape with a diamond balance simply gives you more on the smash. In that case, take a look at the NOX AT10 Genius series.
- If you are just starting out. It is forgiving, but at this price level you only really get the most out of it once your technique is in place.
7. Our rating
| Category | Score | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ★★★★☆ | 4,0 |
| Control | ★★★★★ | 5,0 |
| Sweet spot | ★★★★★ | 5,0 |
| Forgiveness | ★★★★☆ | 4,5 |
| Manoeuvrability | ★★★★★ | 5,0 |
| Overall score | ★★★★★ | 4,7 / 5 |
8. Final verdict
The NOX ML10 Ventus Control 3K 2026 is one of the more complete rackets we have had in our hands this year. A medium face that feels just a bit stiffer, giving you direct feedback without your arm suffering. The control is excellent, the sweet spot big, and when you want to attack there is more power in it than the label suggests.
We fully understand why it was voted best control racket two years in a row. This is a racket that will serve you for years.
Still torn between this model and its predecessor? Then read our comparison between the ML10 Ventus Control 3K 2026 and the ML10 Quantum 3K 2025. And want to get a broader overview first? Then check out our ultimate racket guide.
View the NOX ML10 Ventus Control 3K 2026 in our shop
Sporting regards,
Team Holland Padel
