Which model delivers more power on overheads and why?

The AT10 Attack clearly delivers more power overhead. Its diamond mold, higher 262 mm balance, and slightly firmer feel create more progressive power as you accelerate. Bandejas gain depth with less effort, topspin smashes bite harder, and the smash by three travels with more authority compared to the AT10 18K.

How do shape and balance affect control and maneuverability between these rackets?

The AT10 18K’s teardrop shape and 255 mm balance make it highly maneuverable and easy to guide, especially for quick hands and defensive adjustments. The AT10 Attack’s diamond mold and 262 mm balance add head weight and stability at high pace, improving control on fast blocks but requiring a brief timing adjustment from the back court.

Which racket suits defensive players who rely on lobs and chiquitas?

The AT10 18K is the safer bet for defense. Its lower balance helps you get under the ball, control fast replies, and execute deep, high-percentage lobs and chiquitas. The AT10 Attack can feel shorter on early lobs until timing is dialed in, after which depth improves but remains less effortless than the 18K.

What differences in surface texture impact spin and durability?

The AT10 18K uses a sandy roughness that feels grabbier at first and helps with bite on control shots, but it typically wears faster. The AT10 Attack’s molded 3D honeycomb texture is a bit less aggressive out of the wrapper, yet it’s more durable and maintains consistent grip over time.

Are the AT10 18K 2022 and 2023 versions the same, and what materials do both models use?

Yes, the AT10 18K 2022 and 2023 are the same racket with only a cosmetic update. Both the AT10 18K and AT10 Attack use an 18K carbon fiber face and Nox’s HR3 EVA core. In testing, both were matched at 370 g to compare performance differences driven by shape, balance, and feel.

How does ball output compare at slow versus fast swing speeds?

At soft and medium pace, both rackets offer similar ball output, so depth feels alike on gentle swings. As you accelerate, the AT10 Attack becomes more progressive, transferring more weight into the shot for free depth and a stronger finish. The AT10 18K can lose a touch of control when fully maxed out.

Where is the sweet spot on each racket, and how does that affect net play?

Both have generous sweet spots, but the AT10 Attack’s is perceived slightly higher on the face. That helps when contacting higher or toward the tip, useful in fast net exchanges. The AT10 18K remains precise, yet strikes too low on its face can die a bit, especially in quick, elevated contacts.

Nox AT10 18K vs AT10 Attack 2023 power vs control review

Two Nox AT10 rackets compared under equal conditions

The channel pits the Nox AT10 18K (the racket of Agustín Tapia in 2022/2023) against the Nox AT10 Attack 2023 (the signature of Leo Augsburger) in a like-for-like test. To isolate behavior, the reviewer matched both frames at 370 g and highlighted that the AT10 18K 2022 and 2023 are the same racket with a cosmetic update only.

Face material: 18K carbon fiber
Core: HR3 EVA (Nox’s classic foam)
Tested weight: 370 g (both units)

The idea was simple: same materials and weight, different geometries and balances, then see how those choices translate on court.

Shape, balance and surface: where their personalities diverge

The AT10 Attack 2023 is built for aggression with a diamond mold, while the AT10 18K keeps a versatile teardrop. That alone shifts balance and feel, which the creator quantified and felt in play.

Shape: AT10 18K teardrop vs AT10 Attack diamond
Balance: AT10 18K at 255 mm vs AT10 Attack at 262 mm
Surface: AT10 18K with sandy roughness vs AT10 Attack with 3D honeycomb roughness
Feel: AT10 Attack a touch firmer; AT10 18K sits in a medium feel

The reviewer also noted the perceived sweet spot placement: similar in size, but the Attack feels like it hits “higher” on the face, which matters near the net and when contacting toward the tip.

Back-court control and lobs: AT10 18K’s maneuverability shines

From the baseline, the AT10 18K immediately felt extremely manageable thanks to its lower balance. The channel highlighted how well it “copies the hand,” making the chiquita, slices, and quick tempo adjustments easy. Fast defensive balls stayed under control, and the racket helped get under the ball for deep, high-percentage lobs.

Switching to the AT10 Attack, the slightly higher balance and firmer touch were apparent. While still surprisingly maneuverable for a diamond mold, early lobs tended to fall short until the timing was adjusted. Once dialed in, depth improved, but the 18K remained the more effortless tool for digging out low balls and resetting the point.

Net play at two speeds: tie on control, Attack leads when accelerating

On control volleys, the channel judged both frames to be neck and neck. Despite its lower balance, the AT10 18K didn’t lack length at net and let the hand work quickly to place the ball. Its sandy roughness also added bite, though the reviewer cautioned that this finish typically wears faster than a molded 3D texture.

When the pace spiked, the AT10 Attack stepped ahead. Blocks at high speed felt more secure and progressive, with the head weight driving through the ball. The creator found that the 18K could lose a shade of control when really accelerating; the Attack, by contrast, maintained stability and kept lines cleaner—provided the swing tempo was managed to avoid overhitting.

A side note the reviewer made: the Attack’s touch and behavior at slow pace reminded him of the Delta Pro, which contributed to its comfort in soft hands and drop volleys. The 3D roughness, while a bit less “grabby” out of the wrapper, should also be more durable over time.

Overheads, bandejas and the smash by three: clear win for the Attack

With the AT10 18K, bandejas carried comfortably and the víbora was solid until fully maxed out, where control could waver. Topspin “rulo” smashes were particularly effective, helped by the racket’s maneuverability and wrist speed.

The AT10 Attack felt like a meaningful upgrade overhead. Bandejas gained easy depth from the 262 mm balance, the víbora was “phenomenal,” and topspin smashes bit hard. On the “por tres,” the Attack was a couple of steps above: once accelerated, the ball lifted and traveled with more authority than with the 18K.

Sweet spot size and placement: nearly equal, but Attack higher

Both rackets offer a generous sweet spot. However, the channel would lean toward the AT10 Attack for how that sweet spot seems positioned slightly higher. In practice, that helps at net and when contacting higher or toward the tip—situations where the 18K can let the ball die a bit if the strike is too low on the face.

Ball output and power progression: even at low speed, Attack in power

At soft and medium paces, the two rackets deliver similar salida de bola. The difference appears when power ramps up: the AT10 Attack is more progressive and transmits more weight through the shot. Players who crave free depth and a stronger finish on overheads will notice it immediately.

Key outcomes and who should pick each AT10

Back of court: AT10 18K by a small margin (easier lobs and resets)
Net, control volleys: Draw (both precise and reliable)
Net, offensive volleys: AT10 Attack (more progressive at high pace)
Overheads and smash by three: AT10 Attack (clear winner)
Sweet spot: AT10 Attack (similar size, higher placement helps)
Ball output: Even at low speeds; AT10 Attack ahead in power

In short, players who loved the Nox AT10 18K for its maneuverability and control will feel at home—and may prefer it for defense and the chiquita. Those looking for that familiar AT10 recipe but with extra punch up top will find the Nox AT10 Attack 2023 the stronger choice, benefiting from a higher balance, slightly firmer touch, and more durable 3D texture.

Nox AT10 18K vs AT10 Attack: power or control?