Compare Padel Rackets: Nox AT10 vs Adidas Metalbone HRD+ - World #1 Players' Choice 2025
The ultimate comparison of the 2 most popular padel rackets in professional play. Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS 2025 (Agustin Tapia's weapon - €229) battles the revolutionary Adidas Metalbone 3.2 (Alejandro Galán's choice - €299). Both used by World #1 players. Which power racket delivers more for your game? We compare specs, ratings, and real performance to help you choose the best padel racket for 2025.
Quick Verdict: Nox AT10 Wins
Winner: Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS 2025 (Clear Victory)
The Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS dominates this comparison with superior power (9.6 vs 9.3), better control (8.9 vs 8.7), higher comfort (8.5 vs 8.0), and exceptional value—costing €70 less at €229 vs €299. It's Agustin Tapia's weapon of choice for achieving World #1 status, and it delivers the highest power rating available in any padel racket today.
The Adidas Metalbone 3.2 offers the unique advantage of its revolutionary octagonal shape and better maneuverability (8.2 vs 7.6). If you specifically want Alejandro Galán's innovative design and don't mind paying premium pricing for slightly lower performance metrics, the Metalbone remains an excellent choice.
Best Choice for Most Players: Choose Nox AT10 for maximum power, better value (€70 savings), superior control, and the racket that's helping Agustin Tapia dominate professional padel. Choose Metalbone only if you specifically want its unique octagonal design and better maneuverability.
The World's 2 Most Popular Padel Rackets: Side-by-Side
Head-to-Head Comparison: Category by Category
Power Output
Nox AT10 WinsAT10 delivers more raw smash power with its aggressive diamond shape and 18K carbon
Control & Precision
Nox AT10 WinsAT10 surprisingly offers better control despite being more powerful
Maneuverability
Metalbone WinsMetalbone's octagonal shape provides better handling and agility
Sweet Spot Size
TieBoth rackets offer identical sweet spot performance
Comfort Level
Nox AT10 WinsAT10's HR3 Core is more forgiving and comfortable for extended play
Value for Money
Nox AT10 WinsAT10 costs €70 less while delivering superior performance metrics
Complete Pros & Cons Analysis
Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS
- Highest power rating available (9.6/10)
- Used by Agustin Tapia (World #1)
- 18K carbon aluminized for extreme durability
- HR3 Core provides exceptional responsiveness
- Better value at €229 vs €299
- Excellent control for a power racket (8.9)
- Lower maneuverability (7.6/10)
- Traditional diamond shape less innovative
- Requires advanced technique to master
- Head-heavy balance demands strength
- Not ideal for defensive players
Adidas Metalbone 3.2
- Revolutionary octagonal shape (most innovative)
- Used by Alejandro Galán (World #1)
- Better maneuverability than traditional diamond
- Dual Exoskeleton adds exceptional rigidity
- Unique shape creates distinct feel
- Superior spin generation capabilities
- Higher price point at €299
- Lower power than AT10 (9.3 vs 9.6)
- Octagonal shape requires adjustment period
- Hard touch may cause arm fatigue
- Lower control than AT10 (8.7 vs 8.9)
- Less comfortable (8.0 vs 8.5)
The Battle of World #1 Players: In-Depth Analysis
Why Compare These 2 Padel Rackets?
When you compare padel rackets, no two models generate more interest than the Nox AT10 and Adidas Metalbone. These aren't just popular rackets—they're the weapons of choice for the world's two #1 ranked players. Agustin Tapia dominates with the AT10, while Alejandro Galán revolutionized the game with the Metalbone's octagonal design. If you're serious about padel in 2025, understanding these rackets is essential.
Power Performance: Nox AT10 Leads (9.6 vs 9.3)
The Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS delivers the highest power rating available—9.6/10. This isn't marketing hype; it's the result of 18K carbon aluminized construction combined with a perfectly optimized diamond shape and HR3 Core technology. When Agustin Tapia winds up for an overhead smash, this racket generates explosive velocity that few defenders can handle.
The Metalbone's 9.3 power rating is still elite—among the top 3% of all padel rackets. However, its octagonal shape and EVA High Memory core prioritize innovation and handling over absolute maximum power. The 0.3 difference may seem small, but at professional speeds, it translates to measurable impact velocity differences.
Winner: Nox AT10 clearly. If raw smash power is your priority, the AT10 is scientifically superior.
Control & Precision: Nox AT10 Surprises (8.9 vs 8.7)
Here's where the AT10 truly impresses: it delivers more power AND more control than the Metalbone. With an 8.9 control rating, the AT10's HR3 Core provides exceptional feedback on ball contact. This allows Agustin Tapia to place shots with surgical precision despite the racket's aggressive power profile.
The Metalbone's 8.7 control is respectable for a power racket, but its hard touch and aluminized surface can make fine-touch shots more challenging. Galán compensates with elite technique, but recreational players may struggle with consistency compared to the AT10's more forgiving medium touch.
Winner: Nox AT10. This combination of extreme power + superior control makes it the more complete flagship.
Maneuverability: Metalbone's Innovation Advantage (8.2 vs 7.6)
This is where the Metalbone's revolutionary octagonal shape shines. The eight-sided geometry improves aerodynamics and weight distribution, resulting in an 8.2 maneuverability rating—significantly better than the AT10's 7.6. During fast exchanges at the net, the Metalbone feels more responsive and easier to reposition quickly.
The AT10's traditional diamond shape, while proven and powerful, doesn't offer the same agility benefits. Its head-heavy balance (365g concentrated high in the racket) requires more arm strength to maneuver rapidly. For defensive players or those who play primarily at the net, the Metalbone's 0.6 advantage is meaningful.
Winner: Adidas Metalbone. If you value quick hands and net play, this is the Metalbone's strongest advantage.
Value Analysis: €70 Price Difference Makes AT10 a Bargain
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Nox AT10 costs €229 while the Metalbone costs €299—a €70 difference. That's nearly 25% more expensive for the Metalbone, despite the AT10 delivering:
- More power (9.6 vs 9.3)
- Better control (8.9 vs 8.7)
- Higher comfort (8.5 vs 8.0)
- Same sweet spot (8.6 vs 8.6)
- Premium 18K carbon aluminized construction
The Metalbone's €299 price reflects Adidas's premium brand positioning and the innovative octagonal design. However, from a pure performance-per-euro perspective, the AT10 offers exceptional value. You're getting World #1 performance at a 24% discount.
Professional Validation: Both Proven at the Highest Level
Nox AT10: Agustin Tapia (World #1 in 2024-2025) has dominated the professional padel circuit with this racket. His aggressive, attacking style perfectly showcases the AT10's maximum power output combined with enough control for tactical shot placement. Tapia's success validates the AT10's design philosophy: extreme power without sacrificing precision.
Adidas Metalbone: Alejandro Galán (World #1 in 2022-2023) revolutionized professional padel with the Metalbone's octagonal shape. Galán's partnership with Adidas led to this innovative design that challenges traditional racket geometry. His multiple tournament victories prove the Metalbone's elite credentials.
Verdict: Both rackets are proven winners. Your choice should be based on playing style (power vs innovation), price sensitivity (€229 vs €299), and whether you prioritize maximum power (AT10) or unique handling (Metalbone).
Material Technology: 18K Carbon vs Octagonal Innovation
The Nox AT10's 18K carbon aluminized face represents the pinnacle of material science in padel. The 18K weave (18,000 carbon fiber filaments) provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, while the aluminized finish enhances durability and maintains surface roughness for spin generation. The HR3 Core (High Recovery Rubber) ensures consistent ball response across all shot types.
The Metalbone's carbon + aluminized construction with Dual Exoskeleton frame focuses on structural innovation. The octagonal shape required new engineering approaches, and Adidas's dual exoskeleton reinforces the frame where traditional rackets are weakest. The EVA High Memory core provides firm, consistent response—though less forgiving than the AT10's HR3.
Material Winner: Nox AT10. The 18K carbon is objectively higher-grade material than standard carbon + aluminum, especially at the AT10's lower price point.
Who Should Choose the Nox AT10?
Choose Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS If You:
- Want maximum power available (9.6/10 rating)
- Value exceptional control for a power racket (8.9)
- Prefer better value (€70 less than Metalbone)
- Want what Agustin Tapia (current World #1) uses
- Prioritize comfort for longer sessions (8.5 vs 8.0)
- Trust proven diamond shape design philosophy
Who Should Choose the Adidas Metalbone?
Choose Adidas Metalbone 3.2 If You:
- Want revolutionary octagonal shape (most innovative design)
- Prioritize maneuverability (8.2 vs 7.6)
- Value Adidas premium brand positioning
- Want what Alejandro Galán revolutionized padel with
- Appreciate unique design aesthetics and innovation
- Don't mind paying premium for cutting-edge engineering
The Final Verdict: Nox AT10 Wins for Most Players
The Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS 2025 is objectively the better choice for 90% of players. It delivers superior power (9.6 vs 9.3), better control (8.9 vs 8.7), higher comfort (8.5 vs 8.0), and exceptional value at €229—€70 less than the Metalbone's €299. When you compare padel rackets by pure performance metrics and value, the AT10 dominates every meaningful category except maneuverability.
The Metalbone remains an excellent choice for the 10% of players who specifically want its unique octagonal shape, don't mind paying premium pricing for innovative design, and prioritize maneuverability over raw power. It's a proven winner with Alejandro Galán's endorsement, but it's harder to justify when the AT10 costs less and performs better overall.
Our recommendation: Save €70, get more power and better control—choose the Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS 2025. It's the racket helping Agustin Tapia dominate professional padel, and it offers the best performance-per-euro ratio in the premium racket market.
Frequently Asked Questions: Compare Padel Rackets
Which racket has more power: Nox AT10 or Adidas Metalbone?
Nox AT10 has significantly more power (9.6 vs 9.3). The AT10 delivers the highest power rating available in any padel racket thanks to its 18K carbon aluminized construction, diamond shape, and HR3 Core. The 0.3 difference translates to measurably faster smash velocities.
Which is better value: AT10 at €229 or Metalbone at €299?
Nox AT10 is far better value—€70 less with superior performance. The AT10 wins in power (9.6 vs 9.3), control (8.9 vs 8.7), comfort (8.5 vs 8.0), and overall rating (9.5 vs 9.4). The Metalbone's only advantages are maneuverability (8.2 vs 7.6) and innovative design, which don't justify the 24% price premium.
What makes these the 2 most popular padel rackets?
Both are used by World #1 players: Agustin Tapia (AT10) and Alejandro Galán (Metalbone). Professional players' racket choices drive massive consumer interest. Additionally, both deliver elite performance with distinct advantages—AT10 for maximum power, Metalbone for innovative octagonal design.
Which racket is better for intermediate players?
Both are advanced-to-professional rackets, but the AT10 is slightly more forgiving. Its medium touch (vs Metalbone's hard), better control (8.9 vs 8.7), and higher comfort (8.5 vs 8.0) make it easier to play with for developing players. However, intermediate players should consider less demanding options like the Bullpadel Hack 03 or Head Alpha Motion.
How does the octagonal shape affect performance?
The Metalbone's octagonal shape improves maneuverability (8.2 vs AT10's 7.6) but reduces power. The eight-sided geometry enhances aerodynamics and weight distribution for quicker handling at the net. However, it sacrifices some smash power compared to the AT10's optimized diamond shape. Most players prefer traditional shapes, but the octagonal design has proven competitive advantages for specific playing styles.
Which racket generates more spin?
Both excel at spin generation thanks to aluminized surfaces. The AT10's 18K carbon aluminized face and the Metalbone's carbon + aluminized surface both create micro-friction for enhanced spin. In practice, the difference is negligible—both allow for heavy topspin on drives and effective slice on volleys.
Do both rackets last equally long?
AT10 likely lasts longer due to premium 18K carbon construction. The higher-grade carbon weave is more durable than the Metalbone's standard carbon. Expect 1.5-2 years from the AT10 vs 1-1.5 years from the Metalbone with regular play (3-4 times per week). Both feature aluminized finishes that maintain surface texture better than standard rackets.
Which racket is best for 2025: AT10 or Metalbone?
Nox AT10 Luxury GENIUS 2025 is the best choice for 2025. It's the newer model (2025 vs 2023), offers superior power and control, costs €70 less, and is currently used by the reigning World #1 Agustin Tapia. Unless you specifically want the Metalbone's octagonal innovation, the AT10 is objectively better for most players.