Agustín Tapia, a true reference in the world of padel, has left his mark this year with his new line of rackets designed to make a difference on the court. Three innovative models integrated in the Luxury series, to which we add the one that includes the AT2 GENIUS LTD 2024 pack, which come to shine in the 2024 season with elements that have been a real technological revolution.
What mainly differentiates them from their predecessors?
Compared to the 2023 edition blades, they introduce new molds, materials and technologies, such as EOS Flap side perforations for improved handling and weight distribution. Also noteworthy is the more aerodynamic design of the profiles and the lengthening of the grip with an additional 1 centimeter to facilitate the two-handed grip of the racquet, innovations that together provide more balance and speed when executing strokes.
In terms of materials, the perfect combination of carbon fiber and the multilayer MLD Black Eva core has been achieved, which offers great comfort when hitting with a solid feel and an intermediate-high hardness. On the other hand, the new grip features the Pulse System technology to absorb vibrations, along with the NOX Custom Grip®, a pioneering technology patented by NOX and certified by Testea Padel that increases grip by 52% and reduces vibrations transmitted to the hand by 29%. In addition, it incorporates the Smartstrap system®, a replaceable safety cord implemented to provide greater strength and customization to the rackets.
Having reviewed the basis that has made this new product line such a success, how do you know which model to choose?
As a quick guide to understand their main differences, we have prepared the following infographic that lists the entire collection taking into account various parameters. The paddles have been ordered according to stiffness, with 100% being the maximum degree of stiffness of our collection of rackets. 50% would correspond to an intermediate touch and 0% to the softest possible touch.
It should be noted that we have increased the hardness of all the rackets in this collection by one point compared to the previous one, offering more power as well as control. We have gone a step further in this aspect to meet the expectations and needs of a player of the caliber of Agustin Tapia, who as usual has been key in the final design of the new collection. Once again this year, our best product prototypes have reached his hands and after testing them on the court, he has shared his impressions, as well as suggestions for improvement to help us perfect each model of racket.
For a more exhaustive analysis of each one, we start with the description of the key features of the AT10 Luxury GENIUS 18K Alum, which stands out for its hybrid design, combining elements of teardrop and round format. This peculiarity gives it a unique versatility, allowing both aggressive play at the net and precise control on defense. The benefits of its shape are clear: large sweet spot, maneuverability and high acceleration.
Its aluminized carbon construction makes it ideal for those looking for power without sacrificing maneuverability. And you may ask, how does aluminized carbon differ from normal carbon? First of all, the aluminized carbon itself has the property of absorbing less solar radiation, so that the racket will better maintain its characteristics in the face of temperature changes, a feature to take into account especially if you play in very hot weather! The feel of aluminized carbon is slightly less rigid than traditional 18k carbon.
On the other hand, its rough surface, achieved with a bath in silica sand of low grammage, provides an extra spin to the ball. It is the ideal racket if you are a versatile player, who enjoys attacking but at the same time wants to have guaranteed maximum control in the difficult moments of the match.
The 18K Alum shares mold, core and technologies with the AT10 Luxury GENIUS 12K, the only difference between them being the material of the faces. So, which one to choose?
Our recommendation: 18K Alum if you are looking for an intermediate feel and 12K if you are looking for a stiffer feel. The latter will give you a plus of control, ideal if you are a player who prioritizes solidity on the court and you are physically prepared to handle stiffer paddles without difficulty. Remember that very high stiffness is not a good ally if you are prone to injuries such as epicondylitis, as the paddle will tend to absorb less vibrations. However, apart from the aforementioned extra control, it will also help you to provide more speed to the ball by reducing the time it remains on the face of the racket during the stroke.
AT2 GENIUS LTD: A feel halfway between the 18K Alum and the 12K.
However, the crown jewel of Agustin Tapia's limited edition for this 2024 does not have aluminized carbon. An issue that, as we have mentioned, you should consider only in case you are used to play in territories with high temperatures.
We can say that the AT2 GENIUS LTD is halfway between the 18K Alum and the 12K in terms of stiffness. In addition, it combines 3D rough surface on the inside with silica sand weight on the outside, something that in addition to being aesthetic favors the durability of the racket. If you were thinking about getting the 18K but thought you would miss some more control, but did not want to increase the stiffness of the racket ... with the LTD you have already made a match!
As we have seen in the infographic, these three racquets are ideal for players with a versatile style, those who want to feel equally comfortable in both attack and defense.
What about those of you who identify totally with an offensive style of play?
If you are one of those who love to attack and are eager to get to the net at the slightest opportunity, you have it easy. The AT Luxury ATTACK 18K Alum is for you. Although it is just as stiff as the 18K Alum, its diamond shape and noticeably higher balance make it the reference choice for those of you looking for maximum power on the court. Regarding the roughness that characterizes the surface of all the rackets of this collection, in this case it is achieved with a relief incorporated in the last layer in the form of honeycomb, very resistant to the passage of time .
Conclusion: the choice is yours
Each Agustin Tapia racquet has its own identity and purpose on the court. The 18K Alum, with its versatility, the 12K, with its just the right amount of stiffness, the ATTACK, with its aggressive approach, and the AT2 Genius LTD, with its elegant design, offer options to meet the needs and preferences of very different players. The choice will depend on your playing style and the features that best align with the way you approach each game.
And to find out for sure... nothing better than trying our blades yourself! Take advantage of the NOX test service to discover first hand which model best suits your game.