NOX Ventus 12K Hybrid Lite Padel Racket 2027

The NOX Ventus 12K Hybrid Lite 2027 is the lightest and quickest racket in the 2027 Ventus family. It takes the all-round Ventus Hybrid recipe, a teardrop with a medium balance, and drops the weight to 350 to 360g, so it's easy to move at the net and easy on the arm over a long match.

The faces are 12K carbon, which gives a firm, direct response, and the MLD Black EVA core uses two densities: the ball comes off easily on slower shots, and you get proper power on the smash without having to swing out of your boots. New for 2027 is NOX's VCS anti-vibration system, which NOX says cuts the impact on your wrist by up to 56% compared with last year's model. The Dual Spin finish (3D texture plus silica sand) grabs the ball for slice and topspin, and the Weight Balance system lets you add 2g and 4g counterweights, up to 8g, to tune the balance.

Our honest take: a great pick for lighter players, women and anyone who finds 365g+ rackets hard work late in a match, but who still wants a proper 12K carbon racket rather than a beginner frame. If you want more weight and stiffness behind the ball, the Ventus Hybrid 12K Xtrem is the step up.

• Shape: Teardrop
• Weight: 350 to 360g
• Balance: Medium
• Face: 12K carbon
• Core: MLD Black EVA (dual density)
• Surface: Dual Spin (3D texture + silica sand)
• Tech: VCS anti-vibration, Weight Balance (up to 8g)
• Level: intermediate to advanced
• NOX ref: PVENTUS12HL27