Prada Luna Rossa Sport vs Carbon Comparison

In this edition of this site’s head to head cologne comparisons, we have a battle between two Prada Luna Rossa flanker fragrances: Sport vs. Carbon. Both of these scents have been praised and enjoyed popularity, but which one smells better? Has greater performance? Versatility? Finally, which one is more of a joy to wear? Please continue below for my full take on these Prada colognes.

Tale of the Tape: Sport vs. Carbon

Luna Rossa Carbon

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

Luna Rossa Sport

Notes include: vanilla, lavender, tonka bean, juniper berries, ginger

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Opening

Luna Rossa Carbon opens with a blend of lavender, ambroxan, bergamot, and pepper. Bergamot acts as the main top note and it all can come off, as another version of Dior Sauvage to many people. However, the lavender note is heavier in Carbon than in the Dior.

Sport, hits you with tonka bean, lavender, and vanilla. It doesn’t have that same bright citrus element as Carbon, nor does it share the metallic notes.

Beyond that, you get a slight ginger spice and the aromatic freshness of juniper. It’s a bit sweet early on, with enough spice to go with the cleaner elements of the fragrance.

Lavender is the shared DNA between these two colognes. I prefer the smooth and crisp clean feeling of Luna Rossa Sport over that sharp bergamot citrus blend found in Carbon.

Edge: Sport

Projection

Carbon starts off loud but then fades more to the upper end of moderate on the spectrum. Sillage wise, Sport is pretty moderate throughout and doesn’t hit the levels of projection that Carbon does.

Neither is an absolute powerhouse. Also, Sport isn’t weak. Carbon just takes this category with issue. Carbon just has a higher ceiling and greater consistency during the wear, than does Luna Rossa Sport.

Edge: Carbon

Longevity

When I wear Carbon, it can hit double digits in how many solid hours, it lasts on my skin. While Sport, is no slouch, is seems to only muster around 6-7 hours.

So, obviously, Carbon has the edge in this performance category. Sport just isn’t a beast and can’t match the levels of strength that Carbon can. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, depending on your own needs.

Edge: Carbon

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are highly versatile. That’s a part of the strength of each. It doesn’t matter if it’s casually, at the office, or on a date. The main differences come during the summer months and which one gets more complements.

Luna Rossa Carbon does a better job at holding up in the humidity of summer. Meanwhile, I like wearing Sport for dates or during evening outs, as women seem to notice it more. There doesn’t appear to be a clear cut winner in terms of versatility.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Luna Rossa Carbon. It’s nice, it has that Sauvage appeal, but is distinct when you get close and notice the details. It also performs extremely well and does everything you could ask it to.

BUT…I simply like wearing Sport more. It’s a very simple kind of cologne, but it’s damn good within that simplicity. The tonka bean goes perfectly with that signature Luna Rossa lavender and the vanilla flanking it.

Also, the ginger and barely noticeable juniper give it an extra undertone that I really enjoy. It’s crisp and has enough spice to grab attention. It’s in that same sort of mold as Code Profumo, which I also adore.

So, yes, Carbon has better performance and if you want something with more of a citrus profile, give it a look. The lavender clean and the metallic aroma during the dry down is actually pretty enjoyable. It’s still one of the better Luna Rossa releases.

However, I’m going to pick Luna Rossa Sport, as it is the better smelling Prada cologne in my mind.

Winner: Luna Rossa Sport

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.