The origins of Hirostar and Lucio Mormile’s vision
The story of Hirostar began with Lucio Mormile’s frustration during the pandemic in 2020, when an expensive, high-end padel racket broke after just a month of use. Driven by curiosity and a desire for better value, Lucio set out to discover what it would take to produce his own padel rackets. This pursuit of quality, design, and affordability became the foundation of Hirostar’s philosophy. The brand quickly distinguished itself by focusing on a unique visual identity and a commitment to offering premium rackets at reasonable prices, ensuring that players could enjoy both performance and aesthetics on court.
From the outset, Hirostar emphasized a streamlined product range to avoid overwhelming players with too many choices. Lucio’s approach was clear: create a concise collection that makes it easy for users to find the right racket for their game, blending Italian design sensibility with functional innovation.
Building a partnership with Tolito Aguirre and the birth of Alien
One of Hirostar’s defining moments came with the partnership between the brand and Tolito Aguirre, a standout player known for his creativity and flair. Initially, the collaboration began as a straightforward sponsorship, with Tolito selecting a racket from Hirostar’s existing range. Over time, as the partnership deepened and proved successful, the brand and player worked closely to develop a racket tailored specifically to Tolito’s playing style.
This collaboration led to the creation of the Alien sub-brand within Hirostar, inspired by Tolito’s nickname and even his tattoos. The Alien racket line became a personal project, with Tolito actively participating in the design and development process. Eventually, Tolito’s involvement grew beyond that of a sponsored athlete—he became a co-owner of Hirostar, cementing a unique synergy between player and brand.
Key differences between Hirostar and established padel brands
When comparing Hirostar to major brands like Bullpadel or Nox, Lucio Mormile points out that while many rackets share similar production standards and materials, the distinction lies in the details: weight, balance, carbon type, and rubber. Even a 5g difference can significantly alter a racket’s feel and performance. What sets Hirostar apart is its commitment to transparency—professional players use the same rackets available to consumers, without hidden customizations. This approach ensures that fans and amateurs can experience the same technology and performance as their idols.
Another distinguishing factor is Hirostar’s focus on design and user experience, striving to make rackets that are not only high-performing but also visually appealing and accessible to a broad range of players.
The 2025 Hirostar collection: models, specs, and player focus
The upcoming 2025 Hirostar collection will feature nine rackets, including the brand’s first female-specific model as part of the Precision collection. The Alien line, previously represented by a single model, will expand to two rackets: the Alien Pro and the standard Alien. This decision was driven by feedback from players who found the original Alien’s 24K carbon face and extra-hard EVA core too demanding for most users.
- Alien Pro: 24K carbon, extra-hard EVA core, designed for advanced players seeking maximum power and stiffness
- Alien: 12K carbon, softer feel, lighter blue design, more accessible for a wider range of players
The collection also includes the Proline series (Blackstone and Redstone), offering top performance with varying balance and control, and the Precision series (Solar, Aurora, Horizon, Andromeda), which is tailored for beginners and intermediate players. The Solar, for example, is a round racket that helps reduce error rates and is praised for its immediate playability.
To help players choose the right model, Hirostar offers a racket finder tool on its website, guiding users based on their skill level and playing style.
Pricing and accessibility across the Hirostar lineup
Hirostar’s pricing strategy reflects its mission to make quality padel gear accessible. The Alien Pro will retail in the US for just over $300 but under $400, while the standard Alien will be 10–15% less. The Precision series rackets are expected to be around $200, making them an attractive option for players seeking performance without a premium price tag. This approach aims to open up the sport to a broader audience while maintaining high standards of design and construction.
Hirostar’s expansion strategy in the US padel market
With the US padel scene rapidly growing, Hirostar is prioritizing its presence in North America. The Alien racket has already become a bestseller on major US e-commerce platforms, and the brand is actively seeking investment and partnerships to further boost its market share. Hirostar is working with a dedicated distributor, plans to hire local representatives, and is investing in grassroots initiatives, including partnerships with clubs, coaches, and local players.
While Tolito Aguirre remains a key ambassador, Hirostar is also supporting other professional players, such as Salvador Oria and Julieta Bidahorria, to increase visibility and credibility in the competitive US landscape. The brand’s strategy includes a full marketing push and the launch of apparel and accessories, with bags and clothing collections rolling out alongside the new rackets.
Making padel more inclusive: models for all skill levels
Although the Alien Pro is designed for advanced players, the broader Hirostar collection is intentionally inclusive. The Proline and Precision series offer options for beginners and intermediates, focusing on ease of use, control, and adaptability. The Solar racket, in particular, stands out for its ability to help players reduce errors and quickly adapt to the game. Hirostar’s philosophy is to guide players toward the right racket for their needs, never pushing advanced models on those who would benefit more from accessible designs.
Key takeaways from the Hirostar approach to padel gear
- Design and quality: Strong emphasis on aesthetics and premium materials
- Player involvement: Direct input from top players like Tolito Aguirre in product development
- Transparency: Pros use the same rackets available to the public
- Accessible pricing: Wide range of models from $200 to under $400
- Inclusive range: Models suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players
- US market focus: Dedicated distribution, local partnerships, and full marketing strategy
Hirostar’s journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, player-driven innovation, and a commitment to making padel accessible and exciting for all levels of the game.
