【A-Grade】YoYoFactory / mowl - Protostar Hybrid Ti -

YoYoFactory revolutionized the competitive yo-yo scene by introducing mono-metal yo-yos around 2004, challenging the dominance of plastic-bodied yo-yos with metal rims ("Kin-Rim" models). This innovation played a key role in shaping the trends of modern competitive yo-yo play.　

Having led the industry for years, YoYoFactory made a bold move in 2009 by introducing the "Death to Metal" concept. Defying the prevailing trend, they released the metal-rimmed Protostar, going against the mono-metal dominance of the time.　

The Protostar, which achieved explosive sales worldwide, is making its return in 2024—revamped through a collaboration with mowl. After 15 years, this iconic model is reborn.

Protostar Hybrid Ti
Diameter(直径): 56.1 mm
Width(横幅): 46.6 mm
Weight(重量): 67.2 gram 
Designed for John Ando

- Development Background - 

Leveraging the expertise gained from the development of mowl Hybrid, the Protostar Hybrid Ti features a hybrid structure combining polycarbonate and POM materials. Throughout the development process, we produced a total of three prototype versions to refine its performance and feel.

The Protostar Hybrid Ti combines the soft responsiveness of POM material with the stability and solid feel unique to titanium, delivering high-precision performance with exceptional control.

Left: 2009 YoYoFactory Protostar (Original)
Right: 2024 Protostar Hybrid Ti (New Model)

From the body shape and central hub dome to the weight distribution, the Protostar Hybrid Ti faithfully recreates the stunning aesthetics of the original Protostar, preserving its iconic design while introducing modern refinements.

- Playability -
During the first metal yo-yo boom (2007–2010), yo-yos with a heavy, solid feel, often described as having a “dense metal weight”, were popular. These yo-yos provided a strong sense of mass, allowing players to generate powerful momentum with each throw.

In contrast, modern yo-yos favor a “light, effortless, and smooth play feel”, enabling fluid movement with minimal force.

Both styles have their unique appeal, but as playstyles continue to evolve, we sought a yo-yo that could bridge the gap between these two extremes.

By combining a hybrid structure with the inherent properties of titanium, the Protostar Hybrid Ti achieves a perfect balance between weighty presence and agile responsiveness, offering a truly unique play experience.

The Protostar has been reborn—a fusion of tradition and innovation, seamlessly blending the essence of past and present yo-yos to achieve a new level of evolution.

mowl’s founder, Eiji Okuyama, was once a sponsored player under YoYoFactory, and he has maintained a close friendship with John Ando, the original Protostar signature player, since around 2004.

Even after retiring from competitive play, Okuyama continued to foster a strong relationship with YoYoFactory. In August 2023, he co-hosted the World Contest Welcome Party alongside Kimura, the president of Turning Point, another former YoYoFactory-sponsored brand.

The event welcomed YoYoFactory's Vice President, Ben McPhee, who has been a driving force in the industry for decades. With over 200 attendees, the gathering celebrated YoYoFactory's 20th anniversary, marking a milestone in yo-yo history.

The Protostar Hybrid Ti is a revival and reimagining of the legendary Protostar, meticulously developed through the combined efforts of YoYoFactory, John Ando, and mowl.

We invite you to experience the nostalgia and innovation behind this long-awaited remake of an iconic yo-yo that once took the world by storm.

After finalizing the development of the Protostar Hybrid Ti, we began working on the logo design. 　

At John Ando’s request, we took a minimalist approach to the design, toning down logos and patterns while maintaining a white and clear color scheme. The concept was centered around "Quiet Luxury", leading us to explore various artistic directions.

Ultimately, to honor Protostar’s original design aesthetics and premium feel, we decided to use the OG Logo for the mowl Osaka Opening Limited Edition. 

The refined Protostar Hybrid Ti design seamlessly blends classic artistry with cutting-edge engineering. Its premium materials, meticulously crafted components, and thoughtful details subtly express a true sense of luxury—a sophistication that speaks to those who appreciate the finest nuances.

Born in Japan and raised in the United States, John Ando is a bilingual yo-yo legend whose talent was recognized early in the 2000s, when competitive yo-yoing was at its peak in the U.S.

Starting his journey during the first Hyper Yo-Yo boom, Ando quickly gained recognition as both a 1A and 2A player, steadily making a name for himself on the international stage.

Competitive Achievements

2004–2007: Four-time U.S. National 2A Champion, setting a consecutive win record.

2008: 1A World Champion, winning in the most competitive division.

2008: Received the prestigious "Innovator Award" from the American YoYo Association (AYYA), a rare honor given only to players who have significantly impacted the yo-yo industry.

2009: Released his signature model, the Protostar, which became a global sensation.

2009: Joined the legendary yo-yo performance team SHAQLER.

2010: Won the AP Division at the World Contest with SHAQLER.

2011: Became the face of Bandai’s "Ryuuji" character, appearing in Oha Suta, CoroCoro Comic, TV commercials, and national events for two years.

2015: Reentered the World Contest AP Division, winning both the Grand Prix Award and Entertainment Award, which are only given when performances reach world-champion levels.

2022: Made a comeback after a 15-year hiatus and won his fifth U.S. National 2A Championship.

Influence and Legacy

Beyond his competitive success, Ando is widely recognized for his original trick innovations, many of which have become foundational elements in modern yo-yoing. Since 2016, he has dedicated himself to coaching the next generation, with several of his students going on to win World Championships.

A true innovator and ambassador of the sport, John Ando continues to leave a lasting impact on the yo-yo community worldwide.