📋 Table of Contents
- 🎾 Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 Overview
- 🏛️ Dunlop Brand Heritage
- 🎨 Design & Aesthetics
- ⚙️ Technology Deep-Dive
- 🎬 Video Review
- 🏟️ On-Court Performance
- 🔄 Dunlop Aero-Star Range Comparison
- 👤 Who Should Buy This Racket?
- ⚔️ Vs the Competition
- 🏋️ Court Drills & Practice Tips
- 🛒 UK Buying Guide
- 🔧 Care & Maintenance
- 📊 Full Specifications
- ✅ Pros & Cons
- 🏆 Final Verdict
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 🛍️ Where to Buy
Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025
Diamond-Shaped Power Weapon with 16K Carbon Construction
⚡ 16K Carbon
🎯 370g
🌀 Hyper GRYP
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 is the flagship weapon in Dunlop’s power-focused padel range, and it’s a racket that means business. Armed with super-premium 16K carbon fibre construction, a devastating diamond head shape, and innovative technologies like the Tri-Clamp reinforcement system and Hyper GRYP textured surface, this racket has been engineered for one purpose: to generate maximum power without sacrificing the control and spin that advanced players demand.
Used by World Padel Tour professionals including Ramiro Moyano, Juani Mieres, and Teresa Navarro, as well as GB number one Christian Medina Murphy, the Aero-Star Pro sits at the top of Dunlop’s padel hierarchy. It’s the kind of racket that turns defensive rallies into winning smashes and rewards players who have the technique to unleash its full potential.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect every aspect of this impressive racket — from its premium 16K carbon layup and Pro EVA core to its on-court performance across all shot types. Whether you’re an established club player looking to add more firepower to your game or a competitive player seeking a pro-level weapon, read on to discover if the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 deserves a place in your bag.
🏛️ Dunlop Brand Heritage: 130+ Years of Racket Sport Innovation
When you pick up a Dunlop padel racket, you’re holding a piece of sporting history that stretches back over 130 years. Founded in 1889 by John Boyd Dunlop — the Scottish-born inventor who revolutionised pneumatic tyres — the brand’s journey into racket sports began in the early 20th century and has never looked back.
Dunlop’s racket sport pedigree is staggering. The brand has been associated with some of the greatest names in tennis history, from Rod Laver and John McEnroe to Steffi Graf and Rafa Nadal (in his junior years). The iconic Dunlop Maxply Fort — first introduced in 1931 — became arguably the most successful tennis racket ever made, dominating professional tennis for decades.
The brand’s entry into padel brought with it decades of expertise in racket engineering, materials science, and ergonomic design. Dunlop’s padel range reflects the same commitment to innovation that made them a dominant force in tennis: the 16K carbon weave technology, Tri-Clamp reinforcement system, and Infinergy by BASF materials are all testament to a company that refuses to rest on its laurels.
The Aero-Star line, in particular, represents Dunlop’s vision for the attacking padel player. With professional endorsement from World Padel Tour competitors like Ramiro Moyano, Juani Mieres, and Teresa Navarro, the Aero-Star Pro has proven itself at the highest level of competitive play. Dunlop’s deep understanding of racket dynamics — honed over a century of research and development — gives the Aero-Star Pro a level of refinement that newer brands simply cannot match.
Now part of the SRI Sports Group (alongside Srixon and Cleveland Golf), Dunlop continues to invest heavily in padel R&D, recognising the sport’s explosive growth across Europe and the UK. Their Sheffield-based design team works closely with touring professionals to ensure each generation of the Aero-Star pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in padel racket engineering.
🎨 Design & Aesthetics
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 makes an immediate visual statement with its striking black and gold colourway — a design that exudes premium quality and aggressive intent. The deep black carbon face is accented with metallic gold Dunlop branding and geometric design elements that catch the light beautifully on court. It’s a racket that looks as mean as it plays.
The diamond head shape is immediately apparent, with the widest point of the racket head positioned noticeably higher than on teardrop or round designs. This shifts the weight concentration towards the top of the frame, creating that characteristic head-heavy balance that diamond shapes are known for. The aerodynamic frame profile has been carefully sculpted to reduce drag during the swing, which Dunlop claims contributes to faster racket head speed — a detail that aggressive players will appreciate.
Build quality is exceptional throughout. The 16K carbon weave is visible through the surface coating, giving the face a subtle textured appearance that hints at the premium materials beneath. The Hyper GRYP surface treatment adds a microscopically rough texture across the entire hitting surface, and you can feel it when you run your fingers across the face — it’s noticeably grippier than standard smooth surfaces.
The injection bumper frame protection system runs the full perimeter of the racket head, offering robust defence against wall and floor scrapes without adding unnecessary weight. The Tri-Clamp reinforcement is visible at the bridge (where the handle meets the head), providing a structural anchor point that adds rigidity where it matters most.
Finishing touches include a comfortable wrist strap for safety during play and a quality overgrip that provides good traction straight out of the packaging. The overall fit and finish is what you’d expect from a brand with Dunlop’s heritage — meticulous and confidence-inspiring.
⚙️ Technology Deep-Dive
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro is packed with proprietary technologies that work in concert to deliver its potent combination of power, spin, and control. Let’s break down each one:
🔬 16K Carbon Fibre Construction
The premium 16K carbon fibre weave (16,000 filaments per tow) provides maximum structural rigidity, consistency, and energy transfer. Higher K-count carbon means denser, stronger fibres that respond more predictably across the entire face. This ensures every shot — from delicate drops to full-power smashes — delivers reliable, consistent feedback.
🔩 Tri-Clamp Reinforcement
Dunlop’s signature bridge reinforcement system provides additional structural stability at the racket’s most stressed point — where the handle meets the head. By adding rigidity here, the Tri-Clamp reduces frame flex during impact, channelling more energy into the ball. It also reduces aerodynamic drag, enabling faster swing speeds through the air.
🧊 Pro EVA Core
The Pro EVA rubber core strikes a carefully calibrated balance between power and feel. Firmer than standard EVA foams, Pro EVA delivers explosive energy return on attacking shots while still providing enough cushioning to absorb vibrations on defensive play. This medium-firm density is ideal for advanced players who generate their own racket head speed.
🌀 Hyper GRYP Surface
A specially engineered textured finish applied across the entire hitting surface that generates significantly more ball grip on contact. This translates directly into enhanced spin potential — topspin on overhead shots, slice on volleys, and kick on serves. The texture is durable and doesn’t wear off quickly like some competitor surface treatments.
⚡ Power Holes
Dunlop’s exclusive drilled hole pattern is strategically positioned in the optimal power zone of the racket face. Unlike standard circular holes, the Power Holes pattern maximises the active hitting area while maintaining structural integrity. The result is noticeably more power on attacking shots hit in the upper portion of the face — exactly where diamond-shape players typically make contact on smashes.
💫 Infinergy by BASF
This revolutionary material from German chemical giant BASF (the world’s largest chemical company) is integrated into the frame construction at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. Infinergy provides exceptional energy return — like a trampoline effect — that generates additional power with reduced effort. Crucially, it also absorbs vibrations, significantly improving comfort and reducing arm fatigue during extended matches.
🛡️ Injection Bumper
Dunlop’s latest frame protection system uses an injection-moulded bumper that provides superior durability compared to traditional tape-based protectors. It covers the full perimeter of the racket head, shielding the carbon frame from wall and floor impacts that are an inevitable part of padel. The bumper is replaceable, extending the racket’s lifespan significantly.
💎 Diamond Head Shape
The diamond shape positions the widest point of the racket head high, concentrating mass in the upper frame. This creates a high balance point (head-heavy) that acts as a natural power amplifier — the momentum of the heavier head generates more force through the ball on overhead shots, smashes, and bandejas. The trade-off is a smaller sweet spot compared to round shapes, demanding better technique from the player.
🤝 Comfort Wrist Strap
An ergonomically designed wrist strap provides safety and comfort during play. The strap prevents the racket from flying out of your hand during aggressive shots and helps distribute the wrist forces more evenly, reducing strain during long matches. A small but important detail that shows Dunlop’s attention to player welfare.
🎬 Video Review
Watch this detailed hands-on review of the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro from PDH Sports, one of the UK’s leading padel equipment specialists:
The video highlights the racket’s professional-grade construction and attacking credentials, noting its use by GB number one Christian Medina Murphy. Key takeaways include the excellent power generation from the diamond shape, the improved spin potential from the Hyper GRYP surface, and the solid, confidence-inspiring feel that the 16K carbon construction provides.
🏟️ On-Court Performance
💪 Power & Attacking Play
This is where the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro truly excels. The combination of diamond head shape, high balance point, and 16K carbon rigidity creates a devastating power platform. Overhead smashes generate serious pace, and the Infinergy by BASF material adds an almost trampoline-like energy return that makes power shots feel effortless. The Power Holes drilling pattern focuses this energy precisely where attacking players make contact most — in the upper quadrant of the face.
The bandeja — that quintessential padel shot — benefits enormously from the head-heavy balance. The racket’s momentum practically does the work for you, allowing you to generate significant pace and depth with a relatively compact swing. Similarly, the víbora gains extra venom thanks to the combination of power and the spin generated by the Hyper GRYP surface.
🎯 Control & Touch
For a diamond-shaped power racket, the Aero-Star Pro offers surprisingly good control. The Tri-Clamp reinforcement adds stability to the frame, reducing unwanted vibrations and twisting on off-centre hits. The Pro EVA core is firm enough to deliver explosive power but not so rigid that it kills all feel — you can still execute delicate drop shots and touch volleys with reasonable precision.
That said, this is not a control-first racket. Players accustomed to round-shaped precision tools will notice the reduced sweet spot size and the tendency for off-centre shots to fly slightly more unpredictably. The Aero-Star Pro rewards clean, centred contact and punishes lazy technique — which is exactly what an advanced player’s racket should do.
🌀 Spin Generation
The Hyper GRYP textured surface is a genuine game-changer for spin production. Unlike smooth-faced rackets where spin relies entirely on swing path and technique, the Aero-Star Pro’s rough surface grips the ball on contact, adding mechanical spin enhancement. This is particularly noticeable on:
- Kick smashes — the ball bites the court surface and leaps up unpredictably
- Topspin lobs — additional rotation keeps the ball dipping inside the baseline
- Slice volleys — the ball stays low after bouncing, making it harder to return
- Defensive chiquitas — extra spin from low contact points creates awkward returns
🛡️ Defensive Play
Defence is the Aero-Star Pro’s relative weakness, as expected from a diamond shape. The smaller sweet spot means defensive shots hit under pressure — when you’re stretched or off-balance — are less forgiving. The high balance makes quick defensive volleys slightly more demanding because the head-heavy weight distribution slows down rapid racket adjustments at the net.
However, the Infinergy vibration damping helps reduce arm fatigue during extended defensive rallies, and the Pro EVA core provides enough cushioning to absorb heavy incoming shots without jarring your wrist. Experienced players who maintain proper positioning will find the defensive capabilities more than adequate.
🏃 Manoeuvrability
At 370 grams with a high balance point, the Aero-Star Pro is not the quickest racket to manoeuvre in fast net exchanges. However, Dunlop’s aerodynamic frame design and the Tri-Clamp bridge — which reduces air resistance — help mitigate this. The racket swings faster through the air than its weight might suggest, particularly on overhead shots where the head-heavy balance actually aids swing speed through gravity assistance.
🔄 Dunlop Aero-Star Range Comparison
The Dunlop Aero-Star line offers three models to suit different player levels and preferences:
The Aero-Star Pro sits at the apex of the range, designed for the most advanced players who want maximum power and the finest materials. The standard Aero-Star offers a slightly softer feel with 12K carbon at a lower price point — a solid choice for advanced players who prefer a touch more forgiveness. The Aero-Star Lite pivots to a teardrop shape and lighter weight, making it the most accessible option for improving intermediates who want some of that Aero-Star DNA without the demanding technique requirements.
👤 Who Should Buy This Racket?
💪 Power Hitters
⬅️ Left-Side Specialists
🏆 Competitive Players
🌀 Spin Seekers
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro is ideal for:
- Advanced players (3+ years of regular padel) with solid technique who want to maximise their power output
- Left-side specialists who need devastating smashes, bandejas, and víboras to finish points
- Competitive club players stepping up from intermediate rackets and looking for a professional-grade weapon
- Spin-oriented attackers who want the Hyper GRYP surface to add extra bite to their shots
- Players upgrading from teardrop shapes who are ready for the full diamond experience
- Dunlop loyalists from tennis who want the same brand quality in their padel equipment
This racket is NOT for:
- Beginners or early intermediates (the diamond shape and small sweet spot punish inconsistent technique)
- Pure right-side players who prioritise control and consistency over power
- Players with arm problems (the firm Pro EVA core transmits more vibration than softer alternatives)
- Lightweight racket seekers — at 370g, this is a substantial racket that demands physical fitness
⚔️ Vs the Competition
🆚 HEAD Extreme Pro 2025
The HEAD uses higher-K carbon (18K) and features Graphene 360+ technology for slightly more rigidity and stability. The Aero-Star Pro counters with the Infinergy by BASF for better vibration absorption and the Hyper GRYP for superior spin. Both weigh 370g. The HEAD is pricier but carries Arturo Coello’s endorsement; the Dunlop offers better value with comparable performance.
Choose the Dunlop if: You want spin-focused power at a better price
Choose the HEAD if: You want maximum rigidity and brand cachet
🆚 Adidas Metalbone 2026
The Metalbone is Adidas’s flagship diamond with Aluminised Carbon and SpinBlade texture. It’s a direct competitor in the premium power segment. The Metalbone is slightly stiffer with a more head-heavy balance, making it even more power-focused but less forgiving. The Aero-Star Pro’s Tri-Clamp adds structural stability that the Metalbone lacks, and the Pro EVA core is more comfortable than Adidas’s EVA High Performance.
Choose the Dunlop if: You want more comfort and better vibration damping
Choose the Adidas if: You want the absolute maximum power available
🆚 NOX AT10 Genius 2026
Agustín Tapia’s weapon is a teardrop shape, which fundamentally differentiates it from the diamond Aero-Star Pro. The NOX offers a larger sweet spot with more control at the net, while the Dunlop provides greater raw power on overhead shots. Both feature premium carbon construction and textured surfaces. The NOX is the better all-court option; the Dunlop is the superior specialist attacker.
Choose the Dunlop if: You’re a left-side attacker who lives for the smash
Choose the NOX if: You want versatility across both court positions
🆚 Bullpadel Hack 04 2026
Paquito Navarro’s Hack 04 is another diamond-shaped power weapon with MultiCarbon HRS and CarbonFrame technology. Both rackets target the same aggressive player profile. The Hack 04 is slightly heavier and has a more explosive feel, while the Aero-Star Pro offers better spin generation through the Hyper GRYP surface and superior vibration damping via Infinergy. The Bullpadel carries more tour prestige; the Dunlop offers better value.
Choose the Dunlop if: You prioritise spin and comfort alongside power
Choose the Bullpadel if: You want the racket of a Premier Padel champion
🏋️ Court Drills & Practice Tips for the Aero-Star Pro
To get the most out of your Dunlop Aero-Star Pro, here are four targeted drills designed to exploit its strengths:
🎯 Drill 1: Diamond Sweet Spot Finder
Purpose: Develop the clean contact that diamond shapes demand
Stand at the net and have a partner feed gentle balls to you. Focus on making contact in the upper-centre of the face — the Aero-Star Pro’s optimal power zone. Hit 50 forehand volleys, then 50 backhand volleys, concentrating on the feel of centred vs off-centre hits. As you improve, increase the pace of feeds.
Duration: 15 minutes | Frequency: Every practice session
💥 Drill 2: Power Smash Placement
Purpose: Harness the Aero-Star Pro’s devastating overhead power with precision
Place four cones in the corners of the opponent’s court. Have a partner lob balls to you at the net. Alternate smashing to each cone target, calling your target before each shot. Score 1 point for hitting within 2 metres of the cone. Aim for 30/40 points. The Aero-Star Pro’s Power Holes and diamond shape make this drill incredibly satisfying when you nail the target.
Duration: 20 minutes | Frequency: 2-3 times per week
🌀 Drill 3: Hyper GRYP Spin Mastery
Purpose: Maximise the spin potential of the Hyper GRYP surface
Practice kick smashes from the 3/4 court position. The goal is to make the ball bounce and leap over your opponent’s head or into the side glass. Focus on brushing up the back of the ball at impact — the textured surface will do the rest. Alternate between topspin and sidespin variations. Count how many out-of-court bounces you achieve in 20 attempts.
Duration: 15 minutes | Frequency: 2 times per week
🛡️ Drill 4: Diamond Defence Challenge
Purpose: Improve defensive play with a head-heavy racket
Position yourself at the back glass. Have a partner hit hard, flat shots at you from the net. Practice returning the ball low over the net with slice (lobbing should be a last resort). This drill forces you to handle the Aero-Star Pro’s weight in reactive, defensive situations — building the wrist strength and positioning awareness needed to defend effectively with a power racket.
Duration: 15 minutes | Frequency: Weekly
🛒 UK Buying Guide
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 is available from a range of UK retailers, both online and in-store. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing:
Pricing: The RRP is approximately £180-200, but the Aero-Star Pro can regularly be found for £130-160 from UK retailers. As with all padel rackets, shopping around can save significant money — the technology remains identical regardless of where you buy.
What’s in the box: Racket, protective carry case/cover, wrist strap (pre-attached), original overgrip. Dunlop’s packaging is solid and the racket arrives well-protected.
Warranty: Standard Dunlop manufacturer warranty covers manufacturing defects. Retain your proof of purchase. Note that frame damage from wall/floor impacts is not covered — hence the importance of the injection bumper protector.
Try before you buy: Many UK padel centres and pro shops offer Dunlop demo rackets. We strongly recommend testing the Aero-Star Pro before committing, especially if you’re moving from a round or teardrop shape to a diamond for the first time. The difference in feel and sweet spot location is significant.
🔧 Care & Maintenance
- Frame protection: Always check the injection bumper before and after play. Replace it if it becomes cracked or worn — it’s your first line of defence against carbon damage. Dunlop bumper strips are available from most padel retailers.
- Surface care: Wipe the Hyper GRYP surface with a damp cloth after each session to remove dirt and sweat that can reduce its spin-generating texture. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface treatment.
- Temperature control: Never leave the Aero-Star Pro in a hot car or direct sunlight. Pro EVA rubber cores can deform and lose their playing characteristics when exposed to temperatures above 40°C. Store in a padel bag with a thermal lining when possible.
- Overgrip rotation: Change your overgrip every 5-10 hours of play, or sooner if it becomes slippery. A fresh grip reduces the risk of the racket twisting in your hand and helps prevent unnecessary strain on your wrist and forearm.
- Impact awareness: While the injection bumper provides excellent protection, try to avoid hitting the court walls and floor with the racket head. Each impact, even protected, transmits force through the carbon structure. Play smart recovery shots rather than desperate lunges.
- Storage: Store the racket in its protective cover when not in use. Keep it at room temperature in a dry environment. Avoid leaning heavy objects against it, as sustained pressure can cause carbon delamination over time.
📊 Full Specifications
✅ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Devastating power from diamond shape and 16K carbon
- Excellent spin generation via Hyper GRYP surface
- Infinergy by BASF reduces vibrations and arm fatigue
- Tri-Clamp adds rigidity where it matters most
- Premium build quality befitting Dunlop’s heritage
- Professional endorsement (Moyano, Mieres, Navarro)
- Better value than comparable HEAD and Adidas models
- Injection bumper offers excellent frame protection
- Power Holes optimise the attacking sweet spot
- Striking black and gold design
❌ Cons
- Small sweet spot demands consistent technique
- Head-heavy balance can feel sluggish in fast net exchanges
- Not suitable for beginners or early intermediates
- Pro EVA core is firm — less comfortable than soft-core alternatives
- 370g weight may cause fatigue in longer matches for some players
- Defensive play requires more effort than with round shapes
🏆 Final Verdict
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 is a formidable power weapon that delivers exactly what it promises: devastating attacking capability backed by premium materials and intelligent engineering. The combination of 16K carbon rigidity, diamond head geometry, and Infinergy energy return creates a racket that can turn any overhead opportunity into a winning shot.
What elevates the Aero-Star Pro beyond a simple power tool is Dunlop’s attention to the supporting technologies. The Hyper GRYP surface adds genuine spin dimension, the Tri-Clamp provides structural integrity under stress, and the Infinergy vibration absorption keeps your arm fresh through long matches. It’s a thoughtfully engineered package, not just a heavy bat.
At its price point — often found well below £160 — the Aero-Star Pro represents exceptional value compared to premium diamond shapes from HEAD and Adidas that can cost £50-100 more for comparable performance. If you’re an advanced player looking for a left-side weapon or an all-court attacker’s tool, the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025 deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro suitable for beginners?
The Aero-Star Pro is designed for advanced and intermediate-advanced players. Its diamond shape and high balance concentrate weight in the head, delivering tremendous power but requiring good technique to control. Beginners would be better served by a round or teardrop shape like the Dunlop Aero-Star Lite or a Wilson Optix V1.
What is the difference between the Aero-Star Pro and the standard Aero-Star?
The Aero-Star Pro uses premium 16K carbon fibre throughout for maximum rigidity and power, while the standard Aero-Star uses 12K carbon and is 5 grams lighter at 365g. The Pro also features a Pro EVA core (firmer) compared to the standard model’s softer EVA Medium core, giving the Pro more explosive power at the cost of slightly less forgiveness.
What professionals use the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro?
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro has been the weapon of choice for several professional players including Ramiro Moyano on the World Padel Tour, as well as Juani Mieres and Teresa Navarro. In the UK, it has been used by GB number one Christian Medina Murphy.
How does the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro compare to the HEAD Extreme Pro?
Both are diamond-shaped power rackets for advanced players. The Aero-Star Pro uses 16K carbon (vs HEAD’s 18K Extreme Carbon), weighs 370g (same as the HEAD), and features a Pro EVA core. The HEAD Extreme Pro offers slightly more rigidity with its higher K-count carbon, while the Dunlop provides better value for money and includes unique features like the Tri-Clamp reinforcement and Hyper GRYP surface.
Is the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro good for doubles?
The Aero-Star Pro excels on the left side of the court where its diamond shape and high balance generate devastating smashes and bandejas. On the right side, the Hyper GRYP surface helps generate spin on volleys and defensive shots. While primarily an attacking racket, its versatility makes it suitable for both court positions in doubles play.
🛍️ Where to Buy the Dunlop Aero-Star Pro 2025
The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro is available from a wide range of UK and international retailers. We recommend comparing prices across multiple sources to find the best deal:
💡 Buying Tip: The Dunlop Aero-Star Pro often goes on sale between seasons (typically April-May and September-October). Setting up price alerts on Amazon UK can help you grab a bargain. As an affiliate link, your purchase helps support Padel Mad at no extra cost to you.
📚 Related Reviews You Might Enjoy
- All Equipment Reviews
- Padel Racket Reviews
- Padel Shoe Reviews
- Padel Ball Reviews
- Padel Bag Reviews
- Padel Accessories
Last updated: February 2026. Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, Padel Mad earns from qualifying purchases.
