CompanyYo-yo BrandEst. 2006–2009
HICOO
HICOO was a small artisan yo-yo manufacturer founded in 2006 by designer Shu-Yu Chen (known in the community as “Black Cement”) and partner Lucifer Chen. Based in mainland China, the brand holds a landmark place in yo-yo history as the creator of the first high-end aluminum yo-yo ever produced by a Chinese manufacturer.
The debut model, the West Uranium, was deliberately priced low so that players in mainland China could experience premium metal construction for the first time. Black Cement’s background in visual design was evident throughout the product line: every model featured distinctive engravings, considered aesthetics, and precision machining that punched far above the brand’s low profile.
HICOO collaborated twice with Auldey Toys — one of China’s largest toy manufacturers — producing the Virus and a collab version of the Inca, giving both products wider distribution. The brand was active for approximately three years, releasing around eight distinct yo-yo designs before going quiet in the late 2000s. All HICOO models are now considered rare collector pieces.
