Tokyo – The surface of the new V200W official tournament-model volleyball uses Kuraray's Clarino polyurethane-based artificial leather.
Kuraray Clarino chosen for new international competition volleyballs
The new MVA200 with Kuraray Clarino faux leather surface
The ball was unveiled at the FIVB World Congress in Cancun, Mexico. It replaces the MVA200 model used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used subsequently.
Mikasa, also of Japan, makes the balls. The company has been in business since 1921, and has worked with Kuraray since 1967. It chose the Clarino material for the surface because it has elasticity and is soft to the touch. The foamed polyurethane surface layer sits on top of a non-woven microfibre layer with a spongy texture.
A fine pattern of surface dimples in the polyurethane helps to stabilise the ball's trajectory, the company said.
