March 15, 2022
PR65-S05

Molten launches d60 PRO – IHF-approved under
the newly established specifications for“resin-free” handball
Adopted as the Official Game Ball for the 2022 IHF
Women’s Youth (U18) World Championshipd60 PRO（H3D5000-BW）

Molten Corporation (Headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan; President and CEO: Kiyo Tamiaki), a
manufacturer of competition-quality sports balls and equipment, will introduce the IHF-approved
handball “d60 PRO”, which meets the IHF’s (International Handball Federation) technical requirements
for “Handballs played without resin”, available in selected markets as of April 2022.
Resin is used in handball to make the surface less slippery caused by sweat, resulting in better grip
and ball control. However, in sports venues where the use of resin is prohibited, players practice andplay matches without using resin. In July 2019, IHF announced regulations for “Handballs played
without resin” for handballs used in such conditions.
The highly absorbent surface material makes “d60 PRO” less slippery, even when used with sweaty
hands. In addition, applying a thicker sponge layer and a surface structure with 60 triangle-shaped
panels, contribute to a ball with an exceptional grip.
The ball was designed by “nendo”, a design company led by Oki Sato, an up-and-coming designer
who is active in a wide range of works, including architecture, interior design and graphics.
“d60 PRO” has been chosen as the official Game Ball for the 2022 IHF Women’s Youth (U18) WorldChampionship.
Molten will continue to develop and supply handball products with outstanding functionality and design
to all people involved in handball, and work to fulfill the Molten brand promise, “For the real game”.

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■Product Features
1. Water Absorbent Cover, Sweat Resistance
By using a highly absorbent surface material which
retains moisture, the ball is less slippery when being
used with sweaty hands.
*Patent pending

2. Softer Cover, Stronger Grip

Thick soft layers achieve a spongy cover, enabling thefingertips to sink in deeper and creating more contact
area between the finger and the surface of the ball.
These features help players to get an exceptional grip.
*Patent pending

d60 PRO (top) andcurrent model H3X5001-BW (bottom)

3. Original Channeled Design, More Control

Evenly placing 60 triangle-shaped panels enables
players to catch and hold the ball with more ease than a
traditional ball. The dimple at the center of the panelsand deep channels between the panels contribute to abetter grip and more control.

■Product Overview
Name

d60 PRO

Item Number

H3D5000-BW

H2D5000-BW

Size *1

32Circumference555-575 ㎜

515-535 ㎜

Weight400-425g

300-325g

Material / ManufacturingmethodPU/ LaminatedCountry of Origin

Thailand*1 The ball size conforms to the ball regulations for the “Handballs played without resin” issued by IHF in
July 2019.

■d60 Series lineup

The d60 Series has two models: the premium “d60 PRO” and general use “d60.”
The soft, highly absorbent surface material of “d60” reduces slipperiness caused by sweat.
In order to be used by a wide various age groups from junior to senior players, the ball is available in
the three sizes of 1, 2 and 3.

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■About Molten

Molten, a manufacturer of balls and sports equipment, has been making and marketing basketballs,handballs, soccer balls, and volleyballs, of uncompromising quality since 1958. Molten continues toraise global standards, supplying the official game balls and sports equipment for major leagues,teams and international tournaments around the world.
For further information, please visit www.molten.co.jp/sports/en/■For the real game

Molten's brand statement, "For the real game", encapsulates what we hope to accomplish through ourproducts and activities. It is our conviction that the real game happens only when impeccable balls
and sports equipment enable athletes to realize their full potential and maximize performance.

■Product image data (JPEG) is also available

Contact: Takeshi Fuki
International Market Sales & Marketing Department
Sports Division
Molten Corporation
Tel: (+81-3)3625-7648
Fax: (+81-3)3625-7738

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