Balata vs Surlyn Balata Surlyn Quick Comparison Compression Balata vs Surlyn Balata and Surlyn are ball-covering materials. But there are typically other differences between balata and surlyn balls besides the cover. Balata A balata covered ball is typically a three-piece ball: a core wound with rubber and covered with balata. There has been a lot of discussion as to what "balata" is. Let's just say that balata is a soft substance which leads to cuts and nicks. This "softness" is said to offer "better playability" which is to say that the golfer can "shape" his/her shot (fade/draw), and get more "action" (backspin) on the greens. Surlyn A surlyn covered ball is typically a two-piece ball: a solid core with the surlyn cover. Surlyn is a man made "uncuttable" substance which is designed to eliminate the cuts and nicks. The drawbacks of the harder ball are that it is more difficult to "shape" his/her shot (fade/draw), and get "action" (backspin) on the greens. Quick Comparison Balata Softer cover Better spin Scuffs and cuts easily "Works" the ball better because of spin (Draw, fade, backspin) Usually three-piece ball (Liquid-filled core, wound rubber, and cover) Usually more expensive: Higher first cost Shorter life Surlyn Harder cover Not as much spin Resists scuffs and cuts More distance Usually two-piece ball (Solid core and cover) Usually less expensive: Lower first cost Longer life Compression Compression of a golf ball is designed to match the "feel" of the ball to the golfer's preference. Typical compression ratings are between 80 and 100, with most players using a 90 compression ball as a compromise. Many above average golfers tend to agree that hitting a 100 compression ball feels like "hitting a rock". Contrary to golfing myth, there is no correlation between compression and distance.