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.
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.