Golf balls have different outer layers that make up the build of the ball. The most common types found in the stores and on golf courses all over the world are urethane and surlyn.
Depending on the type of material, durability and performance can be affected in both positive and negative ways. This article will explain surlyn covered golf balls.
What is a Surlyn golf ball?
Surlyn is a material made from ionomer resin that was created by the brand DuPont.
Since the mid-1960s, surlyn has been used on the outer shells of golf balls.
The build is hard and durable. It provides low spin when hitting tee shots. Most Surlyn golf balls are hard two piece balls. They usually have less control.
Surlyn vs Urethane
Surlyn golf ball covers are hard and reduce spin and feel. They are considered “distance” balls since they tend to go a long ways off the tee.
These balls promote a low and straight ball flight. Many Top Flite and Pinnacle balls are Surlyn.
Titleist makes three Surlyn golf balls at three different price ranges. These include Tour Soft, TruFeel, and Velocity.
Urethane balls are softer and deliver more spin especially for wedges and irons.
Lower handicap players who can manufacture shots tend to favor urethane. Although Surlyn balls are supposed to go longer, most urethane balls are just about neck and neck in distance thanks to their high-performance builds.
A Titleist Pro V1 is an example of a Urethane ball.
Ionomer vs Surlyn golf balls
Surlyn is a certain type of ionomer created by DuPont. Not all ionomer balls are made with surlyn though.
Some ionomer covers will be slightly softer to provide more greenside control and a urethane type feel.
Most surlyn golf balls are two-piece balls but there are some 3-piece surlyn golf balls on the market.
These balls were created to add more spin and make it feel like a urethane ball when chipping with it or striking it with irons and wedges.
Balata vs Surlyn golf balls
Balata golf balls, which are no longer made, were made from a rubber-like material that originated from a tree that is in the Carribean, South and Central America.
The tree is soft and when using the material from it, hardens into a plastic, rubbery-type golf ball.
It used to be played by low-handicapped golfers as well as professionals because of the high spin the ball produced primarily by irons and in the short game.
The balls would damage extremely easily on mishits or when hit on cart paths or against hard objects. That is why they weren’t recommended for beginners or mid-handicappers.
Surlyn golf balls were created a lot stronger and sturdier. These balls can last for many rounds and don’t damage easily compared to Balata balls.
Urethane golf balls are actually considered softer than balata balls. Urethane is also built stronger and has a less chance of being scraped or cut like balata made golf balls.
Conclusion
If you like long-distance balls at a low price point then a surlyn covered golf ball is an ideal choice to take out on the course.
With their durable builds they can be used over a long period of time. If softer is better for you then a urethane covered ball might be a better choice.
Be sure to add in the comments your experiences with Surlyn golf balls.
FAQ
How does Ionomer compare to Surlyn in regards to spin?
Both Surlyn and ionomer covers produce similar spin characteristics.Ionomer is a category of thermoplastics while Surlyn is the trademarked name of Delaware chemical company DuPont.Both Ionomer and Surlyn-covered golf balls are durable offerings for increased distance and decreased spin.
What is the purpose of three piece Surlyn covered balls?
The purpose of a three-piece Surlyn-covered ball is to provide a soft feel and increased spin.Three-piece golf balls, on the other hand, contain a solid or liquid center core, an outer layer composed of rubber, and a soft cover. Three-piece golf balls generally have a rubber inner core, a softer rubber outer core, and a thin cover made from ionomer thermal plastic, surlyn, or urethane.
