Urethane Elastomer

Urethane Elastomer is a soft yet tough, synthetic polymeric material that is used to form the covers on premium, tour-played golf balls. There are two different types of urethane covers – cast Thermoset urethane and Thermoplastic urethane (TPU).

The thermoset urethane cover formulation on Titleist premium golf ball models (Titleist Pro V1^®, Pro V1x^® and Pro V1x Left Dash) is created by a chemical reaction that takes place within the cover mold cavities. Liquid materials specifically formulated by Titleist R&D are combined and react under heat and pressure to form the solid cover.  This urethane is termed “thermoset,” meaning that the cover, once formed, will not re-melt and cannot be reshaped/reused like “thermoplastic” materials.

Thermoset urethane is very difficult to work with, but it allows for complete control of the chemical composition. The quality achieved using this thermoset casting method results in the highest-performing urethane covers in the game, ultimately providing the consistency, high spin and responsive soft feel that allows golfers to control their shots with great precision into and around the green.

Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) utilizes pelletized urethane that is injection-molded or compression-molded to form the outer cover. This process, which is utilized on Titleist AVX^®, is less expensive and can provide golfers a more affordable option in a urethane-covered golf ball.