Depends upon the quality of each. There are very good laminates and very good synthetics, but also the other end ofthe quality scaleis well represented. A good synthetic has to be the most durable stock one can buy, is usually lighter in weight than a good laminate, and often have something to grip in wet weather when the laminate will just get slicker. Laminates can certainly be more attractive and some withstand recoil better than some of the synthetics. Just MHO.