Each pelota is made by hand. It takes about one month to make the core. The core is covered with 15 grams of nylon cord. Two layers of goatskin, each weighing five to six grams each, complete the outer cover. They are each made by hand and are very expensive.
Players say they compete with much more confidence when then find a cestato their liking.
Cestas are constructed according to a player's specifications, although no two cestas are exactly alike. The life of a typical cesta is about three weeks. Each player receives a cesta stipend to help cover some of the seasonal cost. Granite is able to withstand the tremendous and repetitive pounding of the pelota. Other than the front wall, a jai-alai court is virtually all concrete.