This is an excellent thread. Surface does matter and it gives you options. Case in point, I just recently returned from a Vegas tournament. I had sent my desired 4 ball equipment ahead of me to my hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel bungled the receipt of my equipment, so I never received it upon my arrival. I was forced to play the entire tourney with a heavy oil ball at 800 grit and a spare ball, which were the only two balls I had carried on the plane.
What I learned from this was invaluable though. Being forced to play on a medium shot with a hvy oil ball, forced me to play in, away from everyone else, as well as change hand positions and choose a different entry angle. However, my carry was excellent!
Do get a spinner though. It will be excellent for fine tuning your arsenal!