with the current lane surfaces used on tour i think that the plastic ball tournament would have been fairly indicative of what the pros can do with such equipment.
however, if the tour still used lacquer or even old wood lanes the story may be a bit different. If it was simply plastic balls on good surfaces I would have to say Norm Duke. As good and accurate as he is, he would not be able to play his straighter angles and enjoy the luxury of good carry to the extent that he has. I think he would still be on tour, but not a player of the year contender without the aggressive coverstocks and strong cores featured in today's bowling balls. What makes Duke special is that he can play straight the longest, and with everybody else being forced right with weak equipment, he would lose his advantage.
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Brandon Riley