I agree. Different lane conditions make it easier/harder for everybody to score, just like different holes on a golf course are recognized to have a different par value. However, you need to have the right ball, right line, and right release to maximize your scoring potential on a particular condition, just like choosing the right club(s) and strategy to play a particular hole. One thing is for sure...no matter what the condition, some will like it, and some will not.

Personally, I would like to see another plastic ball championship, especially since I came up with a Leverage/Differential Plastic Ball layout that outperforms Mo Pinel's PBA Plastic Ball layout which was used to win the last tournament. It's funny to me that Mo's forum banned me and a friend for such forward thinking. However, this forum had already banned the other forum's URL. Hehe, poetic. It's probably best to keep things that way. In any case, you can Google "Lev/Diff Plastic Ball Layout" for a critical analysis of the layout on the other forum.

Could I use my bowling trademark, my circa-1999 Ebonite Skull ball I normally use for spares or is it banned because of its uniqueness?

Jason Couch used it in the 1999 TOC telecast and it was the first time I'd seen it back then, I'm fortunate to own 3 of them, 2 16# ones (one drilled and one I have on display, both proudly made in the U.S.A.), the other one is the imported 15# Optyx version of it, drilled, and I proudly use it on the lanes.

No question the lane conditions impact everyone in some way. It's a huge challenge for me, but I do appreciate the changes even from week to week. Currently, I guess someone's stirring up a hornet's nest between an old time lanes and the tournament conditions. I have no idea what the conditions are myself, haven't been down there. But the owner is despondent over the criticism, saying you just can't please everyone.

Very true. The best bowlers tend to adjust to most anything, depending on their experience level. Those that limit themselves will fin it much harder. Yes, we have league bowlers that almost cry when there's more than a thimble full worth of oil. Hey, some nights my game is thoroughly confused for the lanes, but I try to learn.

yeah if it is plastic, you can use it. their decision is final. the thing most bowlers make a mistake in doing is coming in with a Urethane ball thinking it is plastic.

can i get one of those balls??? ;0