Modern pins with double voids and plastic coating are much livelier than in the past. This combined with higher friction balls means that ball speed is a major factor in pin carry now, much more so than in the past. It used to be you could easily throw to hard for the conditions and the ball would simply slide and deflect off the pins, this is seldom a factor today.
You are always better practicing. You need to be able to throw a consistent hook to take advantage of the lane conditions, when they are easy. I will take Walter Ray using plastic on tougher conditions against house bowlers using strong balls.
However, a certain amount of the technology will help you take advantage of the typical house lane condition. How much technology is needed depends on the skill of the bowler. Most skilled bowlers will see significant scoring improvement by using even low to mid priced balls, generally resin coverstocks.
It is nearly impossible to compete if you are using plastic against equally skill bowlers using modern equipment. On a typical house shot they will beat you to death.
