A belt used in conjunction with at least one pulley, said belt capable of cooperating with an oppositely facing endless belt to contact and convey articles, said belt comprising: a first layer comprising a first flexible material, extending longitudinally of the belt and possessing a first surface, and a second surface disposed opposite said first surface and defining an article conveying surface of said belt; a second layer comprising a second flexible material, spaced from and generally parallel to said first layer and comprising a driving surface of said belt; a tensile section of high modulus material disposed between said first and second layers, wherein the first flexible material comprises a polychloroprene and ethylene propylene diene terpolymer elastomer blend composition. The belt exhibits improved conveying properties, including long-term frictional properties and hardness characteristics, particularly suitable for utilization as a topping layer in bowling-pin conveying applications.