Hi all

Neither of the two bowling centers in our area have downlane tracers.  As I practice for Nationals, I would love to have something to target at downlane.  I understand I can kind of gauge it, but the tracer seems to really help.  Is there a non-permanant tool or prop out there, that can be used?  I think one house would let me put something out there, but not if it adheres to the lane.

Anybody know anything available, or have any other suggestions?

dR3w

Take a Laser pointer and attach it to small tripod. You can then aim it at any point on the lane you want to target.

Interesting idea.  I guess you have to mount it so that the bowler doesn't block it on the foul line, but that idea has merit.  I don't know what a cheap laser pointer will look like at 40 feet, but I can work that out.

Thanks!

put it on tripod  on the lane next to it or i would think you could put a piece of black electrical tape on the lane there isnt any oil there and it comes off easily with no residue as long as you dont leave it on there for more than a day or so

Sticky notes work pretty well.

If you're working with Bob, tell him Gene Kanak says hi! I had the pleasure of working with Bob when we were both at USBC, and he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. In any case, yes, those PVC contraptions are cheap and easy to assemble, and you can use them in various ways. Aside from the whiffle ball, I've also seen people dangle pieces of string or nylon straps from the crossbar so that they could practice having the ball touch the string as it travels underneath. It can be a very good tool.