It’s a simple question: what proof is there that any feedback from this device leads to better/improved play?
If I work on stroking into a bottle (yes I know it’s different but still a valid analogy) is there any proof that or the machine leads to higher runs, better shot making, improved position play and so on?
Lou Figueroa
To begin to answer this, you need to first subscribe to the assumption that sports-learning isn't an atomic entity. In other words, one can practice parts of a sport in isolation of the whole. There are indeed some who flat out do not believe that any sort of improvement can occur if you remove any aspect of the experience... that you can only truly learn under pressure in a competitive environment with standard(ish) equipment executing full shots for the purpose of winning. This is a strict combination of high level mental sportsmanship and low level fundamentals.
In this case, then any type of divide-and-conquer approach is not for you.
Continuing... the next step is to make the further assumption that statistical cue tip accuracy is directly proportional to cue ball control consistency. Again, there are some who actually do not believe that cue tip precision is important, and instead cue ball control consistency is only dependent upon the entire experience of the shot. However this is a difficult argument to make since it has most definitely been shown both mathematically and scientifically (see Dr. Dave's videos) that the impact vector of the cue tip is the only thing you have control over. Empirical evidence of this can be considered proof.
So, what is the DigiCue? It is just a tool that has the sensitivity to quantify your cue tip accuracy. It does this by again, making another assumption... that your set point is pointing to where exactly you want to hit the cue ball. The DigiCue might fail those whom use a very dynamic stroke and have a set point in a weird place, like on the table under the ball, so it isn't perfect. But for the majority the set point is usually where they want to hit the ball. From here, a bunch of parameters are measured that all are related to things that show cue tip accuracy. You can think of it as similar to a Coke bottle, only virtual, and able to work for various types of spins or cue elevations. And it is much more convenient than a Coke bottle because you can play actual games with it.
Taking this concept a step further, the DigiBall will tell you exactly where the tip hit the cue ball
without making any assumptions. So it is more accurate in that regard, but it won't tell you anything about how the tip arrived at the location it did.
Finally, no tool, or really anything you buy, will make you a better player BY ITSELF. It is a completely pre-conceived notion that people NEED a DigiCue. I've never made that claim. It is just a helper to make your practice more efficient. It won't inject knowledge into your head unless you use it as a tool. If anything it should make you work harder and be more uncomfortable than you are, because it will make aware things that maybe you aren't aware of. That is how learning happens.
Any proof will just have to come from reviews of many users over time. Since the launch of it 7 years ago, the reviews have been very positive.
So in conclusion, the DigiCue will help you learn how to stroke more consistently. A more consistent stroke helps you LEARN how to be a better player... but is YOU who makes you a better player.