DIGICUE Technology Offers Affordable Pool Training

Jan 15, 2017

The DIGICUE is an electronic cue training device intended to help train players to have more consistent, accurate shots by evaluating the movement of the cue within the hand. It is essentially a high-tech accelerometer, similar in concept to the one in smartphones, albeit much more sensitive. Additionally, it can prompt the user with slight vibrations to alert the user to jab strokes, steering, body english, and standing up during a stroke. This makes it ideal for novice and intermediate players looking to improve their game by improving their form, as well as experts who want to train their form and keep it in tip-top shape. It is not permitted in most officially sanctioned pool tournaments, but it is ideal for training and practice sessions as well as home and casual play.
The DIGICUE weighs less than an ounce and is designed to attach to the butt of most pool, snooker, and carom cues. Its primary focus is to detect movement during a stroke, which is the most common cause of poor shots. It has three settings: novice, intermediate, and expert, with each setting being more "picky" about bad behavior. It is powered by an internal rechargeable battery and shuts off after five minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power.
The biggest advantage of the DIGICUE is that it provides immediate feedback via its vibrations. Del Sim, a professional player from Long Island, stated that he appreciated this feature most of all, as it let him know immediately if a shot he had just performed was sub par, and this leading him to correct his actions on the next shot. Additionally, at an MSRP of $99.99, it is very affordable, especially when compared to a tutor or trainer. User Bob Faestel of Wisconsin, in particular, cited its cost savings when compared to traditional methods, as well as the fact that it can be used casually at home.
However, the DIGICUE does have some downsides, most especially the fact that its vibrating feedback isn't very informative. While it does alert a player that he or she has done something wrong, simple vibration is not enough to alert the player as to what, exactly, they have done wrong. This can prove particularly stressful to newer or younger players, who can't figure out why the DIGICUE has begun to vibrate. As such, for beginners, it may be best used as a supplement to some formal training, as well as a useful practice tool once the training has been completed. Additionally, it cannot intuit what are the best shots to make, again something which players must learn on their own.
The DIGICUE is an excellent choice for intermediate players looking to optimize their game, however. Dave Monahan of New York commented that this helped him narrow down which types of shots he was the least precise with. Professional player and inventor Joe Tucker commented that it provided improved consistency across games and thus better games overall. This makes it a must-have accessory for those looking to go - or stay - pro or semi-pro pool players. So if we see a remake of The Hustler, don’t be surprised if Fast Eddie is using a DIGICUE