Darts is currently a hugely popular game. There is no corner of the world where this game does not exist. Due to its popularity, everyone, from young to old, is very interested in it. Many are taking up this game as a profession.
There are many types of professional dart boards available on the market today. In this general guide, I have detailed some of the boards that I have considered to be of very good quality and easily preferred by professionals.
What is the Professional Dartboard?
A professional dartboard also referred to as a bristle or sisal dartboard is used professionally in competitive darts. It is constructed using sisal fibers, closely compressed to one another, and is highly responsive to dart impacts, thus allowing it to have significant durability and stable performance.
This board 18 inches in diameter and has the target numbering from 1 to 20, a bullseye, and an outer ring. They are governed by the standard provided by those governing bodies, inclusive of the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), and are usually utilized at tournament as well as league levels.
Some of the well-known manufacturers of these bracing boards are Winmau and Unicorn boards, which are professionally designed. In most cases, electronic dartboards are also used as professional dart boards today. Because this board has become famous among darts fans now.
1. Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core Dartboard
The Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core is a highly elite dartboard that enjoys a good reputation due to the advanced technology and quality workmanship used in its production. This dartboard has dual-core technology, which means that it has a denser inner core compared to traditional dartboards to give players better chances of scoring and a soft outer layer to reduce instances of bounces off the wall.
Key Features
- Ability to withstand tougher conditions in a building due to its two-core system.
- This type of wiring system offers less bounce-out while enhancing the score’s thickness.
- Staple-free bullseye.
- Secure mounting with the Rota-Lock triple-wheel lock and level.
Pros
- Superior wear resistance and long service life.
- Fewer bounce-outs were experienced due to the presence of the razor wire and the thin spider.
- It is retractable and smooth to install and adjust.
Cons
- A relatively higher price than what may be offered by other models.
2. Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 Dartboard
This is used in professional tournaments, such as the Professional Darts Corporation World Championships. This board is preferred for a thin, flat wiring system, which provides more scoring area and less deflection.
Key Features
- Spider with a higher max width to enhance the scoring area and eliminate the need for staples.
- Announcer with large numbers to improve concentration.
- High quality and recommended by professionals.
Pros
- Large, open spaces that both teams are free to maneuver within while attempting to score.
- Professional-grade quality.
- Recommended by various players in the industry.
Cons
- It might be a little on the costly side for just an occasional game.
- Also, some users complain of comparatively shorter durability, especially in the central region known as the bullseye.
3. Nodor SupaBull II Bristle Dartboard
Nodor, the inventor of the bristle dartboard, offers the SupaBull II as a durable and reliable option for serious players. Made with high-grade sisal, this board ensures self-healing properties, maintaining its integrity over time.
Key Features
- High-quality sisal for longevity.
- Staple-free bullseye for fewer bounce-outs.
- Thin, round wiring to minimize rebounds.
Pros
- Excellent self-healing capabilities.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Affordable price for the quality.
Cons
- Wiring is not as thin as premium models.
- Number ring is not rotatable.
4. One80 Gladiator 3+ Dartboard
One of the best dartboards on the market today is the One80 Gladiator 3+ which features thin wiring and solid sisal body. However, this board is designed to deliver high performance which can be quite beneficial to both professional gamers as well as the amateurs.
Key Features
- Sisal of high density from Brazil for improved darts.
- Ultra slim wire system for optimal scoring surface area.
- Number ring which can be rotated with a special anti-glare coating.
Pros
- Excellent build quality.
- Minimal bounce-outs.
- Cheap for the kind of services that they provide.
Cons
- The mounting system was not very efficient.
- Slightly less abrasive sisals will begin to show signs of wear quicker.
5. Viper Shot King Dartboard
Overall, The Viper Shot King is ideal for those who prefer to receive professional service at an average price. This dartboard is created from compressed sisal fibers, making it fairly rugged and reasonably accurate for the price.
Key Features
- Compressed sisal fibers for self-healing.
- Staple-free bullseye.
- Includes a movable number ring to extend the number of uses of the board.
Pros
- The construction is very durable and long-lasting, especially given the price it is offered at.
- It comprises brackets, hardware for mounting, and darts.
Cons
- Unlike more expensive models, they are not as long-lasting.
- The wiring system is thicker, and therefore more bounce-outs happen.
6. Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard
The Winmau Blade 5, a predecessor to the Blade 6, remains one of the best options for professional dart players. Known for its thin wiring and high-density sisal, it’s a great board for both practice and competition.
Key Features
- Cutting edge dual core for enhanced life span.
- This is thin wiring that angling to minimize the bounce-outs.
- Easy-to-install Rota-Lock system.
Pros
- High durability.
- Minimal bounce-outs.
- Trusted by professionals.
Cons
- A tad less current than the Blade 6.
- Higher price point.
7. Target Darts Pro Tour Dartboard
The Target Darts Pro Tour is a dartboard that has been developed for professional use through consultation with players. It is an excellent option for those who are passionate about darts as it has a perfect balance between performance and longevity.
Key Features
- Ensures consistent sisal density for improved performance.
- Reduced wiring bounce through the incorporation of a slim wire layout.
- Staple-free bullseye and rotatable number ring.
Pros
- As mentioned above, dependable and stable performance on the field or pitch.
- Durable construction.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Higher price tag.
- Some of them prefer it as it is softer than other boards.
8. BullShooter by Arachnid Cricket Pro 800
The BullShooter Cricket Pro 800 by Arachnid is an electronic type of dartboard recommended for people with high tech preferences. It provides many games and options, which enable the application to be used for both entertainment and gambling.
Key Features
- Electronic board with LED display.
- 39 games with 179 types.
- New meta-springs are NylonTough for increased durability of segments.
Pros
- The Virtua Fighter series offers a lot of choices when it comes to games.
- High-reliability and long-lasting electronics.
- It is user-friendly and simple to install.
Cons
- It is not ideal for conventional dart play.
- More expensive than bristle boards but still affordable.
9. Harrows Official Competition Bristle Dartboard
A harrow is a reliable name in the world of darts, and their Official Competition Bristle Dartboard is a testament to their quality. This board is made from premium-grade sisal and is designed to meet the needs of serious players.
Key Features
- Premium sisal for self-healing.
- Staple-free bullseye.
- Thin, knife-edged wiring system.
Pros
- Excellent durability.
- Reduced bounce-outs.
- Trusted brand.
Cons
- Mid-range pricing.
- The number ring is not rotatable.
10. Gran Board 3s Bluetooth Dartboard
For those who prefer a blend of traditional and modern gaming, the Gran Board 3s offers a unique electronic dartboard that connects via Bluetooth to your smart device. This board allows you to play against opponents worldwide.
Key Features
- Bluetooth connectivity for app-based gameplay.
- Soft-tip dartboard with durable segments.
- Interactive LED lighting.
Pros
- Play against opponents globally.
- Interactive and engaging gameplay.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- Requires a smart device to play.
- Higher price point.
Professional Dartboard Set
A professional dartboard set is a full package designed to improve professional dart usage by the players. It normally comprises a high-quality bristle or sisal dartboard, which is produced from self-healing fiber, is ideal for many darts games, and is little affected by being put on.
The set also comes with steel-tip darts, which are used in professional dart games because of their accuracy and incorruptibility to damage. Often, additional components like a dartboard surround to protect walls, a scoreboard or chalkboard for scorekeeping, and mounting hardware for easy installation are included.
Some sets may also provide a throw line or oche mat to help in the correct positioning. At present, there are major darts manufacturers such as Winmau and Unicorn that offer sets that meet tournament regulations.
Professional Dart Board Cabinet
A professional dart board cabinet is a beautiful accessory to add to any dart setup or plan. Constructed of wood or wood composite, it protects a standard-sized bristle dartboard behind fold-down doors.
Examples of accessories found on the cabinet include built-in scores, chalk holders, and space to put darts. It keeps the environment free from stains and dirt while at the same time preventing abrasion on the wall and on the darts that may reach the wall.
Most designs of the cabinet are decorated with LED lighting to facilitate visibility during the game. For those who want to have a dart board at home or are into darts seriously, a professional dart board cabinet is a plus by adding beauty to the game room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are professional dart boards made of?
In professional darts, the boards are usually made from sisal fiber, which comes from the Agave plant. Sisal fibers are closely compacted in the unit to provide a tough and renewing skin that can support dart impacts. This kind of board is famous for eradicating bounce-outs and providing a uniform surface for dart players.
What dart boards do professionals use?
Professional dart players typically use bristle dartboards, specifically the ones made from high-quality sisal fibers. Some of the popular brands used by professionals include Winmau, Target, Unicorn, and Harrows.
Do professional dart boards have metal?
Yes, professional dart boards typically have metal components, such as the wire spider dividing the different scoring sections on the board. The metal wire helps to differentiate the scoring areas and prevent darts from bouncing out.
Where to buy professional dart board?
Visit specialty sporting goods stores in your area that cater to darts players, as they are likely to carry professional-grade dart boards. Other sites are Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Dart Brokers, which provide a range of professional dart boards that a buyer can choose from in case he wants to make an online purchase.
Search for stores that sell dart equipment and accessories, as they may stock professional quality dart boards. Go to local darts tournaments or established darts events where vendors always drop their professional dart boards and accessories.