Are you a completely beginner to Darts? Have you ever seen darts played on TV or an online platform? Have you ever thrown darts at the dartboard after watching on TV or feeling encouraged? If you’re new to the fascinating world of darts, you’ll need to start with your own set of darts!
Whether you are a new or an expert player, having the good set of darts may affect your game performance. Choosing the good dart set doesn’t mean purchasing expensive sets. It depends on the perfect balance of weight, grip, and style, and on various subjects that complement your throwing technique.
What is a dart in the darts game?
A dart in the darts game is a small, tapered point object that players throw at the target surface to earn points. In general, there are four basic parts of a dart: the end, barrel or grip (the part you hold), shaft, and flight. The mass is usually 16-30 g. The tip (from a metal or sometimes a soft plastic) can go into the board.
The barrel provides the grip – and it is the heaviest piece, so the center of balance & control goes here. The shaft continues back from the barrel and the flight helps to stabilize its path. Darts come in a variety of weights and designs, allowing players to select based on their unique throwing style and preference, thereby improving control and accuracy.
Understanding the Different Types of Darts
If we think about the features of the game, then there are three main types of darts to consider. Here is a simple explanation of the various types of darts and what makes each one special. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right one for you.
Steel Tip Darts
These steel-tip dart varieties are designed for bristle or sisal dartboard. Perfect for Pros and Casual Players: While all tungsten darts are great, these durable ones are very popular. They usually weigh between 20 and 30 grams, giving players better control when throwing.
A set of steel-tip darts includes a steel tip, a weighted barrel that you hold, and a shaft where the flights attach to ensure the dart flies straight. Made from materials like brass, nickel, and tungsten, these darts are built to withstand repeated use and perform consistently for those who take their game seriously.
Soft Tip Darts
Soft tip darts are darts with a plastic or nylon tip, primarily used on electronic dartboards, making them ideal for both casual and competitive indoor play (though they can also be used on traditional boards). Weighing between 14 to 20 grams (usually lighter than steel darts), soft-tipped darts have plastic or nylon points that cause less damage to the dartboard and nearby areas.
These darts are in arcades and places with electronic scoring systems, making the game more interactive and easy for everyone to play. Darts are made up of a grip barrel, shaft, and flights for balance. They come in different materials like brass and tungsten, which are durable yet lightweight for use.
Magnetic Darts
Magnetic darts are generally safer than normal darts because the tips are flat, are designed with magnets, and are made for playing on magnetic dart boards. Safe for children and new learners, they help in avoiding any harm or destruction of the walls or floor.
Magnetic darts do keep the three pieces—the barrel, shaft, and flights—but are behind steel or soft tip darts in terms of weight. In this technique, the wall on which the dartboard is mounted is usually of metal or has some magnetic surface to hold darts well. Magnetic dart sets are normally used for home or classroom recreation and a more fun but less serious introduction to the dart games.
How to Choose a Set of Darts as a Beginner
Getting into darts can be thrilling, but choosing your first set of darts can be confusing due to the many choices available. Here are some key points to help beginners or experts choose the ideal set of darts.
Check the Materials
To check the materials of darts, look at each part: the tip, barrel, shaft, and flights. The tip’s material tells you the type of dart: “Steel tips are for bristle boards, and soft tips are for electronic boards.” The barrel, which is the main part of the grip, is usually made of brass, nickel, or tungsten.
Tungsten is a heavy metal, making thinner but heavier barrels, which pros like. Brass and nickel are lighter and not as durable, good for kids. The shaft, which could be aluminum, plastic, or carbon fiber, affects balance and stiffness.
Aluminum shafts are strong but can bend, while plastic is light but can break easily. Lastly, flights, made from polyester or nylon, can be thin or thick, dense or light, affecting the dart’s stability.
Choose the Right Dart Weight
The weight of a dart significantly impacts how steady and accurate your throw is. Darts usually weigh from 12 to 50 grams, but many players like them to be between 18 and 26 grams. Here are some tips to help you pick the right weight:
Light Darts (12 to 18 grams): These are easier to throw quickly, making them great for players with a faster-throwing style. They also work well with soft-tip darts, which are common on electronic dartboards.
Medium Weight (18 to 24 grams): This weight range is good for most players, as it offers a mix of stability and control. Beginners often find these comfortable to use.
Heavy Darts (25 grams to above): These give more stability but need a slower, and more controlled throw. If you have a consistent throwing style, heavier darts can be helpful, but they might make your hand tired faster.
If you’re unsure, then you can start with a mid-weight dart (18–22 grams) to see what feels comfortable. After you get used to how weight changes your throw, you can try different weights.
Select the Dart Barrel Shape and Materials
The way your dart is shaped and how you hold it affects how well you can control it and how comfortable it feels.
Straight Barrel: Slim and well-balanced in the hand, ideal for people who hold the dart near the barrel. It’s common and allows flexibility in where you hold the dart.
Torpedo Barrel: Features a narrowing shape towards the front, typically used by those who grip from the front. The thicker middle part can also enhance control.
Scalloped Barrel: Includes a slightly indented strip that helps guide the fingers. It improves grip consistency and is suitable for those who prefer a specific grip position.
The dart’s barrel material affects both its durability and weight. It depends on how comfortable to throw you feel is. The main materials used are brass, nickel-silver, and tungsten.
Brass: Brass darts are lightweight and popular due to their low cost, even though they don’t last as long as other materials. They are great for anyone who wants to have fun or is just starting out with darts.
Nickel-Silver: Nickel-silver darts have the same weight as brass but last longer, making them a better choice. They are recommended for players looking to upgrade from brass darts.
Tungsten: Tungsten darts are the top choice for professionals. Their high density allows for a tighter grip and thinner darts. The combination of tungsten and cobalt alloys, with over 80% tungsten, offers better accuracy and balance.
Choose the Dart Grip Style
The barrel’s grip style can significantly impact your performance. So, when you select the best grip for darts then you should consider comfort, control, and your natural throwing style. And so consider the following points.
Smooth Grip: Perfect for those who like a fast, smooth throw. But it might not grip well in wet conditions.
Light Grip: Gentle ridges give some grip without being too rough. Good for players who want a balanced feel.
Heavy Grip: Deep ridges or grooves for the strongest grip, favored by players who like a tight hold on the dart. Works great in tense situations or wet conditions, but could make the throw less smooth.
Check the Dart Shaft Length and Material
The dart shaft (also known as the stem) links the barrel to the flight. The length and material of the shaft affect the dart’s stability and flight path.
Length: Shorter shafts make the dart heavier at the front, which is good for players who have a controlled, steady throw. Medium and longer shafts help keep the dart flying straight, which is better for players who want more lift.
Material: Shafts come in plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Plastic shafts are light and flexible, while aluminum shafts are strong and add more weight. Carbon fiber shafts are strong and light but usually cost more.
So, experiment with different shaft lengths and materials to find one that works well with your throw and grip.
Focus on the Dart Flights Shape and Material
Dart flights impact the dart’s stability in the air and are available in various shapes and materials.
Shape: Wider flights (standard) create more lift, keeping darts steady in the air. Smaller flights, like slim or teardrop shapes, move through the air quicker and are better for faster throws.
Material: Flights are usually made from polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Polyester flights are strong, while nylon ones are flexible.
For most players, standard flights are a good choice to start with, as they provide steady throws. So, try to focus on different shapes if you have a special throwing style.
Try to Test and Make Adjustments
Before buying a set of darts, it’s important to test them out in actual game situations. Many dart stores let you try or rent darts to practice with. Trying darts with different weights, grips, and designs can help you see what works best for your playing style.
When you’re testing darts:
- Make sure they feel comfortable in your hand. Darts that feel strange or too heavy won’t help you play well.
- Look at how often you hit your target to see how consistent you are.
- Take your time trying different styles until you find a set that makes your throws better.
Seek Advice from Experienced Players
If you’re a beginner to darts or part of a league or club, don’t be afraid to ask experienced players for tips. They can give you helpful advice on picking darts that match your throwing style, grip, and skill level. Observing other players and the equipment they use can also teach you a lot about choosing the right darts.
Determine Your Budget
Darts are available at various prices, starting from inexpensive sets for beginners to expensive ones for professionals. The main thing is to find a good mix of quality and cost. At least an idea has been given below:
Budget-friendly ($10–$30): These are usually brass darts, perfect for beginners who want to try out different techniques.
Mid-range ($30–$70): These darts are often made from nickel-silver or tungsten blends, offering more durability and improved performance.
Premium ($70 and up): Darts with a high tungsten content are in this category and are favored by experienced players and professionals. They offer greater accuracy and control.
Spending more usually means you’ll get darts that last longer and are easier to use. So, if you’re serious about getting better, it’s a good decision to buy a better-quality set.
Tungsten vs Brass Darts: Which one is Right for You
When starting your dart journey or leveling up your game, choosing the right dart material can make a significant difference. Tungsten and brass darts are the most popular choices, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.
Tungsten Darts
- Tungsten is a heavy metal that lets darts be thin but still heavy. Most tungsten darts are made with 80-90% tungsten mixed with nickel to make them stronger. This heaviness lets makers create thinner dart barrels, which means more space on the dartboard. This gives players more room to aim and group their darts more accurately.
- Tungsten’s high density gives stability and accuracy, which helps experienced players perform better. The thin barrels decrease the risk of darts bouncing out, allowing more darts to fit into small scoring zones.
- They usually cost more, that why tungsten darts are strong and last a long time. They are a good investment, especially for players who really want to get better at their game.
Brass Darts
- Brass is a softer and lighter material. Since brass is not as dense as tungsten, brass darts are usually wider and have a bigger diameter. This makes them easier to hold for people who are just starting out or playing for fun.
- Brass darts are cheaper, but they are softer, so they can get damaged and change shape over time. This means they might need to be replaced more often than tungsten darts. However, for people who don’t play very often, this might not be a big problem.
- Brass darts are popular for their low cost, which makes them a great choice for those just starting out or who play casually. They allow players to test different techniques and develop their skills without committing to a larger investment.
Customized Darts Set
One of the great things about darts is that you can customize the darts to your liking. Customizing your darts set can improve your game and make your playing experience more enjoyable. Begin by picking the right weight and material for the barrels, making sure they fit your grip and throwing technique.
Then, select special flights that show off your personality or team colors; bright designs can help you stand out during games. Also, customize the shafts for better movement and steadiness. Including your name or initials on the barrels or flights adds a personal feel and makes your set unique.
A customized darts set not only increases your confidence but also makes a great conversation starter among fellow players.
Tips for Darts Maintenance
In any sport, the playing equipment has to be maintained, Darts are no exception. The better you take care of darts, the longer it will last. Some care of tips for darts are given below.
- Clean the barrels and flights with a soft cloth after each use to get rid of dirt and moisture.
- Check barrels, shafts, and flights for cracks or wear, and replace any damaged parts right away to keep them working well.
- Keep darts in a protective case to stop them from bending or breaking, and keep them away from very hot or cold places and high humidity.
- Change flights often, especially if they look worn, to make sure they fly straight.
- Check that the shafts are tight from time to time to prevent them from coming loose during play.
Some of the Professional Dart set in the Market
In the world of professional set of darts, a few brands are well-known for producing high-quality darts and related equipment. Here are some of the top names in the market:
Winmau Darts Navigator Series 90% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
The Winmau Darts Navigator Series includes darts with 90% tungsten steel tips, which are very strong and accurate. These darts are made for both new players and experts, with a smooth, fast shape that helps with aiming. The attractive design and textured handle improve your game, making them a great pick for serious matches.
TARGET Darts RVB 95 x Echo 95% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
The TARGET Darts RVB 95 x Echo darts are made from high-quality 95% tungsten, which makes them strong and accurate. They were created with the help of champion player Raymond van Barneveld. These steel-tipped darts have a special grip and a shape that helps them fly smoothly, making them more accurate. They are perfect for serious players who want the best performance with every throw.
Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
Harrows Wolfram Infinity darts are made from 97% tungsten, giving them exceptional density and accuracy. Their special design includes a unique grip that offers better control and steadiness. These darts, with their stylish, contemporary look, improve performance for players at any skill level, making them a great pick for serious games.
Red Dragon Razor Edge Spectron: 20g – Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
These darts are crafted from Spectron material, and the Red Dragon Razor Edge Spectron darts weigh 20 grams, providing extra durability and precision. They feature a razor-sharp grip for better stability and control when throwing, setting them apart from other darts. Perfect for players who want the best of both worlds, these steel-tipped darts are also great for those who care about style and aerodynamics.
Bull’s Ultra 90% Tungsten 25 g Steel Tip Darts
The Bull’s Ultra 90% Tungsten 25g steel tip dart offers both great performance and long-lasting durability. It’s built for precision, with a slim body that helps achieve high speed and a textured surface for a better grip. These darts are made for all types of players, using top-quality materials and a well-designed shape, making them perfect for competitive games.
Viper Bully 80% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
The Viper Bully 80% Tungsten soft tip darts offer top performance and are made with great attention to detail. Each dart weighs 18 grams and features a sleek, comfortable design that enhances grip with smooth, rounded edges. When used with electronic dartboards, these darts deliver excellent accuracy and consistently provide the best results for both beginners and experienced players looking to improve their game.
Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts (18-Gram)
The Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts, which weigh 18 grams, combine durability and accuracy perfectly. Crafted from top-quality tungsten, these darts have a smooth design and a great grip, making them easier to control while playing. They are perfect for electronic dartboards and are suited for players who want reliable performance with every throw.
HALEX Oxford Nickel Silver Soft Tip Darts
The HALEX Oxford Nickel Silver Soft Tip Dart Set comes with strong darts made from nickel silver, which means they last a long time and work well. Every dart has a traditional look and a comfy handle to help you aim better. This set is great for both fun games and serious matches on electronic boards, and it’s perfect for players at any level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best weight for a set of darts?
The ideal weight for a set of darts depends on the player’s preferences and skill level. Beginners usually like lighter darts (16-20 grams) because they are easier to handle and more comfortable. Intermediate players often choose medium-weight darts (20-24 grams).
Advanced players usually go for heavier darts (24-30 grams) to improve stability and accuracy. The best way to find the perfect weight is to try different options to see what works best for you.
Which darts are more accurate?
The precision of darts depends on various elements, such as weight, grip, and the design of the flight. Generally, tungsten darts, especially those with a higher percentage (like 90% or more), provide better density and thinner shapes, which helps with aerodynamics and accuracy.
Moreover, darts that are well-balanced, have a good grip, and a suitable flight can improve precision, enabling players to make more consistent throws and score higher.
Do I need lighter or heavier darts?
Deciding whether to use lighter or heavier darts depends on how you throw and what feels comfortable for you. Lighter darts (16-20 grams) might be easier to handle if you’re just starting out, making your throw smoother.
Heavier darts (20-30 grams) offer more steadiness and precision, which is great for more skilled players. Trying out different weights can help you discover what works best for your style and improve your overall game.
What is a dart case?
A dart case is a protective accessory designed to store and transport darts safely. Usually, it’s made from strong materials like nylon or hard plastic. Dart cases come in different sizes to fit various types of darts, such as soft tip and steel tip. Many of them have separate spaces for flights, shafts, and other accessories, so everything stays neat and safe during travel or storage, preventing any damage or wear.