When it comes to dartboards, Winmau is a name that stands out in the world of professional and recreational darts. Winmau dartboards are popular among players of all skill levels because of their reputation for dependability, accuracy, and creative design.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Winmau, their journey to becoming a household name in darts, and their latest innovation, the Blade 6 dartboard.
The History of Winmau Dartboards
Winmau started in 1945 by Harry Kicks in the United Kingdom. Initially, it was named “H. Kicks and Sons,” and they produced dartboards made of wood, which was the standard material at that time.
In the 1970s, they changed the name to “Winmau” (pronounced WIN-more), which came from the founder’s wife’s name, Winifred Maud. This new name made the company feel more personal and became a big part of who they are.
In the 1960s, dartboards changed from wood to a material called bristle, made from Kenyan sisal fibers. Winmau quickly started making high-quality bristle dartboards, which helped them become a top company in the industry. Their focus on quality and new ideas made them very well-known and respected.
Winmau dartboards are still used for all PDC tournaments, and they are also used in the PDC World Championship. The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core dartboard has established its dominance in professional darts and will be utilized in all PDC events until 2027.
Winmau signed a five-year deal with the PDC starting from January 2022. The deal also means Winmau will be the title sponsor of the Challenge Tour, Development Tour, and the World Youth Championship event.
The company also supports several top professional darts players, including Michael van Gerwen, Joe Cullen, Daryl Gurney, Simon Whitlock, and Steve Beaton.
In the early 2000s, they introduced their first line of electronic dartboards to compete with others. This strategic move allowed Winmau to cater to both traditionalists and modern enthusiasts.
Growth through New Ideas
One of the key reasons Winmau has remained a dominant force in the dartboard market is its relentless pursuit of innovation. Over the years, the company has introduced several groundbreaking features that have become industry standards.
The Move to Bristle Dartboards
In the middle of the 20th century, most dartboards were made of wood, which needed a lot of care and broke easily. Winmau helped make bristle dartboards, which are made from sisal fibers, very popular.
These boards could fix themselves—a very new idea back then—so the holes from the darts would close on their own. This made the boards last much longer and gave players a more even surface to play on.
“The self-healing sisal fibers on my Winmau dartboard still amaze me. Even after heavy play, it looks like new. Definitely worth the investment!” — Sarah Larson
“No Bounce-Out” Wiring System
Another major milestone in Winmau’s history was the development of thin, staple-free wiring. These wires are the metal lines between the scoring areas, and when darts hit them and bounce off, it’s really frustrating for players.
Winmau solved this problem by making special, carefully designed wires that cut down on these bounces and made scoring more accurate. In particular, the Blade wiring system has become a symbol of Winmau’s dedication to improving performance.
The Legacy of the Blade Series
The Blade series is perhaps Winmau’s most iconic product line, embodying the company’s dedication to continuous improvement. First introduced in the late 1990s, the Blade dartboards have undergone multiple iterations, each one refining the design and performance further.
Blade 4: A Game-Changer
The Blade 4, released in the early 2010s, was a significant leap forward for the series. Featuring a 50% thinner wiring system than its predecessors, the Blade 4 minimized deflections and maximized scoring potential. It also introduced a more durable sisal surface, ensuring the board maintained its integrity even after prolonged use.
Blade 5: Raising the Bar
The Blade 5 took the innovations of the Blade 4 and pushed them even further. The wiring system was enhanced with a 30-degree reduction in blade angle, creating the thinnest wiring yet.
This design improvement not only reduced bounce-outs but also increased the scoring area for maximum performance. The board’s dual-core technology, which used two layers of sisal, provided optimal compression for durability and consistency.
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The Latest Wonder: Winmau Blade 6
In 2023, Winmau introduced the Blade 6 dartboard, which shows how great they are at making high-quality products. This new version brings together many years of experience and modern technology to create a dartboard that is almost perfect.
Advanced Wiring System
The Blade 6 features the next generation of Winmau’s ultra-thin wiring. The angled design directs darts into the scoring area, virtually eliminating bounce-outs. The wiring is also made from a high-tensile steel alloy, ensuring it can withstand years of intense play without warping or degrading.
Enhanced Sisal Quality
The Blade 6 surface is made of sisal, which is carefully made to heal itself quickly. The fibers are packed very tightly, letting the board fix itself almost right away after being hit. This makes the board last longer and keeps it working well for a long time.
Rota-Lock System
For players who want accuracy, the Blade 6 has Winmau’s special Rota-Lock system. This system uses three wheels to lock the board in place, making it safe to use on surfaces that are not flat. This helps the board stay steady and level, giving you a good game no matter where you play—at a bar, at home, or in a competition.
Sustainability
Besides being great for playing, the Blade 6 shows Winmau’s effort to protect the environment. The board is made with methods that don’t harm the planet, and the materials used come from farms that grow them again after cutting. This way of making things matches the need for products that care for the environment.
Professional Authorizations
The Blade 6 has been approved by many professional players and groups, like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It is the official dartboard for many competitions, showing that it is the best in the game.
“I’ve been using the Winmau Blade 6 for a few months, and the durability is insane. The wiring system reduces bounce-outs, making my games so much smoother. Highly recommend it!” — John Mitchel
Why Choose Winmau?
If you love playing darts, you might be curious about why Winmau dartboards are worth buying. Here are some reasons why people all over the world choose Winmau:
Great Quality: Winmau dartboards are very strong and work well. Whether you play for fun or are a professional, you can count on their boards to give you a good game every time.
Smart Design: Winmau uses advanced features like the Blade wiring system and Dual Core Technology to make their dartboards better.
Famous in the World: Winmau is the official dartboard for big competitions, which shows how trusted they are.
Always Improving: Winmau continues to create newer and improved products by utilizing the most advanced technology, so they stay better than other brands.
Cabinet: Some Winmau dartboards are offered with a cabinet. It improves the game room with premium dartboard cabinet sets! Stylish design, durable build, and all-in-one convenience make these perfect for every darts enthusiast.
5 Star Reviews: Their sales volume in the market is very high. They have maintained excellence in their quality and that is why they always get good feedback from customers such as five-star reviews.
Price: Winmau dartboards offer excellent value for their price, ranging from budget-friendly options around $50 to premium professional-grade boards over $100.
Helpful for Your Winmau Dartboard
To get the most out of your Winmau dartboard, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to keep your board in top condition:
Regularly Rotate the Dartboard: To make the board last longer, switch the numbered ring around every so often.
Choose Good Darts: Cheap darts can hurt the board’s fibers, so pick darts with smooth tips that are well-made.
Keep Out of the Sun: Too much sunlight can make the fibers dry and lose color.
Keep the Board Clean: Use a soft brush to take away dust and dirt from the board’s surface.
FAQs
Where is Winmau dartboard made?
Winmau Dartboard Company Ltd. was established in 1945 in Bridgend, Wales, United Kingdom (UK). Winmau was purchased by competitor dartboard maker Nodor in 2002. John Bluck is the head of Nodor, and both brands are still in production. Although the boards are made in Kenya, the company’s headquarters are in Bridgend, South Wales.
What is the best brand for a dartboard?
The best dartboard brand depends on your needs. For traditional bristle boards, Winmau and Unicorn are highly regarded, offering professional-grade boards like the Winmau Blade 6 and Unicorn Eclipse Pro.
For electronic dartboards, Arachnid leads the market with durable, feature-rich models. Casual players might prefer Viper for affordability. Consider factors like durability, performance, and budget to choose the right brand. Always look for a board with self-healing sisal fibers or robust electronics.
Conclusion
Winmau dartboards are more than just tools for playing darts; they represent high quality and a long history in the sport. Starting in London after World War II, Winmau has grown to become a worldwide leader. Their story shows creativity, hard work, and love for darts.
The Blade 6, with its advanced technology and eco-friendly design, fits perfectly into Winmau’s tradition. Whether you’re an expert or just enjoy playing, choosing a Winmau dartboard is a smart choice you won’t be sorry about. As darts keeps changing, Winmau will stay ahead, always finding new ways to improve dartboards.
“Winmau dartboards are simply the best. I’ve used other brands, but nothing matches the craftsmanship and attention to detail of Winmau.” — Nina Marksman