How to Choose the Right Darts for Your Game

Your Guide to buying the best darts

Overview

Darts is a popular game which requires accuracy, skill, and a good set of darts. Choosing the right darts for your skill level and playing style can help you play your best and have the most fun. This guide will provide detailed information on darts to help you find the perfect set for your needs. From understanding the different types and materials of darts to the different features they offer, this guide will provide everything you need to know when buying darts to ensure you make the right choice.

Key features

  1. Dart Weight - The weight of the dart is an important factor to consider when choosing a dart as it affects its balance, feel, and overall performance. Lighter darts tend to be easier to throw, while heavier darts provide more stability.
  2. Dart Barrels - The barrel of a dart is the part that you hold and throw. Different materials, shapes, and sizes of barrels can affect how the dart flies and how comfortable it is to hold and throw.
  3. Dart Shafts - The shaft of a dart is the part that connects the barrel to the flight and affects the trajectory of the dart when thrown. Different shafts can have an effect on how well the dart flies.
  4. Dart Flights - The flights of a dart help to stabilize the dart as it flies through the air. Different shapes, sizes, and colors of flights can have an effect on the dart's flight path.
  5. Dart Tips - The tip of the dart is the part that actually sticks to the board when thrown. Different tips can have different levels of grip and wear resistance, so it's important to choose a tip that will last.

See the most popular darts on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Darts are made of tough materials such as steel or brass, making them highly durable and able to withstand frequent use.
  • Accuracy - Darts have sharp points that make them more consistent and accurate when thrown.
  • Portability - Darts are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.
  • Affordability - Darts are typically very affordable and can be found at most stores.

Cons

  • Material - Different materials such as plastic, brass, and tungsten may affect the durability and flight of the dart.
  • Weight - The weight of the dart may affect the throwing style and player experience.
  • Grip - Different grips can affect how the dart sticks in the board, which can be an issue for players of different skill levels.
  • Flight - Not all darts have the same flight path, which can affect accuracy.
  • Cost - The cost of higher quality darts can be more expensive than standard darts.
  • Accessories - Some sets of darts come with accessories such as extra flights and shafts, which can be expensive to replace individually.

Best alternatives

  1. Table Tennis - a popular indoor game that requires two or four players with a paddle and a net
  2. Bocce Ball - a lawn game that is popular in Italy where players toss a small ball at a target
  3. Cornhole - a game where two or four players take turns throwing bean bags at a hole in a board
  4. Shuffleboard - a game dating back to the 15th century where two players use a long flat board to slide disks into a scoring area
  5. Skee-Ball - an arcade game where players roll balls up an inclined lane and attempt to get them into different sized holes at the top

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Darts - a game played by throwing small missiles at a target.
  • Dartboard - a round target board with numbers and sections used for playing darts.
  • Dart Flights - the plastic wings attached to the back of the darts that help it fly through the air.
  • Dart Shafts - the metal or plastic fixtures that hold the flight onto the dart.
  • Dart Points - the tips of the dart that are used to stick into the dartboard.
  • Dart Case - a container used to store and protect the darts.
  • Dart Weight - the heaviness of the dart, usually measured in grams.
  • Dart Software - software used to track the scores of a dart game.

Common questions

  1. What weight of dart should I choose?
    The weight of the dart you choose should depend on your level of experience and personal preference. Generally, a heavier dart is better for more experienced players as it is easier to control, and lighter darts are better for beginners who need to focus on accuracy.
  2. What type of dart should I choose?
    Different types of darts come with different features. Steel tipped darts are the most common, but soft tipped darts are becoming increasingly popular. Plastic darts are more suitable for kids and beginner players. Brass darts are the cheapest option.
  3. What kind of flights should I choose?
    Flights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The shape and size of the flight will determine the speed and control of your dart. Smaller flights will give you more control, while larger flights will provide more stability. As for materials, plastic flights are lightweight and durable, while nylon flights are more resistant to wear and tear.
  4. What kind of grip should I choose?
    The type of grip you should choose depends mostly on personal preference. Smooth grips, such as those made of rubber or plastic, are best for beginners as they are easy to grip and control. Knurled grips have ridges that offer a secure grip and more control over the dart. Shark-gripped darts have durable and sharp ridges for a firm grip.
  5. How do I maintain my darts?
    After every use, it is recommended to wipe your darts down with a cloth to remove any dirt and grime. To keep the barrels from corroding, you should store them in a dart case and keep them away from moisture. You should also regularly check for any signs of damage and replace any worn-out parts.

Trivia

One interesting fact about darts is that before the standard dartboard was created, it was used as a form of outdoor entertainment at fairs. According to The British Darts Organisation, a form of the game was also played by soldiers in the trenches of World War I. The soldiers used an ‘arrow board’ which was a board made out of hay bales and flour sacks. This board was eventually replaced with the standard dartboard that is used today. Source: The British Darts Organisation

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.