Darts Buying Guide: Throw Like a Pro!

Finding the perfect set of darts can dramatically improve your game. This darts buying guide will walk you through everything you need to consider, from barrel material and weight to flight shape and shaft length, ensuring you make an informed decision. We’ll cover the different types of darts, essential accessories, and even tips for maintaining your equipment.

Choosing the Right Darts: A Comprehensive Darts Buying Guide

Selecting the right darts is a personal journey, influenced by your throwing style, grip, and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the key components of a dart will empower you to make the best choice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this darts buying guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect set for your needs.

Steel Tip vs. Soft Tip Darts

The first decision is whether to opt for steel tip darts or soft tip darts. Steel tip darts are primarily used on traditional bristle dartboards and are the standard for professional play. Soft tip darts, on the other hand, are designed for electronic dartboards and feature plastic tips to avoid damaging the board. This is an important distinction if you’re looking to buy plaisier darts.

Consider these factors:

• Board Type: Do you have a bristle board or an electronic board?
• Playing Environment: Will you be playing at home, in a pub, or in a league?
• Personal Preference: Do you prefer the feel and weight of steel tip or soft tip darts?

Understanding Dart Weight

Dart weight is a crucial factor in your control and accuracy. Most steel tip darts range from 20 to 26 grams, while soft tip darts typically fall between 16 and 20 grams. Heavier darts generally offer more stability, while lighter darts allow for quicker throws.

Experiment with different weights to find what feels most comfortable and gives you the best results. Many players find that a medium weight (around 23-24 grams for steel tip) is a good starting point. Keep in mind the board may require a dart counter surround for protection.

Delving into Dart Components

A dart consists of four main parts: the barrel, the shaft (or stem), the flight, and the point (for steel tip darts) or tip (for soft tip darts). Let’s explore each of these in more detail.

The Barrel: The Heart of the Dart

The barrel is the main body of the dart and significantly impacts grip and balance. Barrels are typically made from brass, nickel silver, or tungsten.

• Brass: Brass barrels are the most affordable option, but they are also the bulkiest and least durable.
• Nickel Silver: Nickel silver barrels offer a good balance of price and performance. They are slimmer than brass barrels and more durable.
• Tungsten: Tungsten barrels are the most expensive but also the slimmest and densest. This allows for a smaller barrel size for the same weight, improving grouping and accuracy. Many professionals using what darts do professionals use prefer tungsten.

The grip of the barrel also plays a vital role. Consider these grip types:

• Smooth: Offers minimal grip.
• Knurled: Provides a textured grip for better control.
• Ringed: Features distinct rings for a consistent grip.
• Grooved: Offers a more aggressive grip with deeper grooves.

The Shaft: Balancing the Dart

The shaft (or stem) connects the barrel to the flight and influences the dart’s trajectory. Shafts are typically made from nylon, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

• Nylon: Nylon shafts are the most common and affordable option. They are lightweight and flexible, but they can break easily.
• Aluminum: Aluminum shafts are more durable than nylon shafts and offer a more consistent flight path.
• Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber shafts are the most durable and offer the best performance. They are also the most expensive option.

Shaft length also affects the dart’s balance. Shorter shafts tend to make the dart fly straighter, while longer shafts can provide more stability. Many players also consider dart points grippy to maintain better control.

The Flight: Guiding the Dart

The flight is the aerodynamic wing of the dart, providing stability and control in flight. Flights come in various shapes, sizes, and materials.

• Shape: Standard, Slim, Kite, Pear, and Vortex are common flight shapes. Standard flights offer the most surface area and stability, while slim flights reduce drag and increase speed.
• Material: Flights are typically made from polyester, nylon, or paper. Polyester flights are the most durable, while paper flights are the most affordable.

Experiment with different flight shapes and materials to see what works best for your throwing style.

Essential Dart Accessories

Beyond the darts themselves, several accessories can enhance your playing experience and protect your equipment.

Dart Cases

A dart case is essential for protecting your darts and accessories during transport. Look for a case that is durable, lightweight, and has enough storage space for your darts, shafts, flights, and other essentials. A darts stand second hand can also be a useful investment for portability.

Dartboard Surrounds

A dartboard surround protects the wall around your dartboard from stray darts. Surrounds are typically made from high-density foam or rubber and are available in various colors and styles.

Dartboard Lighting

Proper dartboard lighting is crucial for clear visibility and accurate aiming. Invest in a dedicated dartboard lighting system that provides consistent and shadow-free illumination. This is particularly important if you’re trying to practice or improve your darts score count.

Dart Tools

Several specialized dart tools can help you maintain your darts and make adjustments. These tools include:

• Dart Point Sharpener: Keeps your steel tip dart points sharp for better grip on the dartboard.
• Shaft Extractor: Removes broken shafts from the barrel.
• Flight Punch: Creates perfect holes for attaching flights to the shaft.

Maintaining Your Darts

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your darts in top condition and extending their lifespan. Clean your barrels regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. Check your shafts and flights for damage and replace them as needed. Sharpen your steel tip dart points periodically to ensure they grip the dartboard properly.

Tips for Choosing Darts

Here are some additional tips to help you choose the right darts:

• Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out different darts before you purchase them. Many dart shops and pubs have demo sets available.
• Consider Your Grip: Choose a barrel with a grip that suits your throwing style. If you have a firm grip, a knurled or grooved barrel may be a good choice. If you have a light grip, a smooth or ringed barrel may be more suitable.
• Think About Your Throw: Your throwing motion can influence the ideal dart weight and balance. If you have a smooth, controlled throw, a lighter dart may work well. If you have a more powerful throw, a heavier dart may be a better option.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Finding the perfect set of darts is a process of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different components and configurations until you find what works best for you.
• Consider Using a Darts App: There are many great apps available for scoring, practice and analysis. App to score darts can be a great way to track your progress.

Advanced Considerations for Darts Buying

As you become more experienced, you might want to consider more advanced aspects of darts buying, such as:

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity of a dart influences its flight characteristics. A dart with a front-weighted center of gravity tends to fly straighter, while a dart with a rear-weighted center of gravity can be more forgiving of slight errors in release. Daryl Gurney darts are an example of darts designed with specific center of gravity considerations.

Matching Your Darts to Your Stance

While not directly related to purchasing, your stance can affect how your darts perform. Experiment with different stances to find one that feels comfortable and allows you to throw consistently. Consider your eye dominance; most people aim better when aligned with their dominant eye.

Understanding Your Throwing Style

Your throwing style impacts the ideal dart setup. Do you throw with a smooth, arcing motion, or a more direct, forceful delivery? A smoother throw might benefit from lighter darts and more aerodynamic flights, while a power throw might require heavier darts and more stable flights.

Where to Buy Darts

Darts can be purchased from various sources, including:

• Specialty Dart Shops: These stores offer the widest selection of darts and accessories, along with expert advice.
• Sporting Goods Stores: Many sporting goods stores carry a selection of darts, but the variety may be limited.
• Online Retailers: Online retailers offer a vast selection of darts at competitive prices. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

The Cost of Darts

The cost of darts can vary widely depending on the material, quality, and brand. Basic brass darts can be purchased for as little as $10-$20, while high-end tungsten darts can cost $100 or more. Consider your budget and playing frequency when determining how much to spend on darts.

Remember to factor in the costs of accessories like cases, surrounds, and lighting when budgeting for your dart setup. Also remember to be aware of potential for darts injury.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Darts

Choosing the right darts is a personal process. This darts buying guide has provided you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, but ultimately, the best darts are the ones that feel most comfortable and help you play your best. Consider barrel material and grip, shaft length, flight shape, and overall weight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect setup. Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, head to your local dart shop or browse online and start your journey to finding the ideal darts for your game. Good luck and happy throwing! Ready to take your game to the next level? Explore our collection of high-quality darts and accessories today!