A darts surround is your first line of defense against stray darts, protecting your walls and reducing bounce-outs. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining your dartboard surround, ensuring your game room stays pristine and your focus remains on hitting that perfect 180.
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Why You Need a Darts Surround
Beyond aesthetics, a darts surround serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it protects your wall from the inevitable stray darts that even the most seasoned players occasionally throw. Secondly, it can significantly reduce the noise generated by darts hitting the wall, making your practice sessions less disruptive to others. Finally, some darts surrounds can even enhance the look of your dartboard setup, adding a touch of professionalism and style.
Protecting Your Walls
Darts, especially steel-tip darts, can cause significant damage to walls. A darts surround acts as a buffer, absorbing the impact of the dart and preventing it from penetrating the wall’s surface. This simple investment can save you countless hours of patching and painting.
Reducing Noise
The sound of a dart hitting a bare wall can be surprisingly loud, especially in smaller rooms. A darts surround, particularly those made of thicker materials like high-density foam, helps to dampen the sound, creating a more pleasant playing environment. You can even combine it with a good quality dartboard cabinet for further sound reduction.
Types of Darts Surrounds Available
The market offers a variety of darts surrounds, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the different types will help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Foam Surrounds
Foam darts surrounds are the most common type, known for their affordability, lightweight design, and ease of installation. They are typically made from high-density EVA foam, which provides good protection and noise reduction. However, they can be susceptible to wear and tear over time, particularly from repeated impacts in the same area. Look for a reversible darts surround to extend its lifespan.
Rubber Surrounds
Rubber darts surrounds offer increased durability and impact resistance compared to foam surrounds. They are more expensive but can withstand more abuse and last longer. They also tend to offer better sound dampening properties. Consider a rubber darts surround if you play frequently or have a powerful throw.
Bristle Surrounds
While less common, some darts surrounds are made with bristle material, similar to that of a dartboard itself. These provide excellent dart retention and minimal bounce-outs, but they can be more expensive and may require more careful maintenance. This option is best for serious players.
Choosing the Right Darts Surround for You
Selecting the right darts surround involves considering several factors, including your budget, playing frequency, dart type, and aesthetic preferences.
Budget Considerations
Foam surrounds are generally the most budget-friendly option, while rubber and bristle surrounds can be significantly more expensive. Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your choices.
Playing Frequency and Dart Type
If you play frequently or use steel-tip darts, investing in a more durable rubber surround is recommended. For casual play with soft-tip darts, a foam surround may suffice.
Aesthetic Preferences
Darts surrounds come in various colors and styles, so choose one that complements your game room decor. Some even feature printed designs or logos. Consider also how well it integrates with your existing unicorn dartboard.
Installing Your Darts Surround
Installing a darts surround is typically a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Most surrounds simply slide onto the dartboard, providing a snug and secure fit.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Ensure your dartboard is properly mounted on the wall at the correct height (bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches).
- Carefully slide the darts surround over the dartboard, centering it as you go.
- Make sure the surround is securely in place and flush against the wall.
- Test the surround by throwing a few darts to ensure it provides adequate protection.
Maintaining Your Darts Surround
Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your darts surround and keep it looking its best. This mainly involves cleaning and occasional rotation.
Cleaning and Care Tips
Regularly wipe down your darts surround with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For stubborn stains, use a mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the material.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Surround
Rotate your darts surround periodically to distribute wear and tear evenly. If one area is consistently taking more hits, rotating the surround will help prevent it from becoming overly damaged. You can also check out darts stand bracket to avoid hitting the wall at all.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While darts surrounds are generally reliable, some common issues can arise. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of your surround.
Darts Still Hitting the Wall
If darts are still hitting the wall despite having a darts surround, ensure the surround is properly centered and securely attached to the dartboard. You may also need a wider or thicker surround for extra protection. Ensure you aren’t releasing dart too late.
Surround Coming Loose
If the darts surround is coming loose, check for any damage to the retaining clips or mounting hardware. Replace any damaged components and ensure the surround fits snugly against the dartboard.
Damage to the Surround
Over time, your darts surround may sustain damage from repeated dart impacts. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it with adhesive or filler. However, if the damage is severe, it may be necessary to replace the surround altogether. You can get a Automatic dart scoring app to assist in keeping track of your dart scores.
Alternatives to a Traditional Darts Surround
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional darts surrounds, there are a few options to consider. These alternatives might suit specific needs or preferences, such as portability or enhanced aesthetics.
Dartboard Cabinets
Dartboard cabinets not only house your dartboard but also provide a protective backing that serves a similar purpose to a darts surround. They often feature scoring panels and can be a stylish addition to your game room. Consider using darts scorer sky sports to track your points.
Portable Dartboard Stands
Portable dartboard stands with built-in surrounds offer a convenient and versatile solution, especially for those who want to play darts in different locations. These stands typically feature a collapsible design for easy storage and transport.
Enhancing Your Darts Experience
A darts surround is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating the ultimate darts experience. Consider investing in other accessories, such as high-quality darts, proper lighting, and a comfortable throwing area, to enhance your gameplay.
Dartboard Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for accurate dart throwing. Invest in a dedicated dartboard lighting system to eliminate shadows and ensure clear visibility of the target. Good lighting can dramatically improve your accuracy and enjoyment of the game.
Dart Mats
A dart mat not only protects your floor from stray darts but also provides a designated throwing area with clearly marked oche lines. This can help you maintain consistent throwing distance and improve your overall game.
Conclusion
Investing in a darts surround is a smart move for any dart player, regardless of skill level. It protects your walls, reduces noise, and can even enhance the aesthetics of your game room. By understanding the different types of surrounds available and following the installation and maintenance tips outlined in this article, you can choose the perfect surround for your needs and enjoy years of worry-free darting. Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, go ahead and upgrade your dartboard setup! Browse our selection of darts surrounds today and take your game to the next level. Check out darts match online battle for other great options.
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.