Ever wondered what darts the world’s best players use? This article dives deep into the gear of the current Top 8 darts players, revealing their sponsors, unique dart setups, and the crucial role these partnerships play in their careers. We’ll explore everything from custom points to specific barrel designs, ultimately highlighting which brands dominate the elite scene and offer fans the best value when looking to emulate their heroes.
The Business of Darts: Sponsorships and Success
For professional darts players, securing a lucrative sponsorship deal with a dart manufacturer can be as important as winning major tournaments. These partnerships are a clear sign of a player’s success and marketability, offering financial stability beyond prize money.
While seeing a player’s logo on their shirt and their darts in action is great exposure, the real financial return for manufacturers comes from fans buying merchandise and replica equipment. This means that the choices made by top players directly influence what gear enthusiasts purchase.
Meet the Elite: The World’s Top 8 Players and Their Sponsors
Let’s take a look at the current top 8 players in the world rankings and which manufacturers sponsor their equipment:
- Luke Littler – Target
- Luke Humphries – Red Dragon
- Gian van Veen – Red Dragon
- Michael van Gerwen – Winmau
- Johnny Clayton – Red Dragon
- Gary Anderson – Unicorn
- Stephen Bunting – Target
- James Wade – Unicorn
Red Dragon stands out with three players in the Top 8, demonstrating their significant presence at the elite level. Target and Unicorn each sponsor two players, while Winmau supports one of the sport’s biggest names.
A Closer Look: The Darts of Each Champion
Understanding a player’s dart setup offers insight into their throwing style and preferences. Here’s a detailed look at the specific darts and components used by the Top 8:
Luke Littler: The Phenom’s Preferred Point
Despite having several dart ranges available, Luke Littler consistently returns to his G1 darts. He often pairs these with custom SLK points and black K-Flex flights and shafts. Littler is known for experimenting with his various dart setups, even using his more budget-friendly “Littler Loadout” in competitive play, but the G1 remains his go-to choice.
Luke Humphries: Consistency with a Twist
Luke Humphries is renowned for his consistent setup, though he has made minor adjustments recently. He has used Pentathlon circuit board flights for years, recently opting for a slightly thicker version. A key feature of his setup is the use of massive Joust XL shafts (65mm), which require significant adjustment for most players. Humphries has also recently switched to the innovative Switch Point system, which might explain why his current darts are sometimes discounted as a new design is anticipated.
Gian Van Veen: The Rising Star’s Custom Points
Gian Van Veen throws his Red Dragon Tour Edition darts, often preferring the clean barrel over the onyx coating. A unique aspect of his setup is his custom 50mm points, which are not widely available. These longer points are excellent for “over-stacking” (when darts land close together and one rests on the other) but can make “under-stacking” more challenging due to how straight they land. His rapid ascent in the rankings suggests that special edition darts and his specific points may soon be released to meet fan demand.
Michael van Gerwen (MVG): Precision with the Evo X
Michael van Gerwen, currently in strong form, uses his Evo X darts in 22.5g. These darts, adopted in late 2024, are characterized by their very straight design, specifically engineered for MVG’s powerful throwing style. While he might occasionally switch, the Evo X remains his primary dart.
Johnny Clayton: The Ferret’s Reliable Choice
Johnny “The Ferret” Clayton has successfully used his current dart setup since 2024, maintaining his position in the top 5. He throws a 22g version of a very simple dart with a tapered nose. These darts are often praised for their excellent pricing, making them an accessible option for fans.
Gary Anderson: The Gifted Maverick’s Classic Darts
Gary Anderson is unique in his approach; he famously doesn’t practice much and isn’t overly concerned with his equipment. Often cited as one of the most naturally gifted players, he claims he can open a brand new box of darts on match day and perform flawlessly. He uses an older model of Unicorn darts, which have been available for so long that many retailers no longer stock them, and Unicorn itself has ceased their production. Despite their rarity, these darts are synonymous with Anderson’s enduring success.
Stephen Bunting: The Bullet’s Unique Weight Journey
Throughout most of his career, Stephen “The Bullet” Bunting used remarkably light 12g darts. Over time, he has gradually increased this weight, now throwing 18g darts. Given his unique wide stance at the oche, his dart choice is highly personalized. Despite this, his darts, particularly the latest iteration of the G5 Void, are best-sellers, proving their popularity among players seeking a different feel.
James Wade: Unwavering Consistency from The Machine
James “The Machine” Wade is known for his unwavering consistency and has made very few changes to his dart setup over the years. Why change a winning formula? He continues to perform at an elite level, demonstrating his enduring skill. After missing out on the Premier League, Wade will undoubtedly be extra motivated to secure a major title this year with his trusted equipment.
Value for Fans: Which Manufacturer Offers the Best Deal?
When considering the average price of darts from these top players, one clear winner emerges:
Red Dragon not only boasts the most players in the Top 8 but also consistently offers the most affordably priced darts for fans looking to purchase replica equipment. This makes them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want to emulate their favorite players without breaking the bank.
It’s worth noting that dart prices can vary significantly across different retailers and second-hand markets. However, based on direct manufacturer offerings, Red Dragon provides exceptional value.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
