In the endless pursuit of the ‘perfect’ dart, many players find themselves with a collection of unused sets, each bought with hope, but quickly relegated to the case. This article shares the journey of one such player who, after countless trials, discovered his ultimate match in the Target Bolide Void 04 darts. Despite initial skepticism, these 23g darts proved their worth through exceptional comfort, consistent performance, and unwavering reliability, even enduring an intense eight-hour charity marathon. They became so natural to throw that the player stopped thinking about the darts themselves, focusing solely on the target – the ultimate compliment for any dart set.
The Endless Search for the Elusive “Perfect” Dart
Every dart player knows the feeling: the conviction that the next set you buy will be the one. The magical set that unlocks a new level in your game. This belief often leads to a growing collection of darts, each with its own story of purchase, and usually, a reason why it’s no longer your primary choice. It’s a common cycle of hope and eventual disappointment.
My Unexpected Companion: The Target Bolide Void 04
For me, this cycle seemed destined to repeat with the Target Bolide Void 04. I picked up the 23-gram barrel, initially just another dart to try out. Yet, what began as a casual experiment slowly but surely became the set I instinctively reach for more than any other. I honestly didn’t expect to be writing about them over a year later.
First Impressions That Lasted
From the moment they arrived, I liked them. They offered:
- Comfortable feel: They settled nicely in my hand.
- Sleek design: The black finish gave them a smart, professional look.
- Effective grip: The grip pattern seemed perfectly suited to my throwing style.
- Ideal barrel profile: The shape just worked for me.
Many darts make a good first impression, but the true test is whether you’re still using them long after the novelty wears off. With the Bolide Void 04s, I was.
The Ultimate Compliment: Darts That Simply “Disappear”
The more I played with these darts, the less I thought about them. This might sound strange, but it’s perhaps the highest praise you can give a set of darts. I wasn’t preoccupied with their grip, balance, or flight path anymore. My mind was solely focused on hitting the target.
Over the past few months, I’ve realized that these darts have evolved alongside my own game. As my consistency improved, so did my trust in them. The more I practiced, the more familiar they became. It’s reached a point where picking them up feels completely natural. I know exactly how they’ll feel leaving my hand, how they’ll fly, and the kind of throw I’ll get.
They’re like that perfectly worn-in pair of shoes – you keep wearing them because they’re just right. You could buy a new pair, but why would you when these do exactly what you need?
Forged in Fire: The 8-Hour Marathon Test
Earlier this year, I participated in an eight-hour darts marathon for charity. If there’s ever a definitive way to test if a set of darts truly suits you, that’s it. Throwing for such an extended period exposes every flaw and discomfort. You quickly learn:
- If the grip isn’t quite right, your fingers will ache.
- If the balance feels off, your throw will become erratic.
- If you’re constantly adjusting your grip or forcing the dart, fatigue sets in fast.
Hour after hour, the Bolide Void 04s performed exactly as I’d come to expect: comfortable, consistent, and utterly reliable. When I finally packed everything away, a clear thought emerged: at no point did I wish I had brought another set.
Personal Touches, Unchanged Core
While the core barrel remained perfect, I did make some minor adjustments to personalize my setup. I swapped the original Target Swiss Points for different lengths and styles that better suited my release. (For those unfamiliar, the Swiss Point system allows players to easily change dart points using a special tool, offering flexibility without needing to re-point the whole dart.) Ultimately, I paired them with Target K-Flex flights. These small changes, after countless trials, made the entire setup feel even more like an extension of myself.
The crucial detail here is that I wasn’t trying to fix anything fundamental about the dart. The barrel itself has remained exactly as it was, because for me, it simply doesn’t need changing.
A New Temptation: The Bolide Envy 04
Just when I thought I was completely content, Target released the Bolide Envy 04. It’s essentially the same dart, but with a different colorway – and I must admit, the gold finish is incredibly appealing. In fact, it even matches our wedding colors, which certainly doesn’t help my case! The real challenge will be explaining to my wife why buying what is essentially the same set of darts again is a sensible decision. I’m not convinced she’ll see the logic.
Are These Darts Right For You?
Absolutely, especially if you’re seeking a high-quality 90% tungsten dart without breaking the bank. Here’s why they stand out:
- Sleek yet substantial: They are slim but don’t feel too light in the hand.
- Balanced grip: The grip is present and effective when you need it, but never feels overly aggressive or distracting.
- Versatile: Their design lends itself well to a wide range of throwing styles and players.
- Personalization-friendly: If you’re already using the Swiss Point system, customizing them is incredibly easy, allowing you to fine-tune your setup.
More importantly, these are darts that seem to reward investment of time. The longer I’ve owned them, the more I’ve enjoyed throwing them – a rare quality I can’t claim for every set I’ve purchased.
The Unbeatable Benchmark
Will I buy another set of darts in the future? Almost certainly – it’s part of the hobby, isn’t it? There’s always a new barrel profile to try or a different design that catches the eye. But every new set now has one significant challenge: to prove it can knock the Target Bolide Void 04s out of my dart case. So far, none have succeeded.
About the Author
I’m Rob Jeffries, a sports journalist with years of experience covering a range of topics, from football to motorsport, and now bringing that same insight to darts. My interest in the game dates back to my childhood, playing casually at home and at my grandparents’ house. My grandmother bought me my first set of John Lowe darts, and my dad used to set up his old, beaten-up Nodor board on a chair in the kitchen so I could reach the target after each throw.
Darts has always been something I’ve enjoyed following, both for the compelling stories behind the players and the unforgettable moments that define matches. I’ve kept a close eye on the sport over the years, and I’m pleased to be part of the writing team at Darts Planet TV.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
