A viper dartboard surround is your ultimate defense against stray darts, protecting your walls and floor while adding a professional touch to your game. This article will explore everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining your dartboard surround, ensuring your darting area is safe, stylish, and ready for countless games.
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Why You Need a Viper Dartboard Surround
Let’s face it: even the most seasoned dart players miss the target sometimes. Without a dartboard surround, those misses can lead to unsightly holes in your walls, damaged flooring, and potentially even injuries. A quality viper dartboard surround offers crucial protection and more.
- Wall Protection: The primary function of a dartboard surround is to shield your walls from errant darts. This prevents costly repairs and keeps your darting area looking pristine.
- Floor Protection: While less direct, a dartboard surround can also help deflect darts that bounce out, preventing them from damaging your floor.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A well-chosen viper dartboard surround adds a touch of professionalism and style to your darting setup, making it more inviting and enjoyable.
- Reduced Bounce-Outs: Some surrounds, particularly those made of high-density materials, can help reduce bounce-outs by providing a softer landing surface for the darts.
Types of Viper Dartboard Surrounds
Several types of dartboard surrounds are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Foam Dartboard Surrounds
Foam surrounds are a popular choice due to their affordability and ease of installation. They are typically made of high-density EVA foam, which provides good protection against stray darts.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to install, available in various colors and designs.
- Cons: May not be as durable as other materials, can show wear and tear over time, may not offer the same level of bounce-out reduction.
Bristle Dartboard Surrounds
Bristle surrounds are made from the same sisal fibers as dartboards. This offers a seamless look and excellent dart absorption. These are more professional-grade, like having an oche.
- Pros: Durable, provides excellent dart absorption, seamless look when paired with a bristle dartboard.
- Cons: More expensive than foam surrounds, may require more effort to install.
Rubber Dartboard Surrounds
Rubber surrounds offer excellent durability and impact resistance. They are a good choice for high-traffic areas or for players who tend to throw with a lot of force.
- Pros: Very durable, excellent impact resistance, long-lasting.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than foam surrounds, may be heavier and more difficult to install.
Choosing the Right Viper Dartboard Surround
Selecting the perfect viper dartboard surround involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific requirements and preferences. It’s also helpful to use a Practice darts app with scoring.
- Material: As discussed above, the material of the surround is a crucial factor. Consider your budget, durability needs, and aesthetic preferences.
- Size: Make sure the surround is large enough to provide adequate protection. A wider surround will offer more coverage for those particularly wayward throws.
- Thickness: A thicker surround will generally offer better protection than a thinner one.
- Color and Design: Choose a color and design that complements your dartboard and the overall aesthetic of your darting area.
- Ease of Installation: Consider how easy the surround is to install. Some surrounds simply snap onto the dartboard, while others may require more complex installation procedures.
Installing Your Viper Dartboard Surround
Proper installation is essential to ensure your viper dartboard surround provides optimal protection and looks its best. Here’s a general guide to installing most types of surrounds:
- Measure and Mark: Accurately measure and mark the center point of your dartboard on the wall. This is crucial for ensuring the surround is properly aligned.
- Mount the Dartboard: Install your dartboard according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it is securely mounted and level.
- Position the Surround: Carefully position the dartboard surround around the dartboard, ensuring it is centered and flush against the wall.
- Secure the Surround (if necessary): Some surrounds simply snap into place, while others may require screws or other fasteners to secure them to the wall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing the surround.
Maintaining Your Viper Dartboard Surround
Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your viper dartboard surround and keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining your surround:
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the surround regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surround.
- Repairing Damage: If your surround becomes damaged, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. Small holes can often be filled with a suitable sealant or filler.
- Rotate the Surround (if applicable): Some surrounds can be rotated to distribute wear and tear evenly.
Considering free darts scoring can also enhance the whole experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Dartboard Surrounds
Even with proper installation and maintenance, you may encounter some common issues with your viper dartboard surround. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most frequent problems:
- Surround Doesn’t Fit Snugly: If the surround doesn’t fit snugly against the wall, check to ensure the dartboard is properly mounted and level. You may also need to use shims to fill any gaps.
- Darts Bounce Out Frequently: If you’re experiencing frequent bounce-outs, try rotating the surround or replacing it with a higher-density model. Also, ensure your darts have sharp points.
- Surround is Damaged: If your surround is damaged, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. Small holes can often be filled with a suitable sealant or filler. More significant damage may require replacing the surround.
Thinking about how sleep darts work might seem unrelated, but understanding trajectory and impact can help you choose the right surround!
Alternatives to a Traditional Dartboard Surround
While a viper dartboard surround is the most common and effective solution for protecting your walls, some alternative options are worth considering.
- Dartboard Cabinet: A dartboard cabinet not only provides protection for your walls but also offers storage for your darts and accessories. When closed, it conceals the dartboard for a cleaner look.
- Corkboard Backing: Mounting a large corkboard behind the dartboard can provide a soft landing surface for errant darts. However, corkboard may not be as durable as a dedicated surround.
- DIY Solutions: Some players create their own custom surrounds using materials like plywood, foam padding, or carpet. While this can be a cost-effective option, it requires some DIY skills and may not provide the same level of protection as a commercially made surround.
The Impact of a Dartboard Surround on Your Game
Beyond protecting your walls, a viper dartboard surround can actually have a positive impact on your game. The reduced risk of damage encourages more frequent practice, and the professional appearance can enhance your focus and enjoyment.
Aesthetics play a role too. A neat, well-maintained darting area fosters a more professional and enjoyable atmosphere, which can translate to better performance. You’re less distracted by concerns about damaging your home and more focused on hitting your target.
Where to Buy a Viper Dartboard Surround
Viper dartboard surrounds are widely available from various retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Here are some popular places to shop:
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and specialized darting websites offer a wide selection of viper dartboard surrounds at competitive prices.
- Sporting Goods Stores: Major sporting goods retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors typically carry a range of darting equipment, including surrounds.
- Game and Hobby Stores: Local game and hobby stores may also carry viper dartboard surrounds, particularly those that specialize in darting supplies.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Walls and Elevating Your Game with a Viper Dartboard Surround
Investing in a viper dartboard surround is a smart decision for any dart player. It protects your walls, enhances the aesthetics of your darting area, and can even improve your game. By carefully considering the different types of surrounds available, installing it properly, and maintaining it regularly, you can enjoy years of worry-free darting. So, protect your walls, elevate your game, and get your viper dartboard surround today! Consider your skill level and the protection you need. Ready to take your game to the next level? Browse our selection of viper dartboard surrounds and find the perfect fit for your setup. Shop now and start enjoying worry-free darting!
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.