Darts is a fun game (and sport!) that you can play for pleasure or competitively if you feel the need to defeat someone for bragging rights. On this website we’ve already discussed several issues related to darts including the size of the bullseye, electronic vs regular dartboards and why an electronic dartboard might actually be better.
But what about the darts themselves? Which ones are best to purchase and use?
Specs to consider when choosing darts
When choosing darts for your home games room, here are a few factors to consider:
- Material: Darts can be made of various materials such as brass, tungsten, or steel. Tungsten darts are the most popular choice among serious players because they are dense, which allows for a higher density of darts to be packed into a smaller space on the dartboard, leading to fewer bounce-outs and higher scores.
- Weight: Dart weight is an important factor to consider as it affects your throwing motion and accuracy. Most darts range from 16-50 grams, with the majority of players using darts in the 18-30 gram range.
- Length: Dart length should be proportionate to your hand size and throwing style. Most darts are between 4 and 7 inches long.
- Flight: This is the tail of the dart at the opposite end of the point (or tip). Darts are available with different shapes and designs for their flights, which control the trajectory and stability of the dart. Experiment with different flight shapes to determine which one works best for you.
- Grip: Darts come with various grip styles, such as knurled, ridged, or smooth. Consider your throwing style and personal preference when choosing the grip style.
Highest quality brands of darts
You can easily find relatively inexpensive darts and dartboard sets. They aren’t difficult to find online or in games shops. But what about higher quality darts, if you’re interested to give this game a real go and want to do it right?
There are many high-quality brands of darts available, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Here are a few of the most popular and highly-regarded brands among professional and amateur players:
- Harrows: This UK-based brand offers a wide range of darts in various materials and weights, with a strong focus on precision and quality.
- Target: Target is another well-respected brand, known for their high-quality tungsten darts and innovative designs.
- Red Dragon: This Welsh brand offers a wide range of darts, including those made of tungsten and brass, with a focus on affordability and performance.
- Winmau: This UK-based brand is one of the oldest and most well-respected in the industry, offering a range of high-quality darts and accessories.
- Unicorn: This iconic brand offers a range of darts, including those made of tungsten and brass, with a focus on innovative designs and superior performance.
These are just a few of the many high-quality brands of darts available, and you may also want to consider other factors such as weight, length, and grip style when choosing the best brand for you.
Darts that are best for a beginner to really learn the game
For a beginner to learn the game of darts effectively, it’s important to start with a set of darts that are well-suited to their needs. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Weight: Beginners often do better with lighter darts (18-22 grams) as they are easier to control and throw accurately.
- Length: Darts that are around 4-6 inches in length are typically suitable for most beginners, as they are easier to handle and throw than longer darts.
- Grip: A grip style that provides good control and stability is ideal for beginners, such as a knurled grip or a smooth grip with a few ridges.
- Flight: Choose darts with simple, standard flight shapes to start with, as they are easier to control and less likely to affect the trajectory of the dart.
By choosing darts that meet these criteria, you can help ensure that your beginner has a positive and productive experience as they learn the game.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality dartboard and darts accessories such as a good chalk, a throwing line, and a dartboard surround to help maintain the board and keep the darts in good condition.
Summary
If you’re just looking to have some fun, a basic dartboard and darts set might suffice. You can also spend a bit more for a higher quality dartboard and/or also spend more on the darts themselves.
If you want to learn the game and become a reasonable player and have a limited budget, you’re best spending more on the darts themselves since a reasonable dartboard will still work. It’s the darts that you’re actually throwing and higher quality will be noticed as you improve.
By considering these factors, you can choose a set of darts that are well-suited to your playing style and provide good accuracy and performance.