Choosing the right darts can significantly impact your game, whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned pro. With so many options available, from different materials and weights to various grips and styles, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. This comprehensive “How To Buy Darts Guide” will walk you through the key considerations to help you find the perfect set of darts that suits your individual throwing style and preferences.
Understanding Dart Types: Materials Matter
The first step in your dart-buying journey is understanding the different materials used in dart construction. Each material offers unique characteristics that can affect the dart’s performance and durability.
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Tungsten Darts: These are the most popular choice among serious dart players due to their high density. Tungsten allows for slimmer barrels, which results in tighter groupings and reduced bounce-outs. When buying tungsten darts, pay close attention to the tungsten percentage. Higher percentages indicate better quality and durability, but also a higher price point.
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Brass Darts: Brass darts are a more economical option, but they are made of a softer metal. This means the knurling (the textured grip on the barrel) can wear down more quickly over time. However, they are a good choice for beginners who are still experimenting with different styles.
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Nickel/Silver Darts: Similar to brass darts, nickel/silver darts are also a budget-friendly option. They offer a slightly better grip than brass but are still less durable than tungsten.
Alt text: Close-up of steel tip darts showcasing the tungsten barrel and steel point.
Finding Your Ideal Dart Weight
Darts are available in a wide range of weights, typically from 12 grams to 50 grams. While most dart organizations allow darts up to 50 grams, it’s rare to see players using darts heavier than 30 grams. The best way to determine the right weight for you is to experiment with different options.
The speed at which you throw the dart plays a crucial role in determining the ideal weight. Lighter darts require a faster, more forceful throw, while heavier darts are easier to control with a smoother, more deliberate motion. The weight distribution within the dart barrel is also a factor. Some darts are front-loaded, with the weight concentrated towards the front, while others are back-weighted. Trying different weight distributions will help you develop a feel for what works best for your throwing style.
Exploring Dart Barrel Grips
The grip of your dart barrel is crucial for consistent and accurate throws. Different barrel grips offer varying levels of texture and feel, so it’s essential to find one that feels comfortable and secure in your hand.
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Knurled Grips: These grips feature a textured surface created by small, raised bumps or ridges. Heavier knurling provides a more aggressive grip, which can be beneficial for players who need extra control. However, extremely heavy knurling can sometimes cause the dart to stick to your fingers, hindering accuracy.
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Smooth Grips: Smooth grips offer a more subtle feel and are preferred by players who prefer a less restrictive grip. These grips allow for a more fluid release and can be beneficial for players with a naturally smooth throwing motion.
Experimenting with different knurling patterns and levels of texture is key to finding the perfect grip for your individual preferences.
Alt text: Close-up of a Viper Spinning Bee dart barrel with a heavy knurled grip pattern.
Alt text: Close-up of a DMC Darts Paul Lim signature dart barrel showcasing its unique grip design.
Selecting the Right Dart Flights
Dart flights play a vital role in stabilizing the dart during flight and influencing its trajectory. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its own unique characteristics.
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Shape: The two most popular flight shapes are standard and slim. Standard flights offer a larger surface area, providing more stability and control. Slim flights have a smaller surface area, resulting in a faster, more aerodynamic flight.
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Material: Flights are typically made of plastic, nylon, or polyester. Plastic flights are the most common and are a good all-around choice. Nylon flights are more durable and offer better resistance to wear and tear. Polyester flights are the most durable option and are often used by professional players.
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Surface Texture: Some flights have a smooth surface, while others have a dimpled surface. Dimpled flights create turbulence in the air, which can help to slow down the dart and improve its stability.
Alt text: A black dart flight featuring a detailed black widow spider graphic.
Alt text: A sleek black dart flight adorned with an eye-catching green cat’s eye design.
Choosing the Perfect Dart Shafts
Dart shafts connect the flight to the barrel and play a role in the dart’s overall balance and stability. They are available in various materials, lengths, and styles.
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Plastic/Nylon Shafts: These are the most affordable option and come in a wide range of colors. However, they are also the least durable and can break easily, especially when throwing tight groupings.
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Aluminum Shafts: Aluminum shafts are more rigid and durable than plastic shafts. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, some with decorative engravings. However, they can sometimes vibrate loose, especially with heavier darts.
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Carbon Fiber/Composite Shafts: Carbon fiber shafts are lightweight and very durable, making them a popular choice among serious players. They offer the durability of aluminum without the risk of loosening or bending.
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Spinning Shafts: These shafts allow the flight to rotate out of the way when struck by another dart. This can reduce deflections and torn flights, allowing for tighter groupings.
Alt text: A set of Target brand nylon dart shafts with a standard 2ba thread size.
Alt text: Close-up image showcasing the weave pattern of L-Style carbon fiber dart shafts.
Alt text: A GLD composite dart shaft with an aluminum top and a plastic base.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Darts for You
Choosing the right darts is a personal process that requires experimentation and patience. Don’t be afraid to try different materials, weights, grips, flights, and shafts until you find the combination that feels the most comfortable and allows you to throw consistently and accurately. Remember, the perfect set of darts is the one that helps you play your best game.
