What is the Best Dart for Learners?

When it comes to picking the best dart for you to use, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It is highly likely that you will change darts several times during your early days. As you progress with your style and skill level try a few different weights and materials to see what works best.

At the end of the day, it comes down to which dart feels the best when you stand up to the oche. The options are as varied as the players themselves. 

Below are a few ideas to help your decision before buying your first, or next set of darts.

Different Dart Types

The main darts that you will come across are brass darts, nickel/silver darts and tungsten darts. The dart that is the most popular for club players is the tungsten dart.

The high-density properties of the tungsten dart resist wear but also allows narrower barrels than the other materials. This helps to allow tighter groupings while maintaining the weight of the dart and minimizing bounce-outs. If you are at the level where you are grouping triple 20s then tungsten darts are the way to go.

Make sure to note the percentage of tungsten in the dart barrels when you are looking to buy. The higher percentage, the higher quality of the dart. The higher the percentage the better, but also makes the dart more expensive.

Brass and nickel/silver darts are softer and less expensive metals. The knurled grips on these darts can wear down quicker from friction and contact with other darts, whereas this will not happen with tungsten darts.

Despite the small drawbacks, brass and nickel darts are still considered to be good, cheaper options, allowing the average player to learn, progress and compete.

Check out options at our online store (link) for the best selection of soft and steel tip darts in tungsten, brass and nickel/silver.

Best Weight for your Darts

We suggest you try out different options available when it comes to dart weights. There is no hard and fast rule to the best weight. It comes down to personal choice and how hard you throw.

Darts come in a variety of weights between 12 and 50 grams. You will not find too many people throwing darts heavier than 30 grams, but most clubs allow darts up to 50 grams.

Throwing the same dart style in different weight classes will help you decide. The speed at which you throw the dart will also determine the best weight for you.

Generally, the lighter the dart the harder and faster you will throw it. But note that the location of the weight in the dart barrel will also impact the dart that you choose.

Some darts are heavier at the front of the dart (front-loaded) and others are loaded at the back or middle. Trying various types will help you get the feel for what works best for you. Try a few of your mate’s darts next time you are with a social group or a club meeting.

Best Dart Grips

You will see that there are also a huge variety of grips available. So, what is the best dart grip? As with weights, try out different barrel grips that are available. Some dart barrels have heavily knurled grips and others are relatively smooth.

As you would expect, the heavier the knurling on the dart the easier it is to grip. But be aware that heavy knurling may cause your fingers to stick and affect your accuracy.

Again, it comes down to trying and feeling what works best for you. In general, the narrower tungsten barrels tend to be smoother and slimmer, whereas the brass and nickel can be thicker and rougher.

Best Dart Flights

Equal, flights are as varied as weights and grips, with different sizes and styles, colours and patterns available, including smooth or dimpled surfaces.

The size and style of the flights that you choose can also have a big effect on how you throw. Try out different dart flight sizes and styles to find one that works best for your style of throw, barrel and weight. Most players try out different types over time, and they are affordable and easily changed, so worth having different types in your kit.

Best Shaft for your Darts

There are many different shaft styles and materials available. These include the basic plastic or nylon shafts, stronger aluminium type, carbon fibre and composite, and also spinning shafts.

Plastic or Nylon

These are the most commonly used on brass and nickel darts but also tungsten as they are Inexpensive and available in different colours They are prone to breaking fairly easily. Plastic shafts will work well for most players. Once you start to consistently throw tight groups the plastic shafts are more easily broken. 

Solid Aluminum

These are stiffer and more durable than plastic or composite shafts. Aluminium shafts are available in heaps of colours and styles. They can vibrate loose but you can use rubber o-rings between the shafts and barrels to avoid this.

If you are using thicker flights you might need to up the slots slightly with a dart tool or knife blade to slot them in. Aluminium shafts would tend to bend rather than break (Plastic) when hit. They can just be straightened for continued use.

Carbon-Fiber

Carbon shafts are more lightweight and durable. They will be slightly more expensive than plastic or nylon shafts but will break less. Carbon dart shafts are more durable than aluminium shafts and don’t loosen in the barrel or bend.

Composite Shafts

Composite shafts have a plastic base threading into the dart combined with an aluminium top that holds the flight. These are quality shafts, durable, and will not vibrate loose from the barrel as easily as aluminium shafts. 

Spinning

Whilst spinning shafts do not improve the flight quality of the dart through the air they do allow tighter groups by letting the flights align with each other.

As you can see there are many variables in finding what is the best dart for your game. If you are new to the game I would suggest trying a few different weights and styles and see how you go. As you improve or get more interested then look at the tungsten darts and different shafts and flights.

If you want to get an idea of current pricing, have a look at the range through our Amazon link.