How to choose darts for beginners
Darts is a popular game that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a game of precision, skill and strategy that is loved by players of all ages and abilities. However, for beginners, it can be overwhelming due to the different types of darts on the market. If you're thinking about buying some darts but aren't sure where to start, the following six points will help you make the best choice.
Before we begin, it's important to mention: don't change your darts every week. You won't become a better player if you do this. Experiment until you find a style that works for you and stick with it while practicing different games. How you throw is more important than what you throw.
1. Steel tip/soft tip darts
Before you start looking for a new set of darts, you need to decide whether you need steel head darts or soft head darts. For most people, this decision doesn't require much thought. It depends on where you're playing the darts. Whether it's at home, in a pub, or in a league, you'll want to buy the type of dart that's suitable for the dartboard.
Steel tip and soft tip darts are the dominant types on the market. The steel tip is specially designed for the sisal dartboard and the sharp steel tip penetrates the steel plate effortlessly. When the tip is worn out, it can be sharpened or replaced to avoid having to replace the entire dart. Soft tip darts are suitable for use on electronic dartboards due to their light weight of 14 to 16 grams.
Composition of steel tip darts: Hard darts are essentially the same as soft darts in terms of shape and style. The most important difference is that the dart head of hard darts is a steel needle. The needle and body of most hard darts are fixed and cannot be disassembled or replaced at will. The rules of international competition stipulate that the total length of the darts cannot exceed 30 cm and the weight of each hard dart cannot exceed 50 grams.
Soft tip darts consist of four parts: tip, barrel, shaft and flights. The most important part is the barrel, which has the greatest influence on the weight, texture, shape and price of the dart. The NDA (International Darts Association) international competition rules state that the total length of the darts cannot exceed 20.32 cm and the total weight of the soft tip darts (tip, barrel, shaft and flights) cannot exceed 20 grams (although there are usually specific weight requirements set by the organizers or there may be no weight requirements). In addition, the dart tips must be made of plastic and must not break.
Overall, while steel darts offer a more realistic experience, they can pose safety concerns and do not have automatic scoring, making them more suitable for professional use. On the other hand, soft darts are a safer option with more features and are great for recreational players, similar to electronic dartboards.
2. Materials
When it comes to darts, there are a few options to choose from. Some popular choices are brass, nickel silver, and tungsten darts. Each has its own advantages, such as brass being affordable and nickel silver being more durable. However, if you want the best value for money and performance, tungsten darts are the way to go. They are preferred by professionals due to their high density and durability, making them a worthwhile investment.
For beginners, it is a good choice to choose cheap and portable brass darts or durable, professional tungsten darts for training.
3. Weight
The weight of a dart has a significant impact on its trajectory and accuracy. Most darts weigh between 20 and 26 grams; however, modern rules allow darts up to 50 grams. Heavier darts tend to fly in a straighter path as they are less affected by wind resistance. However, throwing heavier darts can be more challenging for beginners and result in less accuracy.
On the other hand, lighter darts are easier to handle and throw, which is why they are popular with beginners. Darts that weigh between 20 and 26 grams offer a good balance between weight and ease of use. They are not too heavy to be thrown accurately, but also not too light to be affected by wind resistance. However, if you tend to throw the dart too high, you should probably use a heavier dart, and vice versa.
4. Length and shape
Many people often overlook the importance of choosing the right barrel for their darts. While the color and design of the darts can be attractive, the size of your hands and the way you hold the darts can greatly affect your performance. In general, the more fingers you use to hold the dart, the longer the barrel should be. Unless you like to hold it with your finger on the tip.
Choosing a longer barrel gives you more room to hold the dart, while a shorter barrel limits your grip options.
The shape of the dart plays an important role in weight distribution, which is a factor in how the dart flies. The shape of the dart affects whether the dart is balanced or front weighted.
Pros often use thinner barrels because it's easier to fit more of the dart into a tight space. Ultimately, the right barrel will improve your game and give you the best chance of hitting the bulls-eye.
5. Techniques and grip
One of the most common techniques used by dart manufacturers to improve grip is knurling. Knurling is a process of creating a rough texture on the barrel, usually by cutting or rolling metal patterns on the surface. This texture provides a better grip for players with slightly sweaty or oily hands, allowing them to have a more controlled and accurate throw. In addition to knurling, dart manufacturers also use other techniques such as rings, cuts, and grooves to improve grip. These features provide different contact points for the fingers, allowing the player to find the most comfortable and secure grip. For example, some players prefer a knurled or grooved grip, while others prefer a smoother surface with some strategically placed cuts for a better grip. The choice ultimately comes down to the player's individual preference and what feels most comfortable to them.
Generally speaking, the heavier the knurling, the tighter the grip you can achieve. Knurled rings provide the best grip by providing a very rough surface. However, too much knurling can cause the darts to stick to your fingers when you release them, which can seriously affect your game.
6. Shaft and Flight
The shaft connects the dart barrel to the flight. The length of the shaft is particularly important as it gives the dart stability as it flies through the air.
The shaft can be made from plastic, aluminum, and various other metal alloys such as tungsten. The material of a dart shaft has less to do with flight and more to do with how the dart behaves after impact. The overall lifespan of a dart depends greatly on the materials chosen here. Plastic or nylon options are common, but tend to be more delicate and break easily. Metal shafts, on the other hand, offer more resistance and durability.
The most obvious influence on the trajectory of a dart is the shape of the flights. We can divide dart flights into two different subtypes: fast and slow.
You'll find a lot of variability in the length and size of dart flights on the market. If you take the time to do some research, it shouldn't be too complicated to find an option that suits your specific throwing style. Again, the best approach is to practice; play a few games with darts of different sizes and lengths to find out which subtype suits your style best.
By now, you should have a good understanding of what factors to consider: length, barrel shape options (such as standard or flat barrels), a medium-sized shaft for balanced performance, and a flight size that suits your throwing style. How to choose the right weight and find the perfect length and shape. We've also explored different dart types and how they feel. Armed with this knowledge, you can become an expert dart player.