How to Choose the Perfect Set of Darts for Beginners

Preface

When you're starting out in darts, selecting the right set of darts can significantly impact your game. Whether you're aiming for a casual game with friends or hoping to sharpen your skills for competitive play, choosing the right darts is crucial for your success. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about picking the best darts, including understanding key features, popular brands, and tips to find the perfect set for your needs.

How to Choose the First Set of Darts?

Choosing your first set of darts can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, the process becomes much easier when you consider a few essential factors. For beginners, it's important to focus on comfort and ease of use. Generally, darts come in various materials, weights, and sizes, and choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and playing style.

• Material: Darts are typically made from brass, tungsten, or nickel. Brass darts are often cheaper but may be bulkier, while tungsten darts are denser and allow for thinner, heavier darts without sacrificing durability. If you're just starting out, brass darts are a cost-effective option.
• Weight: The weight of darts can vary, with most darts ranging from 18g to 26g. Beginners typically prefer darts in the 20g to 24g range, as they offer a balance of control and speed. If you're unsure, starting with a mid-weight dart is a good choice.
• Shape: Darts come in various shapes, such as straight, torpedo, or slim. The shape of the dart affects how it flies through the air, with torpedo shapes being the most common for beginners due to their stability.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to find a dart that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style.

How Do I Find the Perfect Set of Darts?

The perfect set of darts for you depends on a combination of factors, including your skill level, grip style, and playing preferences. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:

• Grip Style: Your grip plays a major role in choosing the right darts. If you have a firmer grip, you may want to choose heavier darts for added stability. If you have a lighter grip, opt for slightly lighter darts to ensure accuracy.
• Flight and Shaft: While the dart body is important, the flight and shaft also influence the overall performance. Flights come in different shapes, such as standard, slim, and kite, and they affect the way the dart flies. Beginners may prefer standard flights for better control. The shaft material (plastic or metal) also impacts dart stability, with longer shafts giving a more stable flight path.
• Try Before You Buy: Many dart shops offer "try before you buy" services where you can test out different sets before committing. This is a great way to ensure the dart feels right in your hand and performs well.

The perfect dart set is one that matches your hand size, grip, and throwing style. It's recommended to try several options before making your final decision.

What is the Best Dart Brand?

When it comes to dart brands, the top names in the industry offer high-quality products that cater to all skill levels. Some of the best-known dart brands include:

• Winmau: Known for their precision-engineered darts, Winmau offers a wide variety of darts for players at all levels.
• Harrows: A UK-based brand that produces high-performance darts, Harrows is popular among both beginners and professionals.
• Target Darts: This brand is known for offering custom-tailored darts with a high level of personalization, perfect for players looking for a unique setup.

Each of these brands has a reputation for creating durable, high-quality darts that perform well in competitive environments.

What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Darts?

The primary difference between cheap and expensive darts lies in the materials used, the level of precision in manufacturing, and durability.

• Cheap Darts: Typically made from brass or soft metals, cheap darts may be bulkier and less durable. They can be an excellent option for beginners who are just getting started and don’t want to make a significant investment.
• Expensive Darts: High-end darts are usually made from tungsten, a denser material that allows for smaller, more streamlined darts that are easier to control. These darts are precision-machined for better accuracy and tend to be more durable over time.

Investing in more expensive darts is generally a good choice if you plan to play regularly, as they offer improved performance, stability, and longevity.

What Dart Do Professionals Use?

Professional dart players typically use tungsten darts due to their durability, precision, and ability to be made thinner without sacrificing weight. Tungsten darts are available in various weight options, allowing professionals to choose the perfect dart for their style of play.

• Tungsten Content: The higher the tungsten content, the smaller and denser the dart can be made. Professional players often use darts with a 90% or higher tungsten content.
• Precision and Design: High-level professionals also favor darts that offer a high degree of balance and control, which is why they often go for custom-made darts that are tailored to their throwing style.

While most beginners may not need the same level of precision, tungsten darts offer excellent value as you improve.

Why Are Tungsten Darts Better?

Tungsten darts are considered superior due to several key advantages:

• Durability: Tungsten is a strong, dense material that lasts much longer than softer metals like brass.
• Weight Distribution: Tungsten darts are able to maintain a high level of weight despite their smaller size, which means they provide better control and accuracy.
• Thinner and More Aerodynamic: Because tungsten is denser than other materials, manufacturers can create darts that are slimmer yet heavier, leading to a more consistent flight path.

For serious players, tungsten darts provide better performance, making them the preferred choice at all levels of play.

Conclusion

Choosing the right set of darts is essential for improving your game and ensuring an enjoyable playing experience. Consider factors like material, weight, grip, and shape, as well as your playing style, when selecting a dart. Additionally, opting for reputable brands and understanding the differences between cheap and expensive darts can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, selecting the right set of darts will make a noticeable difference in your performance and enjoyment of the game.

FAQs

How Many Sets of Darts Should I Have?

While having one set of darts is usually sufficient for most players, owning a few different sets can help you experiment with different weights and styles to find what works best for you.

How Do I Know What Darts to Buy?

To choose the right darts, consider your grip style, playing preferences, and the weight that feels most comfortable in your hand. It's also a good idea to try out a few different sets before making your final decision.

What Is the Best Dart Brand?

Some of the best dart brands include Winmau, Harrows, and Target Darts. These brands offer a wide variety of darts for all skill levels and have a reputation for quality.

What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Darts?

Cheap darts are generally made from brass and tend to be bulkier and less durable, while expensive darts are often made from tungsten, offering greater precision, control, and durability.

What Dart Do Professionals Use?

Professional players typically use tungsten darts due to their density, precision, and durability. Tungsten darts are smaller, heavier, and more accurate, making them ideal for competitive play.