The Best Dart Board Reviews 2023

A game of darts is always fun! It may not be as intense as basketball or football, yet it is exciting to play, especially with family and friends. It is one of the best social sports, especially because you do not need to invest in a lot to get started. Regardless of age, even without physical stamina, you can play!

If you want to play darts at home, there is one thing that you will need – the best dart board. Whether you are a casual or a serious player, having a dart board means that you no longer need to head to the nearest bar when you want to play.

With the tons of the options that are available on the market, making the right decision is not going to be an easy feat. Consider yourself lucky that you are reading this guide. With the valuable insights that will be shared below, you will find it easier to make the right choice.

Best Selling Dart Boards By Consumer Report In 2020

PRODUCT NAME	Dimension	Ideal for:	PRICE
Winmau Blade 5 Bristle "BEST CHOICE"	17.8 x 17.8 x 1.5 inches	Professional Players	CHECK $
Viper Hudson Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip	3.1 x 21.2 x 23.2 inches	Everyone	CHECK $
Doinkit Darts	16.2 x 15.8 x 1.5 inches	Kids & Beginner	CHECK $
Viper League Pro Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip	18 x 1.5 x 18 inches	Professional Players	CHECK $
Unicorn Eclipse Pro	2 x 18.1 x 18.1 inches	All players	CHECK $
Razorback Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip	18.4 x 19.2 x 0.5 inches	Different level Players	CHECK $
DMI Sports Bandit	18.3 x 7.2 x 1.8 inches	Professional player	CHECK $
Nodor SupaMatch2	17.8 x 17.8 x 1.5 inches	All players	CHECK $
Winmau Blade 4	17.8 x 17.8 x 1.5 inches	Professional Players	CHECK $
TG Champion Tournament	1.8 x 18 x 18 inches	Best Price	CHECK $

Reviews Of Best Dart Board Reviews 

Here are list of the 10 Best Dart Board based on consumer report.

Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Board

An improved version of the Winmau Blade 4, which we will also review later on, this is my personal favorite out of all the products that are mentioned in this post. This is already the fifth iteration of the iconic Blade series, which is known as one of the most exceptional within the product category.

One of the things that make this a trusted choice is the fact that it is endorsed by the British Darts Organization, which is already a testament to the quality that you can expect from it.

The wiring system of this model is 14% thinner compared to the previous version. The main benefit of this is that the scoring potential will be higher.

Meanwhile, compared to the Winmau Blade 5 bristle dartboard, the razor wire angle is also minimized by as much as 30%. This leads to the reduction of bounce-outs, improving your game even if you are just a beginner.

The construction of the sisal base is also worth mentioning. It is made of a dense and thick material, which is one of the reasons why it fares well in terms of durability. To add, there is a revolutionary carbon diffusion technology that enhances the strength of the board’s surface.

Once it is assembled, it is securely fitted in its position while it is still easy to rotate. This is made possible through a feature known as Triple-Wheel Rota-Lock.

It is hard to find a fault in a dartboard that is as perfect as this one. If there is one problem that you might experience, there could be some missing pieces when it arrives.

Viper Hudson Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard and Cabinet Bundle

Value for money – this is what you can expect from this product, which should already be enough reason to have it considered over the other alternatives. When you purchase this product, you are not just getting a dart board, but you will also have a dart cabinet.

The cabinet comes with a mahogany finish. Solid pine is also used, as well as box joints and bronze hinges. With the combination of these materials, it is one product that could be a stylish and fun addition to any space.

With the sisal board, on the other hand, you can expect that it will not be easily prone to wear and tear, making it last for a long time. It is made of high-density fibers that will automatically heal once the dart is removed from the surface.

On the side of the cabinet, there is a scoreboard that can be dry erased. This will make it almost effortless to keep a tally of the scores.

The mounting hardware is also already included. The installation will be a snap for you to accomplish.

To provide protection to the dartboard, there are also two stoppers that prevent the door from banging.

Some users, however, may find the board to be quite loud when hit by the dart. This is because the material is quite hard.

Doinkit Darts – Magnetic Dart Board

If you are searching for the best kids dart board, this is one product that should make it on your list. One thing that you will love the most is that it is a magnetic board. This means that there are no sharp edges that could worry you. This also means that it won’t damage the walls. This makes a great toy to add fun to family playtime.

The quality of the magnet is also worth highlighting. It easily sticks to the board once it makes contact. You will not be frustrated, unlike in the case of those with a low-quality magnet. It has neodymium magnet, which is known for its longevity, even with frequent use.

The kit also already comes with six magnetic darts in two colors.

The dart board has a diameter of 16 inches, which is big enough for kids who are practicing their skills in darts. It also comes with easy to see numbers on the sides, making it easy to keep track of the scores.

However, the most significant drawback of this product is that it is not for adults or for serious players. While the manufacturer recommends that it is good for those who are aged six and above, if you are old enough, you might feel that it is flimsy and that it lacks the realness or darts.

Viper League Pro Sisal/Bristle with Staple-free Bullseye and Cricket Scoreboard Kit

It is made by one of the most trusted brands in the market for darts, which is exactly the reason why you can trust that its quality will be impressive.

Among the long list of things that you will like in this model, one of the most significant is how it is made of a high-grade material that promises a self-healing technology. Compressed sisal fibers are used to construct the board.

For the reduction of bounce-outs, it is also incorporated with advanced features, which include the galvanized rounded wire spider and staple-free bullseye.

With a diameter of 18-inches, this product comes adheres to the regulation requirement, making it excellent if you are practicing for a competition.

It also features tri-color screen printing. Simply put, it has three bold tones that are shown on the surface. These colors are easy to notice so that the score will be easier to determine.

There is also a compression ring system, which is basically the technology that is responsible for its durability. It improves the density of the fibers used so that it will be more resistant against wear.

Aside from the board, there are also starter steel-tip darts, eraser, chalk, cricket scoreboard, and mounting hardware.

There are some users, however, who pointed out that the self-healing technology that the manufacturer promises is not enough ad can still leave permanent holes on the surface.

Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dart Board

For a bristle board that delivers championship quality, this will most probably prove to be a stunning choice. Even the most discerning players would most probably agree that the performance of this product is hard to rival. Even the Professional Darts Corporation chooses this board for their globally-televised games. Their trust does a lot to provide this model with a good reputation.

It is also great that it comes with an ultra-thin segmentation system. The thinness of the wires that divide the board will lessen the possibility that your shots will be missed. You can be assured that the dart will land on the board and not on the wire. With the use of minimum metal, you can enjoy maximum target.

The staple-free construction is another plus when it comes to improving your score. Plus, it has a large coverage area so there is a wide place that you can target. Even if you are a beginner, this is one product that you will find easy to love.

The compression of the sisal fiber used in the board can be regarded as another asset. Because of its density, you can be confident that it will last for a long time.

Nonetheless, this is a dartboard that is far from being perfect. One of the potential issues would be that the darts can leave noticeable marks on the board. There are also many counterfeits, so watch out to be sure that you will end up buying one that is authentic.

Viper Razorback Sisal/Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard with Staple-Free Spider

Like most of the high-quality dartboards that you can find on the market, this comes with sisal bristle fibers on the surface. They have been compressed to increase their density, making it a key factor that impacts its durability.

It also has 100% staple-free construction and has a self-healing technology. This means that as soon as you remove the dart out of the board, the hole will close.

There are thin galvanized wires, which will increase the surface area. This is effective in lessening the bounce-outs in your shots as it makes the target face wider. More so, it has an 18-inch diameter, which is large enough. This is also the size that is required in dart tournaments.

The versatility of this product is also worth mentioning. Whether the darts are steel-tipped or soft-tipped, you can use the board.

It is also a good thing that there is an adjustable number ring. All that you have to do is to adjust it to change targets and to prevent damages to the specific portions of the board.

One of the drawbacks of this model, however, is that the recovery rate might take quite a while and holes can be left on the surface, despite the claims from the manufacturer that it comes with the self-healing technology.

DMI Sports Bandit Staple-Free Bristle Board

The list of the options for the best dart board will not be complete without a mention of this model. After all, the manufacturer has been in the business for more than eight decades, which is a testament to the quality of their products.

Their boards are manufactured in New Zealand and are endorsed even by the World Darts Federation. While most boards will utilize a wire spider, this model comes with interlocking bands. It has a revolutionary wiring system that will help in increasing your scoring potential.

It is also made of premium sisal fibers. The board also comes with the self-healing technology, similar to most of the products that we have mentioned in this post.

On the other hand, the numbers are powder-coated, which will stay on the surface for a long time, unlike others that will fade easily.

Upon purchasing the board, you will already be given the necessary mounting hardware. With this, the installation will surely be a breeze to accomplish, even without the need to ask for a helping hand.

To be confident about the quality and to have a higher level of satisfaction, it is also good to know that it comes with a warranty that lasts for a year.

Meanwhile, if you are a budget-friendly buyer, the price can be an issue. However, personally, I would be more than willing to spend if I am sure that quality is second to none.

Nodor SupaMatch 2 Bristle Dartboard

This is another premium product that will be worth every dollar that you will be spending. With a regulation size, you can use it at home or in tournaments. This is the office dartboard of choice of the American Dart Organization. It is large enough to offer a wide target area, increasing the likelihood that you will be able to hit a score.

It also has razor-ribbon wire, which is one of its advantages. The thinness of the wire would mean that there will be a larger hitting area. This will result in the reduction of bounce-outs.

The staple-free construction is another reason why scoring is definitely going to be better.

There is also a movable number line. You can adjust it to change the parts that are frequently hit, which is one thing that can be helpful in extending its functional life.

For the warranty, it is covered by the manufacturer for one year, which is the standard in the product category.

I honestly find the price to be the only limiting factor for this dartboard. However, if the quality is what matters more for you, there should be no hesitation in buying it even if it is quite expensive.

Winmau Blade 4 Bristle Dartboard

The triangular wiring is one of the most innovative features that you can find in this dartboard. It widens the target area, increasing the potential that you will be able to register a score. To add, it comes with a thin steel wiring that does not occupy too much space, another thing that can improve your scoring.

It also comes with a staple-free construction. Because there are no staples, the bounce-outs can be reduced at a significant rate.

It should also be noted that it comes with high-density sisal fibers. Because of this, you can find it on the higher end of the market. Only the finest Kenyan sisal is used in Winmau dartboards, giving them a density that allows it to withstand wear and tear. It will survive impact through the years.

Meanwhile, with the Rota-Lock mounting system, it comes with three-wheel connectors. This makes it easy to level the board, making sure that it will stay secure and stable. They function like stabilizers.

There are two versions of this board – single and dual core. The dual core is the better option from the two. This means that the inner and the outer cores are sandwiched. It can improve the ability to absorb pressure. This does not only help in terms of longevity, but it is also effective when it comes to dampening vibration.

Like most of the high-quality products that you can find, the price is one thing that can give you second thoughts in having it chosen over others.

TG Champion Tournament Bristle Dartboard

Last but definitely not the least, this is what I can personally recommend to those who are looking for a budget-friendly alternative. Because of its price, however, do not expect too much. Still, it is decent compared to most of the cheap options that you will see on the market

In terms of size, this has a thickness of 1.5 inches while the diameter of the board is 18 inches, which is the regulation size in tournaments

To increase the chances of scoring, the board is not only large, but it also has ultra-slim spider wire. The bullseye is also staple-free, increasing the likelihood that you will end up with a higher score.

The cross-capitable design is also a plus. It is versatile enough to accommodate both steel-tipped and soft-tipped darts.

It is divided into 20 equal partitions. There are numbers on the side that are easy to see, which will make it a snap to keep track of the scores of each player.

The main drawback of this dartboard is that it does not include darts. You have to purchase them separately, which is perhaps also the reason why it is cheaper compared to those that are already inclusive of darts.

Types of Dart Boards

As you try to narrow down the choices, one of the first things that you have to do is to be familiar with the different types of dart boards that are available. To begin this post, let us have a quick look at the most common options that will confront you.

Bristle Dartboards

This is perhaps the most common type that is available. The first of this dartboard was introduced by Nodor as early as the 1930s. It became more popular in the 1970s as dart became televised. It is the standard choice for many dart tournaments.

Sisal fiber is the main material that is used in this dartboard. These are compressed fibers that are known for their density. Since it is thick, you can expect that it will be able to withstand the test of time. For cheaper models, however, the fibers are not tightly-packed.

Another distinct feature of this dartboard is the wiring, which serves as the partitions. Look for one that comes with a thin wire, which will increase the hitting area. If the wires are too thick, the rates of bounce-outs will be high.

Electronic Dartboards

For a more modern alternative, this is what you should choose. It is usually more expensive than bristle, but the main selling point is the convenience that it offers. There is no need to manually tally the score as it is recorded in real-time. Most of the electronic dartboards have a small screen that will allow you to easily monitor the scores.

In the past, these boards exclusively use soft-tip darts. In recent years, however, new technologies have been introduced so that even steel-tip darts can be used.

Magnetic Dartboards

This is the ideal choice for children. The board and the darts have magnets. When you throw the dart and it hits the surface, the magnet will create a tension that will allow it to cling. Not jut any type of magnet is used. A neodymium magnet is preferred because of the strong bond it creates, eliminating the likelihood that it will fall after making contact.

The best thing about a magnetic dartboard is that the tips of the darts are not pointed. There is no need to install a dart board wall protector as you don’t have to worry about the potential damages to the walls.

Cork Dartboards

This is not as popular as the earlier two that are mentioned, but there are still many companies offering this option. It is a budget-friendly alternative, but the durability is often compromised in exchange for a low cost. If you are a recreational player, this will suffice. On the other hand, if you are a pro, this is not for you.

Some people might confuse a bristle dartboard with a cork dartboard. The two are actually different. The main difference is that cork is often more easily prone to wear compared to their bristle counterpart.

Wooden Dartboards

This is the traditional material of choice for dartboards before bristle took the center stage. Poplar and elm are two of the most common woods that are used. Solid wood may look good, but they do not fare well in terms of durability. They can be easily prone to cracks. This dartboard is also known for being heavy.

In the design of the modern dartboards, they have a clock style partition. It is believed that this was inspired by the formation of radial cracks and wood rings that would appear once the wood ages.

Bristle Dartboards vs Electronic Dart Boards, Which is Better?

This is a question that could be better answered by yourself. Making the choice is a tough call as both have their respective pros and cons.

A bristle dartboard is preferred by those who are looking for an option that is easy on the wallet. Electronic dartboards, on the other hand, are more advanced and convenient, especially when it comes to scoring.

If you want a more traditional choice and to really feel the excitement of the game, I would personally recommend that you go for a bristle dartboard. Nothing beats the classic. This, however, is only my two cents.

What is the Best Dart Board Brand?

This is one thing that we cannot say for sure. There is no definite answer as this will depend on a number of factors, such as your budget and your preferences. To help you out, here are some of the brands that have built a solid reputation on the market:

DMI Sports

Whether you are looking for a bristle dartboard or steel-tip darts, as well as a number of accessories, this is one of the most trusted brands that you have to consider. Founded in 1976, it is a popular name not only on darts but for other indoor sports as well. It is based in Pennsylvania. Since 2013, the company has been operating as a part of Escalade Sports Inc.

Unicorn Dartboard

The Big Name in Darts – this is the tagline of Unicorn, which asserts its position as one of the leaders in the product category. It has been around since 1937, which means that it has more than eight decades of providing world-class products. The company is also a known sponsor of many dart competitions, which is its way of giving back to the community. It also has an on-going endorsement contract with the Professional Darts Corporation until 2022.

Halex Dart Board

Halex is a company that originated in Hale End in London, which explains the name. One of the first products they produced is a celluloid, which is the inspiration of the modern ping pong ball. It currently operates under Regent Sports Corporation. The company is considered as one of the leaders on the market for electronic dartboards. They have a great selection of boards, regardless if you are a beginner or an advanced user.

Winmau Dartboard

Known as the force behind darts, this is another go-to brand for anyone who is looking for dart products. Whether it is flights, shafts, cabinets, and dartboard surrounds, they have an endless list of products. The company claims that they are the most televised dart brand in the world. They are also endorsed by the British Darts Organization. They have been around for almost seven decades and they have a presence in more than 70 countries.

Viper Dartboard

Regardless of your experience, Viper has dart products that are available for you, not just dartboards. They also have electronic dartboards. The company operates under GLD Products, a company born in Milwaukee Tavern. It all started when five partners introduced darts as a game to generate more traffic in their bar. The company is known for their innovative strategies and being brave in taking risks.

Nodor

Established in 1932, the company takes pride in being one of the oldest manufacturers of dart-related products, including dartboards. It is also known as the world’s largest manufacturer of military-grade tungsten darts. For their dartboards, they have a Kenyan manufacturing facility that makes use of the most revolutionary materials.

Do You Need a Dartboard Cabinet?

Some of the options that will be reviewed in the rest of this guide are equipped with a cabinet. This can make the dartboard more expensive, but it will be worth your money. It makes it look more stylish. When the cabinet is closed, no one would guess that there is a dartboard inside.

Another good thing about a cabinet is that it doubles as a storage, keeping the darts, flights, and shafts, among others, organized and easy to access.

A cabinet is nice because it can also function as a dart board wall protector. When the cabinet is open, the darts will hit the back side of the door instead of the walls.

Dart Board Regulations

Based on the existing dart regulations, the diameter of the dartboard should be 18 inches. There should be twenty-segments, shaped like a pie, and each with equal size. In the center, there should be a bull’s eye.

When it comes to the setup, you should also use the dart regulations as a guide. Based on the existing rules, you should position the height at five feet and eight inches from the floor all the way to the bull’s eye of the board.

More so, there is also a set distance between the dartboard and the throwing line. For steel-tip, it should be 7 feet and 9-1/4 inches. For soft-tip darts, on the other hand, the distance needs to be 8 feet.

The Ideal Dartboard Setup

Setting up the dartboard is important to enjoy the game and minimize the frustrations. That being said, here are some of the most important things that you have to keep in mind:

• When installing the dartboard, see to it that it is flush to the wall. It should not be in a leaning position. Keep it secure so that it won’t move upon hitting. If it moves, it will end up being unstable and bounce-outs will increase.
• Choose a good location for the dartboard. Obviously, it should not be near windows or any surface that can be easily damaged when hit.
• The area where you will setup the board should be wide enough so that players can easily move. The floor should be carpet. If not, use a dart mat as a protection, especially if it is made of a delicate material.
• Pick a place that is well-lit. Also, you should not be directly hit by the glare of the sun as this can affect your focus and vision when throwing.

Wrap Up

Indeed, the best dart board is an investment that you need to have. Many options are affordable, yet you can be confident that their quality won’t be sacrificed. To avoid making a decision that you will regret, I suggest that you keep an eye on the products that we have mentioned in this post.