Playing darts is fun and exciting, although there is an endless debate on whether or not it is a sport. Regardless, it cannot be denied that it is a good social activity and for this reason, let us just agree that it is indeed a sport. With this, no wonder many people are on the lookout for the best darts in the world.
You will be overwhelmed with the endless selection of darts that are available, though this should not give you a reason to decide in haste.
Hold on to your seat! Stop whatever you are doing and pay attention to what I will say in this post. I will not only be listing down the top-rated darts on the market, but I will also provide valuable insights that will help you to narrow down the possibilities.
Best Selling Darts By Consumer Report
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Selling Darts By Consumer Report
- 2 Best Steel Tip Darts in 2020
- 3 Best Soft Tip Darts
- 3.1 Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts
- 3.2 Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts (18-Gram)
- 3.3 Bottelsen Skinny’s Tough Koat 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Dart
- 3.4 Viper Diamond 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
- 3.5 Dart World 68547 Piranha 80% Tungsten
- 3.6 Viper Jaguar 80% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
- 3.7 Target Darts Carrera Titanium Black Soft Tip Darts
- 4 Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts
- 5 Best Dart Brands
- 6 Parts of a Dart
- 7 How to Choose the Best Darts on the Market
- 8 Conclusion
Before we proceed with the rest of the discussions in this post, the table below summarizes some of the best options to consider. Each product will be discussed in detail later on.
PRODUCT NAME {SOFT & STEEL TIP} | WEIGHT | TYPE | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Cuesoul Tungsten Darts Set | 22/24/26 grams | Steel Tip | |
Target Darts Carrera Titanium Black Darts | 23 grams | Steel Tip | |
Bullseye Metal Darts | 21 grams | Steel Tip | |
Fat Cat Predator Darts | 23 grams | Steel Tip | |
Viper The Freak Darts | 22 grams | Steel Tip | |
Ignat Games Darts | 20 grams | Steel Tip | |
Viper Blitz Darts | 22 grams | Steel Tip | |
TOP SOFT TIP DARTS | |||
Viper Sure Grip Darts | 16/18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Arachnid Tungsten Darts | 18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Bottelsen Skinny†s Tough Koat Dart | 18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Viper Diamond Darts | 16/18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Dart World 68547 Piranha Dart | 18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Viper Jaguar Darts | 18 grams | Soft Tip | |
Target Darts Carrera Titanium Black Darts | 18 grams | Soft Tip |
Best Steel Tip Darts in 2020
If you prefer darts with steel tips, here are some of the top options that you might want to consider.
Cuesoul Tungsten Steel Tip Darts Set
This set of three darts have varying weights – 22, 24, and 26 grams. One of the things that we love about it is how it is center weighted, which is exactly why control will be a snap.
More than the weight, the aesthetics of the darts is another thing worth mentioning. Honestly, this is one of the most beautiful I have seen within the product category. It has a style that will turn heads for sure!
In terms of construction, this can prove to be an exceptional pick. It is made of 90% tungsten barrel, which is pretty much decent when it comes to durability. The dart also has ten hand-painted grooves.
Each dart is able to offer excellent grip, making sure that you will be able to hold it properly when shooting. There are knurled barrel grips in both the front and the rear.
Aside from the three darts, when the kit is purchased, it is also inclusive of six anodized aluminum shafts, three standard flights, three slim flights, and three alloy flights. To keep it in its best shape even through the years, it is a good thing that there is also a point sharpener included. All of these are packaged in a beautiful case.
If there is one problem, however, it would be that the darts are quite heavy, which is something that most beginners may not appreciate.
Bullseye Steel Tip Metal Darts
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, this should be on the top of the list. It has an affordable price, especially considering the fact that there are already 24 darts that are included in one set. The darts are packed in a jar to keep them organized.
With a weight of 21 grams, I liked how it is perfect for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a casual player at home or you are someone who plays in tournaments, the weight is just right, making it easy to reach the bullseye.
The construction is also excellent. The barrels are nickel-silver plated. They are not only stylish, but they are also well-balanced. The grooves and the knurling are also strategically-positioned for excellent grip and control.
Meanwhile, it is also worth looking at the design of the flights, which is made of convex nylon and polypro. They are made in such a way that they will travel fast to the board while also minimizing drag. This increases the likelihood that it will land exactly where you want it to be. You can enjoy more consistent flight path.
The jar, however, can be too small for all the 24 darts. At times, they might end up jamming and can be quite difficult for you to pull out.
Target Darts Carrera Titanium Black
Sometimes, we do not care at all how much we spend just to have a high-quality product. This is exactly the case with this option. The steep price might be a factor why some might have hesitations in using it. Believe me, it will be worth every dollar out of your pocket.
One of the reasons why it is well-loved despite the price is its bi-directional grip, making it offer the benefit of versatility. This means that the cuts go both horizontally and vertically. The unique cut makes it easier to grip. To add, this is also instrumental in the reduction of drag for every throw to become more precise.
The combination of axial and precision milled cuts is also a plus. This is a creative design technology that makes the dart user-friendly.
With the 90% tungsten construction of the darts, the durability is unquestionable. This is a premium material that is known for being able to survive years of use.
Still having second thoughts? You might have a change of mind after knowing that this product is backed by a lifetime barrel guarantee, which demonstrates how the company believes in its superior quality.
As noted, the one thing most people might dislike is the expensive price of this product, but this should not be an issue as its quality is top-notch.
Getting started in playing darts can be frustrating. Most of the time, it is because you have not acquired the necessary skills yet. In some instances, however, this could be because of the wrong darts. This product will be a good choice if you are a beginner. It is affordable, which makes it a definite bargain!
The construction is not the most premium, but this is pretty much anticipated given its price. It is made of 80% tungsten and 20% nickel. The barrels are slim and well-balanced while also being stylish.
It comes with diamond-cut shafts, which are made of aluminum. They are also equipped with locking holes, which will make it more stable as it flies mid-air. This also prevents the frequent need for retightening.
A convenient carrying case is included to provide you with easy access to everything that is included in the kit. At its price, it can be considered as a pretty much good deal as it is already inclusive of a mechanic wrench, flights, flight protectors, and convex nylon shafts.
The dart has a double-banded knurl. They have three grip points and can offer maximum traction, which is one of the reasons why it is top-rated for beginners.
If you are a professional player, however, I recommend that you look for an option that is more advanced as this won’t do you justice.
This is another beginner-friendly dart that is excellent because of its affordability. The barrels are nickel silver-plated, which is not as superior as those with tungsten.
Th aerodynamic build of the barrel is one thing you might find impressive. With such a design, the air will glide smoothly and the drag can be significantly reduced. The result is that each shot can demonstrate better precision to land on where you want the dart to hit. This also improves the speed of the dart, allowing it to hit the board with more power.
The precision-engineered grip is also notable. This will make it easy to hold and control. They have deep grooves, which will be vital in the consistency of every throw.
Meanwhile, the high-speed flights have attractive The Freak graphic, which makes it good when it comes to novelty. When you purchase the set, there are three additional flights included, three nylon shafts and a repair tool.
Each dart is designed with spinster shaft that comes with a locking hole. This improves the security and fit in the barrel. They are specialty shafts that will spin freely. This will also aid in the reduction of bounce out, allowing you to score higher!
However, as it is expected from the products within its price range, they can be quite flimsy, especially for people who play a lot.
Available in a three-piece set, this is a high-quality dart that comes with a premium price. One of the reasons why it is expensive is because of its top-notch construction as it is made of 95% tungsten and 5% nickel. The combination of these materials makes it stylish, well-balanced, and slim.
The design of the barrels is one thing that gives it an edge over the cheaper counterparts. Each barrel comes with deep grooves and knurled bands, which will make it easy to grip. This will also be beneficial in improving consistency in every throw.
It also comes with an aluminum case, providing protection from the external elements that could speed up wear and tear. Aside from the case, it is also inclusive of six flights. The set is also inclusive of a dart wrench that will allow you to securely connect the shaft to the barrel.
Each dart is designed with an aluminum spinster shaft, which is well-loved by many because it is lightweight. There are also locking holes that will make it easy to secure the shaft.
One of the drawbacks of this product is the fact that this is expensive, which is why this is not a great choice for casual players.
If the price is a major consideration, this is one option that should be on the top of the list. It is cheap, especially considering the fact that there are already 12 pieces that are included in one pack.
Each dart that is included in this set is made of brass, which is not the most durable material available. For its price, this material of choice is already pretty much decent.
Aside from the sturdy case, it is also a good thing that there is a sharpening stone included. With this, you will have the assurance that the steel tips will remain in their peak condition. The set also comes with poly flights that are exceptional in terms of the air resistance that they can deliver.
Don’t know how to play darts? Thinking of how to make every game more entertaining? It is a good thing that a purchase of this dart kit will give you access to an e-book. The latter contains comprehensive instructions regarding the 35 ways to play darts. For sure, you will never run out of ideas to have fun when you are playing.
The quality of the darts, however, is not the most superior. This is one thing that is pretty much understandable given the fact that this is budget-friendly.
Best Soft Tip Darts
On the other hand, if a soft tip is what you are looking for, here are the options you might want to take into account.
Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts
Viper is a company that is well-known in the market for darts, which should be enough to make you confident that this can indeed prove to be an excellent choice. The barrel is nickel plated, making it well-balanced in the absence of compromising style.
Each dart comes with 2BA Tufflex Tips II. They have a reinforced cone, a design element that makes it hard to rival when talking about durability.
There are also high-speed slim shafts that are incorporated in the darts. It has a flashy style, which will make it attractive. The shafts are also made in such a way that they can travel quickly all the way to the board without the need to worry about air drag.
Meanwhile, with precision-engineered grip, holding the dart will be a snap. It has a contoured shape, which is why it will be comfortable to hold. Even if your hand is sweaty, you can expect that it will not slip. It is also a plus that it comes with a rubber grip. You will be able to let off more consistent throws because of its smart design.
However, if you are a beginner, one thing that you might not love about this product is how it is designed to be more suitable for the experienced players.
At its price, it is also one of those products that will offer excellent value for money. The set is inclusive of three darts, but it has three spare shafts, three spare flights, seven spare points, and a deluxe case that will keep everything organized.
Even if it is affordable, it is good to know that it is made of 90% tungsten. This is a material that has exceptional balance for ease of handling. This also gives the dart a sleek look.
To give you peace of mind, it is also good to know that there is a one-year warranty. Within such period, you can be confident that it will be free of defects. Otherwise, you can have it returned to the manufacturer and they will issue a replacement, which shows how serious they are about the quality of their product.
It also has knurled and grooved grips, a common feature in the products that are mentioned in this post. This improves the feel and the grip that you can experience when using the darts in an actual game.
Like most of the darts that belong to the same price range, one of its downsides is that it is not the best when it comes to longevity.
With only one dart in the packaging, this is another premium product that can prove to be a suitable choice for the experienced players who have discerning preferences.
Each dart is made of 90% tungsten. If you paid attention to the discussions above, you should know by now that this is a good material because it makes the dart well-balanced while also making it stylish.
The shaft, on the other hand, is made of anodized aluminum. This is able to offer impressive strength while also keeping the weight to a minimum. Because it is lightweight, speed can also be regarded as one of its best assets. The slim body of the dart is also a contributor to its speed. If it is heavy, it will inevitably move slower when thrown.
It is also good to know that Bottelsen is a company that is trusted globally. Being in the business for more than thirty decades, there is no doubt that the manufacturer can offer superior quality.
One of the things that you might complain about in this product is the quality of the flight, which some people might find quite flimsy. Also, it is an expensive choice.
By now, you will notice that Viper is one of the best brands of darts that you can find on the market, which is why this is another favorite. Only three darts are included in one set, making it a higher-end option.
Similar to many of the top-quality darts, it has 90% tungsten and 10% nickel construction. They also have a slim profile and perfectly-balanced for ease of holding.
For flexibility, you will also love how there are three types of grips – heavy knurling, medium knurling, and ringed and knurled. You can choose which one you are most comfortable with. Regardless of which one you pick, it is designed in such a way that handling will be a breeze, which will also improve the consistency of your shots.
The shaft, meanwhile, comes with a diamond-cut locking hole. This secures the shaft on the barrel, which will also prevent it from being wobbly.
It also has high-speed flights, which have a holographic design that you will easily notice. The color of the flights can be blue, black, or silver.
It comes with a deluxe and stylish case, which will allow you to organize everything that comes in the package.
Although it is high-end, however, this is not rated for professional players.
In a market that is filled with a long list of options for tungsten darts, the Piranha is believed to be the benchmark, and hence, it is no longer surprising that it also comes with a premium price tag. The barrel is 80% tungsten and it is known for offering exceptional durability.
The non-slip razor grip, an exclusive design innovation, is one of the reasons why we have included this product on our list. Even if your hand is sweaty, you will have a good grip of the dart and you will feel comfortable. This allows you to concentrate on every throw for improved consistency and increase the likelihood of registering a score!
More so, another thing worth highlighting about the grip is that it has hundreds of tiny cuts. This is a unique pattern that improves your grip, which will then result in having a tactile and comfortable barrel.
It also has a top-spin revolving shaft. As the manufacturer claims, this is a top-selling shaft, which should give you another good reason to fall in love with this product.
There is nothing much to complain about this product, except probably the price, which is quite expensive given the fact that there are only three darts.
Another premium product, it is made of 80% tungsten and 20% nickel. This gives it an impressive aesthetics in a slim profile. More importantly, this makes sure that it is going to be well-balanced.
The dart comes with a diamond-cut aluminum shaft, which is a common feature in the products from Viper. This is an innovative design that allows stability of the dart upon throwing. It has a locking hole that secures the shaft to the barrel. This also lessens the need to have it retightened frequently.
When you purchase this dart set, you will have the option to choose from three grip types. This will offer versatility as you can pick which grip you feel most comfortable with. Each grip is precision-engineered, which is instrumental in improving the consistency and accuracy of every throw, increasing the likelihood that it will land on the board.
To offer the best value for money, aside from the case and the three darts, it is also inclusive of flights, convex nylon shafts, dart points, and wrench.
One thing that you might not like about this product, however, is the quality of the flights, which can be easily prone to wear, despite the fact that this is a high-end option.
Made of 90% tungsten, this is another revolutionary option that you will find on the market. The material used is known for creating a well-balanced dart that will be more consistent in every throw, making it easier to score.
The Pro Grip Nylon Shaft is one of the innovations that you can see in this product. Nylon is not only a durable material, but it is also lightweight. This means that you can expect it to be as fast as lightning, reaching the boar in no time after it is thrown.
Meanwhile, it has bi-directional grips. This is another thing that separates it from most of the options you can find in the competitive landscape. It has a heavy knurling for improved grip, making sure that it does not slip off your hand.
It can also demonstrate excellent flight performance, which is common for premium products. Upon throwing the dart, you can expect that it will be stable and that there will be no air drag. With improved stability, which can also be attributed to its well-balanced design, you can be confident of reaching the bullseye.
The price is one of the drawbacks of this product. Yes, it is expensive, but this is one thing that is already expected of a product with a superior quality.
Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts
As you can see in the table above, darts can be classified into two groups:
- Steel Tip Darts: This is the traditional option for darts. As the name implies, there is a metal tip, which is used in a bristle dartboard. It is heavier, which usually weighs 20 to 26 grams. Some people do not prefer it because the pointed tip can cause injury. One problem with this is that it can leave marks, which is why you need to have a dartboard wall protector.
- Soft Tip Darts: In contrast, these darts have a soft end. It is used in a plastic or electronic dartboards. If you are looking for the best darts for beginners, this is a good choice especially for kids. There is no worry of getting pierced. This is ideal for recreational play, whereas, the steel tip dart is a more common choice in tournaments.
Best Dart Brands
As you search for the best darts on the market, here are some of the brands that you will most likely encounter.
- Viper Darts: One of the most popular, this is a brand that is known for their high-quality construction, making it excellent in terms of durability.
- Unicorn Darts: A common choice among the pros, this is a brand that has been around since 1937. It was used even by players who won the World Championships.
- Halex Darts: If you are looking for darts that are perfect for recreational use at an affordable price, this is one of the go-to brands.
- Black Widow Darts: It is a popular brand because of their laser tip and spider leg shaft, making it a favorite even amongst seasoned players.
- Bottelsen Darts: This is a high-end brand that is popular amongst professional players. It has been in the business for more than 30 years and their darts are all made in the USA.
- M3 Darts: One thing that separates this brand from its competitors is the unique design of the barrel, which has an external thread.
- Arachnid Darts: This is a brand that is known as an innovator on the market for soft tip darts and also known for their high-quality electronic dartboards
- Winmau Darts: Their darts are popularly used in tournament games and have captivated the attention of many people because of their appeal, especially their graffiti collection.
Parts of a Dart
A high-quality dart should come with high-quality parts, which will work together to demonstrate the best performance and allow you to score big.
- Point: This is the part of the dart that touches the board. As discussed earlier, it could either be soft tip or steel tip.
- Barrel: This largely determines the weight of the dart. More than the material, the quality of the grip is important so that it will be easy to hold. The barrel can be knurled or smooth, with most people preferring it to be knurled as it will be easier to grip.
- Shaft: This is the connection between the barrel and the flight. The length of the shaft is important as it affects how stable the dart will be mid-air. For beginners, plastic and nylon shafts will suffice. For more experienced users, carbon composite, aluminum, and resin are great.
- Flight: Available in different shapes, weights, materials, and design, this is the small fin at the tail-end. Some of the most common types of flights include kite, teardrop, and lantern.
How to Choose the Best Darts on the Market
At this point, let us have a quick look at some of the most important factors that will make it easy for you to differentiate the possibilities:
- Material: Different parts can be made of different materials. The barrels, for instance, are usually made of brass or a combination of tungsten and nickel. For entry-level darts, 70% nickel is best. For seasoned players, on the other hand, 90% tungsten is advisable.
- Weight: The weight of the darts can range from 16 to 32 grams, depending on whether they have a soft or steel tip. Lighter darts will have more balance and will be quicker. Heavier darts, on the other hand, do not require too much power.
- Grip: One of the most important things when it comes to the grip is to have knurling. These are the grooves that provide the grip with a textured surface, making it easier to hold and not easily prone to slipping. If the grip is easy to hold, your throws will end up being more accurate.
- Inclusions: What are included in the kit when you buy it? There should be a case to keep the darts organized. There should also be spare parts, especially flights. A dart wrench is also necessary so that you can disassemble and assemble the parts with ease.
- Reviews: If you are finding it hard to decide which is the best option available, the best thing that you can do is to consult with what other people have to say in the form of online reviews. Their experiences will make it easier to weigh the pros and cons of the possibilities.
Conclusion
Are you still with me? I hope you are! This post may be quite lengthy, but it is a comprehensive discussion of the things that you need to know when buying the best darts to buy.
Now that you have reached the end of this post, I hope that making a decision is a lot easier. Keep an eye on the products listed above and you will not have regrets.
Thank you! Gosportsreviews