Buying Darts: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Darts

Choosing the right darts can transform your game. Whether you're new to darts or upgrading your setup, the perfect darts should suit your throwing style, grip, and preference for weight and balance.

In this guide we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before buying darts — from barrel shape and grip to weight, materials, and flights — so you can confidently choose a set that suits your game.

What To Consider When Buying Darts

When choosing a set of darts, there are a few key factors that will influence how they feel and perform.

These include:

• Dart weight
• Barrel shape and length
• Barrel grip
• Dart material
• Shaft length
• Flight shape
• Tip type

Each of these components plays a role in how the dart travels through the air and how comfortable it feels in your hand. Even small adjustments can affect accuracy, stability, and grouping on the board.

The Parts of a Dart

Before choosing darts, it helps to understand the four main components:

Barrel
The barrel is the main body of the dart and where you hold it. It contains most of the weight and determines grip and balance.

Shaft (Stem)
The shaft connects the barrel to the flight and affects the dart’s balance and stability during flight.

Flight
Flights stabilise the dart in the air and influence how quickly or slowly it travels toward the board.

Point (Tip)
The point is the front of the dart that sticks into the board. Steel tips are used for traditional bristle dartboards, while soft tips are designed for electronic boards.

Choosing the Right Dart Weight

Darts are available in a wide range of weights, typically between 16g and 30g, although most players prefer a weight between 18g and 24g.

Lighter darts (16–20g)

• Require a faster throw
• Can produce tighter groupings
• Popular with players who throw with more speed

Medium darts (21–24g)

• The most common choice
• Offer a balanced feel for most players
• Ideal for beginners experimenting with their throwing style

Heavier darts (25–30g)

• Require less throwing force
• Provide a more stable flight path
• Preferred by players with a slower throw

If you're unsure, starting with a mid-weight dart (around 22–24g) is often recommended while you develop your technique.

Dart Barrel Shape: Finding the Right Fit

The shape of the barrel influences where you grip the dart and how the weight is distributed.

Straight Barrel

A straight barrel provides consistent grip positions along the dart and is often recommended for beginners because it suits most grip styles.

Torpedo Barrel

A torpedo-shaped barrel is thicker at the front and suits players who grip closer to the front of the dart.

Scalloped Barrel

These barrels feature indents that guide finger placement and can help with grip consistency.

Tapered Barrel

These barrels narrow towards the front and can help improve release for certain throwing styles.

Ultimately, the best barrel shape depends on where you hold the dart and how you release it.

Dart Barrel Grip Types

Grip is one of the most important factors when choosing darts.

Darts feature different grip patterns ranging from smooth to aggressive:

Smooth Grip

Minimal texture — suitable for players who prefer a clean release.

Ring Grip

One of the most common styles, offering consistent traction without being too aggressive.

Knurled Grip

Provides a rougher surface for added control, especially helpful if your hands get sweaty.

Shark Grip / Aggressive Grip

Designed for maximum traction and control, often used by players who want a very firm grip.

Choosing the right grip is about finding the balance between control and a smooth release.

Dart Materials: Brass vs Tungsten

Dart barrels are usually made from brass, nickel-silver, or tungsten.

Brass Darts

• Larger barrel diameter
• Budget-friendly
• Ideal for beginners or casual play

Tungsten Darts

• Denser material allowing slimmer barrels
• Better for tighter groupings
• Favoured by most experienced and professional players.

Higher tungsten percentages allow darts to be thinner while maintaining the same weight.

Dart Balance and Weight Distribution

Darts can also vary in how their weight is distributed along the barrel.

Front-Weighted

Ideal for players who grip near the front.

Centre-Weighted

Balanced evenly and suits many grip styles.

Rear-Weighted

Best for players who grip near the back of the dart.

Understanding where you naturally grip the dart can help you select the right balance.

Choosing the Right Shaft Length

Shaft length influences how the dart travels through the air.

Short Shafts

• Faster flight
• Lower arc trajectory
• Often used by players with powerful throws

Medium Shafts

• The most common option
• Balanced flight and stability

Long Shafts

• Slower, more stable flight
• Ideal for players with softer throws

Dart Flights: Shapes and Stability

Flights stabilise the dart as it travels toward the board.

Common flight shapes include:

Standard Flights

Maximum stability — ideal for beginners.

Slim Flights

Less drag, faster flight.

Pear Flights

Balanced between stability and speed.

Kite Flights

Designed for a slightly faster trajectory.

Larger flights tend to stabilise heavier darts, while smaller flights suit lighter darts.

Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts

There are two main types of darts depending on the dartboard you use.

Steel Tip Darts

• Used with traditional bristle dartboards
• Standard in pubs and professional play

Soft Tip Darts

• Used with electronic dartboards
• Plastic tips designed to prevent board damage

Match Weighed Technology

Red Dragon darts are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances.

Each dart set is produced within ±0.2 grams of the nominal weight, with individual darts in a set matched to within 0.1 grams of each other to ensure consistent balance and performance.

This level of precision helps players maintain consistent throws and reliable grouping.

How to Find the Best Darts for Your Throw

The most important factor when choosing darts is how they feel in your hand.

To find your perfect setup:

1. Start with a mid-weight dart
2. Experiment with different barrel shapes
3. Adjust shaft length and flights for stability
4. Try different grip levels until you find one that feels natural

Every player’s throw is different, so experimenting with setups is the best way to find your ideal darts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What darts should beginners use?

Most beginners start with 22–24g straight barrel darts with medium grip. These provide balance and versatility while learning your throwing style.

What darts do professionals use?

Professional players typically use high tungsten darts between 22g and 26g for slimmer barrels and tighter groupings.

Does dart weight really matter?

Yes. Weight affects throwing force, flight stability, and accuracy.

Are expensive darts better?

Not necessarily — the best darts are the ones that fit your grip and throwing style.

Find Your Perfect Darts

Once you understand the different components and options available, choosing darts becomes much easier.

Explore the Red Dragon darts range to find a set that suits your weight preference, grip style, and throwing technique.