Dartboard Buyer’s Guide
Darts is a beloved sport beloved by players across all spectrums. No matter whether it be informal game at the bar or professional darts session in a professional setting, finding an optimal darts board can help improve and master darts play.
Selecting and assessing a dartboard can be daunting task, so here is our comprehensive guide with all of the information you require in making your selection and improving your abilities as an avid darts player. If time is of essence then check out the Top 10 Dartboards list, featuring some of the leading ranges.
Darts first came into being in Medieval England during the 1300s as an army pastime to sharpen skills and enhance effectiveness. Today, darts remain an enjoyable activity that can be played from any comfortable home setting or even through TV; and can even help develop mathematical ability!
Electronic or bristle/Sisal dartboard? When selecting a dartboard to play on, one of the first considerations should be whether it is electronic or bristle.
Electronic or bristle/Sisal dartboard?
The first decision to make when choosing a dartboard is whether it will be electronic or bristle.
Bristle Dartboards are constructed using Sisal material used with steel-tipped darts. This kind of dartboard provides more traditional playability that’s often seen on TV with professionals playing it; bristle dartboards will therefore give the player a much more authentic experience.
Computerized soft-tip dart boards typically consist of plastic. Many soft-tip dart boards provide electronic features like automated scoring and game modes as well as the capability of online competition among players worldwide.
Go to the section below for the entire article on selecting electronic dartboards.
Bristle/Sisal Dart Boards
Bristle dartboards are among the most desired and sought-after dart boards, often used in pubs for casual or friendly games across Europe and Britain. Professional players at tournaments such as PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) use Sisal Dartboards that are broadcast live to television all around the globe.
Bristle dartboards, also referred to as Sisal dartboards, are made from material extracted from Sisal plants. Once harvested, its fibers must undergo an intricate process that produces blocks of fibers known as biscuits which are compressed into circular shapes before joining with wood to form the dartboard’s body.
Benefits of Bristle Dartboards
Bristle dartboards’ primary advantage lies in their long-term reliability, thanks to Sisal fibers found within. Darts don’t cause damage because these natural fibers close back up after removal – no holes for you! Currently, most bristle boards feature an adjustable number ring so they can be rotated evenly for wear over time.
What to Look For When Selecting an Electronic Dartboard With Bristles
When purchasing bristle dart boards, there are various features you should take into consideration when making your selection – some more significant than others. Here are a few items we suggest taking note of in selecting the ideal dart board:-
Construction – Darts with steel tips are used almost exclusively on Sisal dartboards. When purchasing bristle dartboards, ensure they contain high-grade Sisal (typically African) to reduce bounce outs which occur when darts fall off of the board without counting towards your score.
Selecting a board with high density fibers (at least 60% bristles) and a sturdy base is of vital importance, to ensure repairs can be made as they arise and extend its lifespan.
Steel dart boards that are optimized for darts should also be polished in multiple directions post-manufacture. This creates an even playing surface and encourages sisal fibers to heal more efficiently when playing. In terms of color, dart boards with higher ratings feature colors that penetrate deep into their bristles for longer in the spotlight.
Wiring – Carefully consider what type of dartboard wiring will best meet your needs when shopping. Some bristle dartboards with entry-level wiring use staples to secure wires and anchor bullseyes into place, which could prevent your darts from moving as easily and lead to more bounce-outs than usual. For frequent players, it may be more beneficial to invest in one that does not feature stapled holes.
There are various wiring configurations used to construct bristle dartboards.
Round wire boards feature thick wires positioned on their surface. When hit by darts, hitting these thick wires could cause them to bounce off of one another and create an exciting game experience – making this type of dart board an excellent way to start learning how to throw darts! These boards are an ideal option for beginner dart players.
Tri-wire dartboards feature triangular wires arranged in triangular arrays that form three points that protrude from the board when hit, redirecting darts back onto it rather than off it altogether.
Professional dartboards feature ultra-thin wires that reduce your chances of bounce-outs from hitting them, helping deflect darts to where they belong more quickly. Their wires may even be as fine as blades to provide optimal deflection capabilities and direct darts towards nearby targets.
Other Key Considerations The Bristle Dartboard comes equipped with an engraved scoring ring made of metal that sits around its outside edge. This displays numbers 1-20 from 20 in the uppermost section and 3 at its lowest part. To extend its lifespan further and to keep top scoring areas from wearing out too soon, consider purchasing one with an interchangeable or detachable scoring ring – this allows you to flip over and reattach it after rotating around, keeping its 20 digit number visible at all times – this way!
Be sure to research the warranty offered with each dartboard you consider purchasing; an exceptional dartboard should come with one as this ensures its high-quality performance and satisfaction.
What darts should be used on a dartboard with bristles?
Steel tip darts are generally preferred when using bristle dartboards; soft tip darts may occasionally be used, although this practice should be limited due to bouncing issues. Conversion points are available for turning soft-tip darts into steel tip darts though.
Soft Tip and Electronic Dart Board
Electronic dartboards are proof that darts remain an age-old game while taking full advantage of technological developments. Soft-tip dart boards are increasingly popular across Asia; in certain nations such as Thailand they are considered the premier dartboard. A computerized board will track your score so there’s no need to keep score by handing in paper scorecards every game!
How does an electronic dartboard work?
What is an Electronic Dartboard Like? Electronic dartboards are usually made out of plastic, with each part equipped with sensors. Their surface has tiny holes which catch and release darts before hitting a sensor; once hit, scoring depends on where on the board they come to rest and are positioned on it.
Benefits of an electronic dartboard
An electronic dartboard offers many advantages. This type of dartboard is perfect for large numbers at both social and competitive events as its automated scoring system ensures no chance of human calculation errors due to distraction. Plus, having this built into the game makes for hassle-free play – no more keeping track of scores on separate devices or writing them down every round!
A top electronic dart board offers many features, including multiple game options that can be enjoyed both against friends or loved ones, or online against players from around the world. Plus, many apps now provide two-way language translation so you can play in whatever language best suits you!
What kind of darts should be used on an electronic dartboard?
Soft-tip darts with plastic tips are typically employed on electronic dartboards. Steel tip darts may damage your board and render it inoperable, due to their sharp metal edges which could cut into it and damage it permanently.
Magnetic dart boards
Magnetic dartboards offer the ideal way to introduce children to darts. Simply place it anywhere without fearing damage from an accidental hit due to an icy dart.
Magnetic dart boards may not last as long, making them unsuitable for professional use, but they make excellent family board options or dartboards suitable for young children.
What darts should be used with a magnetic dartboard?
Darts made from magnetic material should only be played on magnetic dartboards. Soft or steel tip darts may not be appropriate for use on such boards.
Selecting the top-rated dartboard brands
When searching for the perfect dartboard to purchase, selecting from some of the most highly acclaimed brands such as Mission, Unicorn and Bull’s is often best. There are many to choose from but if you want professional dart boards check out the Top 10 Dartboards page which lists all well-known options such as Mission Unicorn Bull’s.
Mission dartboards are among the top choices, with Samurai II being used by both UKDA and SDA darts associations as an official dartboard. Unicorn dartboards also come from one of the renowned manufacturers in darts.
Winmau dartboards are popular with players, with its Blade 6 dartboard serving as an official dartboard of the PDC and being utilized at major tournaments like World Championship and Premier League on television.
The Granboard line of soft-tip dartboards are among the premier soft dartboard options for serious players. Customize your setup by adding accessories like smartphone holders or camera. This feature is particularly beneficial if playing online matches where an opponent may use cameras as bait against you; having their cameras pointed towards your throw can show your opponent who you are throwing against.
Electronic dartboards from top brands such as XQMax, Viper and Harrows come with various prices to fit every budget – so find one which best meets yours today.
Our picks for the most affordable dart boards
Are you on a tight budget but still want an outstanding dartboard performance? For starters, take a look at either The Unicorn Striker Dartboard or Shot Rogue Dartboard; both offer cost-effective boards priced under PS30 as ‘entry level’ or “starter level” boards.
For casual or part-time players looking for a stronger Sisal board that can withstand repeated use, consider either the One80 Gladiator 3 or Bull’s Shark Pro dartboards from One80 Gladiator 3. Both boards offer quality and durability without breaking the bank compared with professional solutions.
Take Care in Protecting Floors and Walls
It is crucial that when playing darts you pay close attention to both floors and walls so as to not cause harm from darts that go off-board. One effective way of safeguarding your environment is through installing darts mats with enclosure or cabinet options for protection.
Dart mats are placed just in front of a dartboard to mark the line of throw, also known as an oche in darts, as you throw darts. Additionally, dart mats protect floors below from being damaged while providing you with help finding the best mats to set up your darting experience. Check out How to Choose a Dart Mat blog post for assistance finding an appropriate dart mat for yourself.
Dartboard covers can protect walls from darts straying off course. Made of rubber-based ring surround, they can easily be placed over your dartboard without needing additional fixings for extra security in case any darts go in an unexpected direction.
Darts cabinets can help keep walls free from clutter. If you want to tuck your dartboard away when not being used, this cabinet may provide an elegant solution – with two doors that can close to conceal its contents while showing a stylish design instead. Check out our how-to-fit-a-darts-cabinet guide for some helpful advice on integrating one.
If you are hanging your dartboard on the wall, we recommend adding a backing to it to make hanging easier if that is possible. A backing may also reduce noise generated when darts strike the board – perfect if you live close by neighbors! A bracket may also help when creating your own dartboard; for more ideas please read our blog post about hanging dartboards.
What are the top professionally designed dartboards?
Our picks for the most affordable dart boards
If you’re serious about playing darts, purchasing an official dartboard should be part of your routine. Professional players typically look out for two main factors when shopping for bristle dartboards: material type and wire construction.
Professional dart players require boards that feature only high-grade sisal material as an indicator of its overall quality performance. One such board, Mission Samurai II, features top-grade African Sisal that will bind together after you remove your darts, prolonging its longevity by creating fiber bonds between its fibers that bind securely back together after removal of darts from its surface.
Professional dart players depend on a dartboard with thin wiring to play dart tournaments successfully, since staple-free boards tend to be rare in professional events. A dartboard like the Unicorn Eclipse Ultra Dartboard with extremely thin wiring, often used during tournaments today, and constructed without staples can reduce bounce-out risk in play significantly.
Pick out your dartboard based on whether or not you plan on playing darts indoors or outdoors – the location can make all the difference when selecting an ideal darts board.
When playing outdoors it is advised that if using a bristle or sisal dartboard you select one with low humidity content as this could become affected by humidity levels and exposed to elements making the board less durable over time. A bristly board may still be played outdoors when carefully placed in an appropriate location and protected with appropriate covering (or moved inside when not playing).
Magnetic dartboards are the go-to choice for outdoor dart games, being less costly than bristle or electronic boards and easier to hang than their bristle/electronic counterparts. Magnetic boards also remain safe to use regardless of weather conditions and should always be utilized safely.
Electronic dartboards may not be ideal for outdoor use due to being electronic devices; however, their exciting sounds and bright lights make them the perfect accompaniment for celebrations and parties!
When selecting the ideal dartboard material for playing darts in your home, the material choice depends on your specific situation. For instance, if you want to minimize damage caused by darts to floors and walls (particularly if there are children present or new players) magnetic or electronic dartboards may be preferable over bristle dartboards due to steel tip darts on bristle boards being sharper. Also consider investing in a darts cabinet/cabinet as well as mat for darts which will further protect walls/floors from being hit if bristle boards are chosen as they could potentially do damage.
Are You Planning Your Own Man’s Cave?
Take full advantage of your dartboard by adding these accessories.
Do you have a space within your home that serves as your “man cave” or’man room”? Installing a dartboard into this man’s room will provide hours of entertainment when playing darts with family and friends.
The 10 essential’man cave’ essentials are an indispensable guide to creating your darts space! Elevate your set-up to new levels by including an oversized darts mat, dartboard and cabinet for darts surround for fair and accurate matches. If you decide to install Mission Torus Light lights in your man’s room read this helpful blog for advice on installing them from this popular range.
If you require something more mobile for your dartboard, such as when hanging it on the wall is no longer an option, take a look at our collection of travel stands. They provide the ideal solution, enabling you to place the dartboard securely within its stand while then quickly taking it out when not needed.
Add an electronic scorer to your man room! Our selection features various models that allow for effortless play by eliminating math skills from games – simply subtract your score using our electronic scorer, and keep an eye on it all at the same time! Darts Corner also offers handpicked accessories which we feature here on their top 10 accessories page.
Utilize these tips to maintain the longevity of your dart board.
If you are purchasing a dartboard, take care in taking proper care for it with these helpful tips. Bristle dartboards are constructed to last a long time; however, to extend their longevity it’s vital that their condition be kept optimal so as to not cause premature wear on your dartboard.
Once you have your dartboard in hand, ensure it remains dry by keeping it away from any moisture or water sources and rotating it regularly to ensure even wear over time.
Discover expert maintenance techniques for your newly purchased dartboard by following this blog’s advice on How To Care for a Dartboard blog.
Now is the time to select an ideal dartboard. There are numerous factors to keep in mind when purchasing one and this guide should make your search simpler. Please take your time evaluating each dartboard’s benefits and drawbacks before making a choice that’s most suitable for you.
First step to choosing your perfect dartboard: identify what kind you would prefer. Do you prefer steel-tip darts using bristle dartboards, or electronic dartboards that offer soft tip playback? Make sure that the appropriate dartboard fits with what type of darts you would like to play before researching brands and features that may suit you best.
Darts Corner offers an expansive selection of dartboards – choose your dream board now!