Soft point darts are mainly used with electronic dartboards, but can be used with paper and bristle dartboards and are a safer alternative or younger dart players as they do help avoid stick injuries when handling the darts. Once younger player become older and more confident with handling darts the plastic points can be replaced with steel points.
Steel point darts are used with paper, ''pigskin'' dartboards and bristle dartboards.
ABC Sports dart buying guide is organised by dart type (plastic tip (soft point) or steel tip), and then by weight and has been designed to help make dart selection far less confusing and simplified for new and seasoned dart shoppers alike.
We have also included some simple ''rule of thumb'' dart shopping tips below which should provide invaluable assistance for those wanting to purchase their first set of darts, their next set of darts, or wanting to purchase a set of darts as a gift.
ABC Sports dart buying guide and dart selection tips:
- All dart sets include 3 darts, and are referred to as a set.
- For younger players plastic point darts are recommended. Points can be replaced with either spare plastic tips or steel tips.
- Heavier darts provide the best performance for 'light'
throwers, lighter darts provide better performance for heavy or strong
throwers.
- The average weight preference of mens darts is between 24 gram and 26 gram, with 26g being the most popular weight.
- The average weight preference of ladies darts is between 28
gram and 30 gram. Many ladies and older male dart players also prefer
heavier weights of up to 40gm to 45g due to their lighter throwing
strength.
- Dart materials have a varying size to weight ratio, meaning
the heavier the dart the larger the diameter of the dart barrel. Brass
darts have a larger barrel diameter to weight ratio, whilst tungsten
darts have a smaller barrel diameter to weight ratio. In summary: Brass
darts are cheaper but larger in diameter than tungsten darts of the same
weight. The thinner the dart the closer the grouping - Yep! This is a
good thing. :).
- Brass darts range in price from $12 ~ $30 per set. Tungsten darts range from $39 to $100+ per set. The average price of good quality set of tungsten darts is between $59 - $79.
Soft Plastic Point darts...
Steel Point darts...