Read about the several elements that you need to consider when choosing your dart's composition.  Some decisions need to be made concerning the barrels (the darts themselves) ,  the shafts and the flights.

You want the dart that is right for you to win in competition or just give you a satisfactory performance in your home gameroom.                            

BRASS DARTS:

     Brass is a fairly dense metal, is relatively inexpensive and is easy to make.  Unfortunately, it is so soft that the machined "grip" may quickly become dull and worn, thus changing the feel of the dart.  Because brass darts are mass produced, the quality and consistency will vary considerably.  Brass darts are often used as 'house darts' because of the low cost.

NICKEL/SILVER DARTS

     Like brass, this is a fairly dense metal, it's relatively inexpensive and is easy to mass produce.  However, nickel/silver is harder and therefore more durable, which prevents the grip from wearing away as rapidly.  Nickel/Silver darts are also popular with the beginner and the budget minded.

TUNGSTEN DARTS

    Tungsten/Nickel darts are made of a high tech material composed of tungsten particles bound together with nickel.  They are more dense, have a smaller diameter barrel, better feel and will allow for tighter possible grouping on the dart board.  The higher percentage of tungsten in a dart, the better quality dart.   80% Tungsten--popular with new league players; 90% Tungsten--will hold up well and feel better to throw.

     You can often find Tungsten darts in the discount store at a low price.  However, these are most likely cheap Chinese imports of poor quality and they don't tell you the percentage of Tungsten.  Looking for the higher percentage of Tungsten in a dart, will give you a heavier and generally better quality dart that will last longer and give you greater satisfaction.

WOODEN DARTS

Wood darts are made of a lightweight wood shaft with turkey feather flights.  They weigh around 12 grams so they really aren't much lighter than electronic darts. They're a lot of fun to throw and they work well with any bristle dartboard.

LEGAL DART WEIGHTS

If you look far and wide, you may be able to find a steel tip dart weighing up to 50 grams, however, locating anything greater than 30 grams would be difficult.  Most tournament dart throwers will use steel tip darts that weigh between 20 and 25 grams.

On the otherhand, if you're going to use soft tip darts in league play, each league has their own set of weight requirements.  Usually, 14 to 16 grams are acceptable. 

STEEL TIP DARTS HAVE FIXED OR MOVABLE POINTS

FIXED POINTS: These are the most common type of steel tip dart, whether you're using darts made of wood, tungsten, brass or nickel/silver.  In a fixed point steel tip dart, the point is solidly fixed into the barrel of the dart and does not move. 

MOVABLE POINT: There are many varieties of movable point steel tip darts on the market.  The object behind the movable point is that when the point hits the dartboard, the weight of the barrel will now thrust against the back of the point, making the point go deeper into the dartboart and thereby, having a lesser chance of bouncing out. 

TYPES OF SOFT TIP DARTS

The difference between the two types of soft tip darts is the width of the opening of the barrel, where you thread in the point.

The 2ba point is much more widely used and is narrower in width than the 1/4" point.

There are several elements to consider when choosing your darts; the darts themselves (or barrels as they are sometimes called), the stems (also known as shafts) and last but not least the flights. I shall consider each in turn:

Darts

For many years now Tungsten darts have been the darts of choice for the serious dart player, replacing the more traditional, bulkier brass darts. The main reason for this is that tungsten is a denser metal, meaning that for any given weight a tungsten dart will be much smaller and thinner than a comparable brass dart.

There is a simple reason for the rise in popularity of the tungsten dart. All other things being equal (skill and accuracy for example), it is easier to fit three tungsten darts in the treble 20 ,and hit the elusive maximum 180, than it is to squeeze in three brass darts of the same weight.

Over the last 20 years improvements in technology and a reduction in the cost of Tungsten have seen the percentage of tungsten in the darts increase. In the mid seventies tungsten darts contained about 80% tungsten with the balance being made up of nickel or copper. Today it is possible to get darts with a 97% tungsten content.

The size, weight and shape of the darts is the next thing to consider. This is largely a matter of personal preference but, if you are just starting out, you would be wise to consider the thinnest darts you feel comfortable holding. As I said before; this gives you the greatest chance of hitting the magical 180.

Grip is also and important factor. Many players get nervous when playing matches and there is nothing worse than having your dart slip out of your fingers when aiming for that crucial double to win the game.

Avoid completely smooth darts and go for barrels with some markings on them to improve your grip; knurled barrels are probably best for this.

Shafts

The main factors to consider when buying dart shafts, also known as dart stems, are length and weight. The important thing here is balance. You need to take care that your stems are not too long or too heavy relative to the length and weight of your dart barrels.

The material the stems are made from is also worth considering. Plastic stems are the usual choice due to their relative cheapness and light weight. But it is worth trying aluminium shafts as these are lightweight but have the added advantage of extra rigidity; so they won't flex when you throw with them. One disadvantage is that they often work themselves loose. To overcome this simply add a rubber O-ring to the threaded section of the shaft; these are available at very low cost.

Experiment with a few different weights, materials and lengths until you find the ones you are most comfortable with.

Flights

The main things to consider when looking for dart flights is shape and weight and rigidity. Flights come in many different shapes and materials and, once again, the key is to pick the flights that balance your barrel and stems. If the flights are too heavy your darts will be unbalanced. Plastic flights are a lightweight, rigid low cost option and so are firm favourites with the top players.

Having selected the right darts for you all that remains is to get out there and play darts. Have fun!

Gerald Peters

http://www.thedartsshop.co.uk

About the Author

I have, for the past 30 years, been a keen amateur darts player. I have played in both pub league and superleague teams.

About the Author

Steve Porter, author. Get more info on soft tip darts go to http://www.dartsboardscabinets.com/Soft_tip_darts.html