Darts

Darts is a form of throwing game in which darts are thrown at a circular target (dartboard) fixed to a wall.

Tungsten Dart and Brass Dart

Tungsten is a very dense metal, and also very durable,  using tungsten to make a dart barrel results in a smaller dart for the same weight.  For anyone who plays darts often, the durability is important, as that helps retain the dart's precision-machined shape, grooves, and knurling.

 

However, brass is still used for inexpensive darts, which are large in diameter and the grip wears down quickly.

Magnetic Dartboards

Magnetic dart boards use darts that have flat magnetic tips on them. The darts will stick to the ferrous surface of the board. Well, that’s the theory!

 

Magnetic dartboards are not for anyone serious about playing darts; they are strictly toys.

Cork Dart Boards

Although not as prevalent as they used to be, you can still find cork dart boards. These tend to be cheap dartboards as cork wears out quite easily. Not recommended for heavy play.

The term cork dart board can often be misleading as people often mistakenly refer to bristle dart boards as cork dart boards. Also, the bullseye on an American style dart board is called the cork, and some will refer to them as cork dart boards although they are made of wood.

Wooden Dartboards

Traditionally, dart boards used to be made of wood like elm or poplar. The main problem with these solid wood dart boards was that they tended to dry out and crack so they had to be soaked overnight to keep them in top condition. It is thought that the modern “clock” layout of dart boards is derived from the natural growth rings and the radial cracks that would have appeared on the old wooden dartboards. Wooden dart boards were in use in England up to the 1970s when Dutch elm disease wiped out most of the elm supply. Since this time, bristle dartboards have become the dart boards of choice.

Choosing a Dart Board

Darts is a fantastically social game and what better way to enjoy a game of darts than with a few close friends over a couple of cold beers? Sooner or later, you’ll become hooked and you will be wanting your own dart board.

There may be many reasons why you want to get your own dart board. You may find you’re spending too much money going to bars to play, or you might want to have a dart board to liven up your own parties at home. Ultimately, your underlying goal will probably be to improve your dart skills and earn bragging rights amongst your peers.

No matter what your intentions are, knowing how dart boards are made and what they offer will help you make an informed choice and give hours of pleasure.

Electronic Darts Machines

Electronic darts machines capable of automatic scoring of both soft and steel tip darts on real, genuine, bristle dart boards.