Choosing Your Darts
Courtesy of Cyberdarts
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DARTS
Each person should have one set of 3 darts. Each person throws 3 darts, then removes them before the next person throws.
--> There should NEVER be more than 3 darts in a dartboard at one time.
It is difficult to share one set of darts, as it drastically slows down the game. Also, people have considerably different hand and finger sizes, so darts are not one-size-fits-all. When buying darts, visit a darts shop that has boards setup for trying out the various darts styles available.
Brass Darts
This is the least expensive type: ($4-$16)
Brass is a fairly dense (heavy) metal, is relatively inexpensive, and is easy to machine. Unfortunately, it is so soft that the machined "grip" may quickly dull and wear down, changing the "feel" of the dart. Also, since Brass Darts are commonly mass-produced, the quality and consistency of the machining may vary considerably. Brass darts are often used as "house darts" due to low cost. These are recommended for "league competitionn".
Nickel/Silver Darts
( 12-$35 )
Like Brass, this is a fairly dense (heavy) metal, is relatively inexpensive, and is easy to machine. However, Nickel/Silver is harder and therefore more durable, which prevents the machined grip from wearing away as rapidly. Otherwise, similar to Brass Darts, and popular with budget-minded beginners. (Note: There is no actual Silver content; this Nickel and Tin alloy is often used for the moving parts of silver jewelry and for trophies.)
Tungsten Darts
Tungsten is an extremely dense metal, heavier than lead. It is also very durable, so a high-density tungsten dart resists wear and the grip will last much longer. On softer metal darts, the grooves and rough knurling may wear down fairly quickly from skin acid, friction, and hitting other darts.
There are 4 rough categories of Tungsten darts.
1. 50% to 70% Tungsten - $20 to $30 (commonly sold at discount stores)
2. 80% Tungsten - $25-$48 (popular with new league players)
3. 90% Tungsten - $50-$100 (high density, will hold up well, feel better to throw.)
4. 95% to 98% Tungsten - $100 - $185 (high density, will hold up better, feel better to throw.)
Both types are alloyed with Nickel and are referred to as "Nickel/Tungsten" Darts. They are more dense than Brass or Nickel/Silver Darts. This means smaller diameter barrels, better "feel", and tighter possible groups on the dart-board. Tungsten is also very durable, and the machined grip will not wear down as rapidly as on Brass or Nickel/Silver Darts.
The very low density Tunsten darts sold at discount outlets generally do not specify a percentage of Tungsten content, but just say "Tungsten Darts". These are often cheap Chinese imports of poor quality. Look for the percentage of tungsten on the packaging, a higher number means that the dart is more dense, and generally better quality.
There are also a small number of Copper-Tungsten darts available. This is a much softer material, with about 70% Tungsten content. They are generally quite inexpensive.
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