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Your First Set of Darts
If you’re taking up darts for the first time and looking to get a nice set for your first outing, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
When I first started playing, I made the mistake of getting the cheapest darts I could find as I didn’t understand the difference and as a result, I had an incredibly frustrating first 6 months in the game!
Darts constantly bouncing all over the place, not to mention just not feeling ‘right’ when I would throw them. Getting a good set of darts as a beginner will save you money (you’ll end up having to buy more) and time in developing your throwing skills.
By taking shortcuts and going for cheap darts, when you are first learning to throw, it’s really tricky to throw well with cheap darts! So you’re already putting yourself at a huge disadvantage. I’ve seen many beginners get super frustrated as they just don’t seem to get any better, no matter how much they practice. Once they’ve had a shot with some decent darts, it’s like a light bulb moment!
Whatever you do, don’t just rush out and buy the most expensive darts either. There are some perfectly reasonably priced options available and we’ll take you through them.
Remember, you’ll also need a dartboard!
In a Hurry?
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What are the Different Types of Darts?
Essentially there are 2 different types of darts – steel tip and soft tip. There are of course others but for our purposes, these are plenty to focus on as it’s important you know the difference.
Steel tip darts are designed for bristle dartboards (or regular dartboards. They have a sharp point and are designed to be thrown and stick into the board with that point.
Soft tip darts may at a glance look similar but on closer inspection, the point is slightly rounded and they are usually made out of plastic. That’s because they are specifically designed this way for electronic dartboards. Soft tip darts won’t work on a regular dartboard and vice versa – so take a second to double-check which type you are considering buying.
What are the Parts of a Dart Called?
Darts are made up of 4 main parts. These parts are interchangeable and you can build your own darts exactly to suit your style of play when you progress through the game. For beginners though, buying a ready-made set will more than suffice and our guide will point out the best darts for beginners with various specialties eg best grip for beginners.
First lets got you familiar with the specific parts of the dart:
The point is the front-facing part of the dart, also called the tip. These are usually made of steel for bristle boards and plastic for electronic boards.
The barrel (or grip) is where you hold the dart when throwing. A lot of the darts weight is here and for beginners, it’s good not to go too light with the weight of the barrel as you’ll get a better feel for throwing if it’s heavier. Barrels come in all different textures and we recommend heavier knurling (the grooves in the metal) for new darts players. This should ensure a better grip.
The shaft connects the barrel and flight. Shafts come in a wide variety of lengths and materials. We recommend plastic (or nylon) shafts for beginners.
The flight of the dart is the part that helps it fly straight. They come in different shapes and sizes and of course, colors, and can dramatically affect the balance of the dart and the speed of the throw.
Now you have a better understanding of how to select the best darts, below are my recommendations for the best cheap darts for beginners:
IgnatGames Steel Tip Darts Set – Top Pick!
The brass darts sets for two players by IgnatGames are beautifully crafted, elegant darts with steel points.
With a highly engineered design, the trendy EVA case supplies added protection from dust, sun, and dampness.
The steel-tipped darts look terrific in your hand. The cleverly-placed barrel knurling of the steel tip darts professional set gives exceptional grip points, resulting in consistent throws.
The rubber O’rings keep from loosening and they come complete with a dart sharpener. Suitable gift for beginners and casual darts players.
With a classy, distinct, and robust design, these black steel darts are excellent for daily use by players of any age.
What we like
- Beautiful darts
- Case & sharpener included
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Not great if you don’t like the gold color
No products found.
You may also like – best dartboard 2022.
CyeeLife Professional Steel tip Darts Set 22 Gram – Best Grips For Beginners
A fat aluminum shaft is the highlight of this set. They are solid yet eyecatching with five black grooves go through the barrel. This is the CyeeLifesbrand-new style.
This is a steel tip darts set for beginners (home and bar darts), 22 Grams, steel pointer, barrel, rubber ring, aluminum shaft, and flight. This weight is appropriate for beginners of all ages.
They also have terrific balance and overlapping curves that improve grip and flight.
Suitable for any beginner, the product packaging resembles a mobile phone box and also looks very professional. 12 barrels and 24 flights and dart tool, dart sharpener and 12 lightweight aluminum shafts with rubber rings on them.
What we like
- Fat shaft
- Cheap!
- Nice weight
What we don’t like
- Flights can be a bit flimsy
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You may also like – Best Soft Tip Darts
UZOPI 15 Packs Steel Tip Darts 18 Grams with Dart Sharpener – Best Steel Tip Darts for Beginners
The UZOPI Steel Tip Darts are a terrific option for any beginner, feeling their way into the sport.
They’re easy to put together and take apart, You can personalize them to the way you like them. Although they do come established with a customized weight and shaft length, you can use them straight out the box.
The barrel is made of top-quality steel and plated brass both of which help extend the life of the darts. These darts are known for their design and outstanding balance.
What we like
- Durable
- Affordable
- Nice range of colors
What we didn’t like
- Can loosen easily
- SUITABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS - this easy-grip metal darts set is...
- STRATEGIC DESIGN FOR MAXIMUM CONTROL - the ergonomic wide glide...
- SHARE THE FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS - you can use this 15 dart set to...
- BONUS FLIGHTS AND DART SHARPENER INCLUDED - our darts metal tip...
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grebarley Darts Steel Tip Set – Best darts For less bounce-out
Starting with the grip, the Gerbarley is specially developed to fit different hold kinds. The dart’s barrel shape is cylindrical, which is best for those that prefer a pencil design hold.
For those that appreciate a three-point hold, the dart is front-loaded. There are lots of notches to the rear of the barrel if you love the back grip.
These steel tip darts are on the lighter side. I had the chance to check out several of the most popular steel tip darts,
They can be quite hefty in some instances – mostly if you have a fast throw. Nonetheless, the scenario is entirely different from these. With both 20 and 22 gram options which are excellent weights for beginners.
What we like
- Grip suited to all throw styles
- Affordable
- Customization
What we don’t like
- Flights a bit flimsy after a while
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wolftop Aluminum Metal Dart Shafts – Top Lightweight Darts
Precision Craftsmanship: TrekProof professional throwing darts for dartboard feature lightweight yet long-lasting lightweight aluminum shafts for solid darts set.
The steel barrel of this collection is plated in brass for a handsome, trendy appearance that likewise adds equilibrium and a tactile grasp.
Perfect dartboard accessories, this darts steel pointer set with dark poly flights are carefully crafted to make straighter, constant flight paths devoid of drag.
Tighter Links: An O-ring has been positioned on the lightweight aluminum shaft on this dart set and also the brass-plated steel barrel to maintain the entire length of the dart safe.
What we like
- Light
- Good balance
- Choice of flights
What we didn’t like
- Some find assembly tricky
- UNBREAKABLE ALUMINUM SHAFTS - These 2BA dart shafts are made of...
- PRECISION-MACHINED BARRELS - High quality brass plated steel...
- PERFECT FOR ALL LEVELS - Each steel tip dart weighs 18 grams....
- ESSENTIAL DART ACCESSORIES - Our dart set comes standard with 5...
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You may also like – Best Way to Throw Darts
Final Words
Now that you’ve learned about the best darts for beginners, it is time to go out and buy your new set! Take a look at our buyer’s guide or reviews section for more information on which dart set will be right for you. Have fun playing!
Alex Cooper is the editor of this website. He loves darts and helping people. Alex started playing darts at the young age of 10, as his father was also a keen darts player, and has loved it ever since. Alex enjoys writing about darts and helping others learn more about the sport.
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