Whether you’re setting up a board at home for the first time or looking for a proper set to improve your game, choosing the right darts equipment makes a real difference. This guide covers everything a beginner needs – from the best starter dart sets to boards, lighting, and surrounds.
Best Darts Sets for Beginners
| Dart Set | Weight | Material | Grip | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dragon Amberjack | 22g–26g | 90% Tungsten | Ringed | £18 |
| Winmau Navigator | 22g–26g | 90% Tungsten | Knurled | £20 |
| Harrows Wolfram Infinity | 21g–25g | 97% Tungsten | Micro-grip | £28 |
| Designa Patriot X | 20g–28g | 90% Tungsten | Shark fin | £15 |
| Target Bolide | 22g–26g | 80% Tungsten | Ringed | £12 |
| Unicorn Core Plus | 22g–26g | Brass | Knurled | £8 |
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Why Tungsten Beats Brass
Brass darts are cheap (£5–£10) but they’re bulky for their weight. Tungsten is denser, so a 22g tungsten dart is much slimmer than a 22g brass dart. Slimmer barrels mean tighter grouping on the board – which is why every serious player uses tungsten. For beginners, 80–90% tungsten is the sweet spot for value.
Choosing the Right Weight
| Weight | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20g | Light throwers, fast throws | Requires more consistent technique |
| 22–24g | Most beginners | Best balance of control and forgiveness |
| 24–26g | Heavier throw, more arc | Good for lob-style throwers |
| 26g+ | Heavy throwers | Less common, requires strong grip |
Best Dartboards for Home Use
| Board | Type | Wire | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winmau Blade 6 | Bristle (sisal) | Razor wire (reduced bounce-outs) | £40–£50 |
| Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core | Bristle (sisal) | Razor wire + softer inner core | £55–£65 |
| Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 | Bristle (sisal) | Ultra-slim wire | £40–£50 |
| Target Pro Tour | Bristle (sisal) | Wire-free (printed segments) | £30–£40 |
Essential Accessories
| Item | Why You Need It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dartboard surround | Protects your wall from stray darts | £10–£20 |
| Dartboard light (ring or strip) | Eliminates shadows on the board | £15–£35 |
| Oche tape/mat | Marks your throwing line (7ft 9.25in) | £5–£15 |
| Dart sharpener | Keeps points sharp for clean entry | £3–£5 |
| Spare flights & stems | Flights wear out quickly – buy extras | £5–£10 |
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Setting Up Your Board at Home
- Board height: Centre of the bullseye at 5ft 8in (1.73m) from the floor
- Throwing distance: 7ft 9.25in (2.37m) from the face of the board
- Mounting: Use the bracket provided – screw into a wall stud or use wall plugs. The number 20 segment should be at the top (the darkest segment at 12 o’clock)
- Lighting: A dedicated board light removes shadows and makes scoring much easier
- Floor protection: A dart mat protects your floor and marks the oche
Complete Budget Setup
| Item | Pick | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dartboard | Winmau Blade 6 | £45 |
| Darts (set of 3) | Red Dragon Amberjack 22g | £18 |
| Surround | Winmau Plain | £12 |
| Light | Mission Torus 270 | £25 |
| Oche tape | Any adhesive strip | £3 |
| Total | £103 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a dart set or individual darts?
Starter sets (board + darts + surround) look like good value but usually include low-quality brass darts and a basic board. You’re better off buying a Winmau Blade 6 and a separate set of tungsten darts – the total cost is similar but the quality is much higher.
How long does a bristle dartboard last?
With regular use (30–60 minutes daily), a quality bristle board like the Winmau Blade 6 lasts 1–2 years. Rotate the number ring regularly (every 1–2 weeks) to spread wear evenly across the board. The treble 20 area always wears first.
What’s the best way to improve as a beginner?
Practice consistently (20–30 minutes daily beats 2 hours once a week). Focus on treble 20 at first, then practice doubles for finishing. Play games of 501 to develop scoring discipline. Watch YouTube tutorials on grip and stance – small adjustments make a big difference.
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