What do you need to play darts?

Basic Equipment: What You Absolutely Need

Darts

Darts are the throwing implements you use to play. A traditional dart consists of a barrel, shaft, flight and point or tip.

Depending on the game system, a distinction is mainly made between Steel-Tip Darts with metal points for traditional sisal dartboards and Soft-Tip Darts with plastic tips for electronic dart machines.

Which system you need therefore depends first and foremost on the dartboard you use. The choice between Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip is explained in more detail in our guide to Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip darts.

Dartboard

The dartboard is the target for your throws. Traditional Steel-Tip darts are played on sisal or Bristle dartboards, while Soft-Tip darts are generally played on electronic dartboards.

With a traditional Steel-Tip setup, the centre of the bullseye is positioned at a height of 1.73 m above the floor. The throwing line, known as the Oche, is also set at a fixed distance from the board in a traditional Steel-Tip setup.

What Are the Parts of a Dart?

A dart is not simply one single component. The individual parts can be replaced and combined in different ways.

Barrel

The barrel is the metal part you hold when throwing. Its shape, weight, grip and balance influence the feel of the dart.

Shaft

The shaft connects the barrel to the flight. Shafts are available in materials including nylon, aluminium and carbon, as well as in different lengths. Your choice of shaft can change the weight, balance and flight characteristics of the complete dart.

Flight

The flight sits at the rear of the dart and influences its flight characteristics together with the shaft and barrel. Different shapes are available, such as Standard, Slim and Pear, as well as different materials and flight systems.

Point or Tip

A Steel-Tip dart has a metal point at the front. Soft-Tip darts use a plastic tip instead. Which type of point or tip you need depends on the dartboard and game system.

Which Accessories Are Useful?

Surround

A dartboard surround is fitted around a traditional dartboard. It protects the wall from many stray throws and is particularly useful if you regularly play at home or are still developing your accuracy.

However, a surround is not a substitute for a safe playing area. There should be sufficient space behind and beside the board, and the area should be arranged so that people do not unnecessarily enter the throwing zone.

Lighting

Even lighting of the dartboard makes it easier to see the segments and reduces distracting shadows.

Special dartboard lighting systems are designed to be mounted directly around the board. Good lighting is particularly useful if you regularly practise at home.

Oche and Throwing Line

The Oche refers to the throwing line or the area behind which the player must stand when throwing.

With a traditional Steel-Tip setup, the horizontal distance between the front of the board and the throwing line is 2.37 m. Other game systems or specific dart machines may use different measurements.

Measuring Aid

A measuring aid or tape measure makes it easier to mount the board correctly and set up the throwing line. When setting up your board for the first time, it is particularly worthwhile to check the measurements carefully.

Which Spare Parts Should You Keep at Home?

Some dart components are wear parts and need to be replaced regularly depending on how often you play.

• Spare flights: Flights can be damaged by other darts hitting them or become worn over time.
• Spare shafts: Shafts can break, bend or become damaged around the thread.
• Spare points/tips: Spare tips are useful accessories for Soft-Tip darts. With Steel-Tip darts, the points can also be replaced on some dart models.
• Rings or O-rings: Depending on the shaft system, small rings or O-rings can help secure the connection between the shaft and barrel.

How Should You Transport and Store Your Darts?

A dart case or dart bag protects your darts during transport and keeps flights, shafts and other accessories together.

This is particularly useful if you regularly travel between home, your club, friends or different playing locations.

When storing your darts, make sure that flights and shafts are not unnecessarily bent or subjected to pressure.

What Do You Need for a Dartboard at Home?

Steel-Tip or Soft-Tip: What Do You Need?

Which system is better suited to you depends on factors including the playing feel you want, the space available and where and with whom you want to play.

Starter Checklist

1. Suitable darts for your chosen game system.
2. A compatible dartboard.
3. A surround as additional wall protection when using a traditional board.
4. Good lighting for a clear view of the board.
5. An Oche and measuring aid for a correctly set up playing area.
6. A case and spare parts if you want to transport your darts or play regularly.