Dart points explained: steel points, soft tips and replaceable p

Steel Points for Steel-Tip Darts

Steel Points are metal dart points for traditional sisal or bristle dartboards. With conventional Steel-Tip darts, the point is permanently pressed into the barrel. Some modern dart models, however, use an interchangeable point system.

• Designed for traditional Steel-Tip dartboards.
• Usually made from steel or a suitable metal alloy.
• With traditional darts, usually permanently pressed into the barrel.
• With modern interchangeable point systems, points can be changed without a conventional repointing tool.
• Steel points can become blunt, bend or become damaged through frequent play.

A blunt steel point can sometimes be carefully sharpened, depending on its condition. The tip should not be ground unnecessarily sharp. If a point is badly damaged or bent, replacing it is usually the better solution.

Soft Tips for Electronic Dartboards

Soft Tips are plastic dart tips designed for electronic dartboards. They are normally screwed into a thread at the front of the barrel and can therefore be replaced quickly.

• Designed for electronic dartboards and Soft-Tip darts.
• Made from plastic and available in different levels of flexibility depending on the model.
• Regularly replaceable as a wear part.
• Available in different lengths, shapes and designs.
• The thread must match the dart barrel.

Many Soft-Tip darts use a 2BA thread, but other systems are also available. You should therefore always check the compatibility of the specific barrel before buying replacement soft tips.

Conversion Points: Convert Soft-Tip Darts to Steel-Tip

Conversion Points allow compatible Soft-Tip darts to be used with metal points on a traditional Steel-Tip board.

The Soft Tip is removed and replaced with a suitable Conversion Point. This can be useful if you want to use the same barrel on both an electronic and a traditional dartboard.

• The Conversion Point must match the barrel's thread.
• The additional weight can change the balance of the dart.
• The length and shape of the Conversion Point also affect the setup.
• Not every Soft-Tip barrel is suitable for every Conversion Point.

Interchangeable Dart Points for Steel-Tip Darts

With traditional Steel-Tip darts, the point is normally permanently pressed into the barrel. Modern interchangeable dart point systems, on the other hand, use a special connection that allows the points to be replaced with a suitable tool.

This allows you, for example, to try different dart point lengths or surface finishes without having to change the entire dart.

• Quick point changes on compatible dart barrels.
• Different point lengths and surface finishes can be tested.
• Damaged points can be replaced more easily.
• The system is limited to compatible barrels.
• The appropriate point-changing tool is required.

Dart Point Grip: Smooth, Grooved or Textured Points?

Steel Points are available with different surface finishes. Some are largely smooth, while others feature grooves or textured areas designed to provide additional grip.

Smooth Dart Points

Smooth points have a relatively even surface. They provide little additional structure and are a classic option for Steel-Tip darts.

Grooved and Textured Dart Points

Grooved, ringed or otherwise textured points can provide additional grip in the front section of the dart. How noticeable this effect is depends on the profile, position and depth of the texture.

More grip is not automatically better. A heavily textured point can behave differently in the board and may have a different effect depending on your throw and grouping.

What Dart Point Length Is Right for You?

Steel Points are available in different lengths. The exact selection and naming conventions vary depending on the manufacturer and point system.

In general, dart point length changes the distance between the barrel and the board and therefore also affects the weight distribution of the complete dart.

When changing the point length, you should therefore consider more than just the appearance. The additional or changed length can noticeably alter the overall dart setup.

How to Change Dart Points and Soft Tips

Changing Soft Tips

Soft Tips are normally simply unscrewed from the barrel and a new tip is screwed back in. They should be tightened securely by hand, but should not be overtightened unnecessarily.

Changing Traditional Steel Points

For permanently pressed-in Steel Points, a repointing tool is required. The tool pushes the old point out of the barrel and presses the new point back in.

If you do not have the appropriate tool or are unfamiliar with the process, it is advisable to have the dart point replaced by a specialist retailer or a suitably equipped workshop.

Changing Interchangeable Dart Points

With a system designed for interchangeable points, the point is loosened using the designated tool and the new point is inserted. The exact procedure depends on the particular point system.

Popular Interchangeable Dart Point Systems

Target Swiss Point

Swiss Point is an interchangeable dart point system from Target. Compatible barrels feature a special mounting system, allowing suitable Swiss Points to be changed using a dedicated tool.

The system allows you to use different point lengths and surface finishes without having to replace the barrel itself. However, it only works with barrels specifically designed for Swiss Point.

Winmau Switch Points

Winmau Switch Points also use a special screw connection for compatible barrels. Winmau offers different lengths and surface finishes and describes the system as a quick way to change points.

Harrows Quick Points

Harrows Quick Points are also designed for compatible Screw Point barrels. Harrows offers them in lengths including 30, 35 and 40 mm and provides a suitable tool for the system.

Steel Points, Soft Tips and Conversion Points Compared

Which Dart Point Is Right for Your Darts?

What to Consider When Buying Dart Points

1. Determine your playing system: Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip darts require different types of points.
2. Check compatibility: With Soft Tips, the thread is crucial. With interchangeable points, the system must match the barrel.
3. Choose the right point length: Different point lengths can change the balance and feel of the dart.
4. Consider point grip: Smooth and textured points feel different and can behave differently in the board.
5. Plan for replacements: Soft Tips are wear parts. Steel Points can also become damaged or blunt over time.