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What dart weight is best for beginners?

For most beginners, 22–24 g (often 23 g) is a very good starting point for Steel-Tip darts. However, there is no universally correct dart weight – your throw, technique and personal feel are what matter most.

Many players eventually settle somewhere around 20–26 g. As you gain experience, you can try different dart weights and adjust your setup to suit your throwing style.

What Dart Weight Is Best for Beginners?

  • Recommendation: 22–24 g is a good starting point for many beginners, especially 22 g or 23 g.
  • Heavier darts in the range of around 23–25 g can fly more steadily and may make small inconsistencies in the release less noticeable.
  • Very light darts below around 20–21 g often react more directly to the throw and can therefore place greater demands on technique.
  • Very heavy darts above around 26 g can require more force and may feel slower or less responsive to some players over time.
Important: The ideal dart weight is a personal choice. A weight that works extremely well for one player does not automatically suit another player's throwing style.

20 g, 22 g, 24 g or 26 g – How Does Dart Weight Affect Your Throw?

Dart weight primarily affects stability, flight path, required throwing force and forgiveness. The differences can be simplified as follows:

Dart Weight Characteristics Who Is It Suitable For? Advantages Disadvantages
20 g Fast and direct, reacts more strongly to the throw Players with a fast, direct throw Agile feel and direct feedback Can make errors more noticeable
22 g Balanced between agility and stability Many beginners and all-round players Good balance of speed and stability No pronounced specialisation
24 g Stable and slightly calmer in flight Many beginners and players with controlled throws More momentum and a stable flight feel Can feel too heavy with a very weak throw
26 g Very stable with more momentum Players with a suitable throwing style Calm and stable flight feel Can require more force and lead to faster fatigue

From a physics perspective: Heavier darts have greater inertia and can therefore maintain their flight path better when there are small variations in the release. Lighter darts react more directly to the throw.

Alongside dart weight, barrel shape, balance, grip and flights/shafts play an equally important role in determining the overall feel of a dart.

Why Do Professional Players Use Different Dart Weights?

Because every throwing style is individual. Professional players also use different dart weights. Many players are in the region of around 22–24 g, but the actual range is considerably wider.

  • Fast, flat throw: A lighter setup can feel natural for some players.
  • Slower, more arched throw: A higher dart weight can provide a calmer flight feel for some players.
  • Personal feel: Grip position, balance and muscle memory also play an important role.
There is no "professional dart weight": Professional players generally develop their setup over a long period to suit their individual throwing style.

Can You Change Your Dart Weight Later?

Yes. Many players change their dart weight as their game develops and test different barrels until they find a combination that feels natural and controlled.

  • You can later buy different barrels or try complete dart sets with different weights.
  • A difference of just 1–2 g can already be noticeable and often requires some time to get used to.
  • If possible, try different dart weights before buying – for example, at a specialist retailer or by testing darts from friends.

Steel-Tip vs. Soft-Tip Darts: Dart Weight Differences

Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip darts are normally played in different weight ranges. This is partly due to the different types of points and the requirements of the respective dartboards.

Aspect Steel-Tip Darts Soft-Tip Darts
Typical Weight Range Often around 20–28 g Often around 16–20 g
Typical Starting Weight Around 22–24 g Around 18–20 g
Point Metal point Plastic point
Board Sisal/bristle dartboard Electronic dartboard
Why the Difference? Metal points and traditional sisal boards allow higher dart weights. Electronic boards and plastic points are designed for lighter darts.

Soft-Tip darts therefore often feel lighter and more direct. Players who use both systems frequently choose different dart weights for Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip darts.

How Do Barrel, Balance and Grip Affect Dart Weight?

Dart weight alone does not determine how a dart feels. Two darts with the same overall weight can feel significantly different because of their barrel shape, centre of gravity and grip.

  • Barrel shape: The shape influences grip position and balance.
  • Balance: The centre of gravity affects how the dart reacts during flight.
  • Grip: The surface determines how securely and consistently the dart sits in your hand.
  • Flights and shafts: Can further change the flight path and balance.

Best Dart Weight for Beginners: A Practical Starting Point

Start with around 22–24 g for Steel-Tip darts. A 22 g, 23 g or 24 g set with a barrel that feels easy to control is a sensible starting point for many beginners. Initially, focus on developing consistent technique and a repeatable throw.

If you later find that a different dart weight feels more natural, you can adjust your setup accordingly. You do not need to find the "perfect" weight from the very beginning.

The right dart weight is the weight that allows you to throw with control, consistency and a natural feel.
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