Steel-Tip darts and Soft-Tip darts differ mainly in their dart points, dartboards, weight, throwing distance and overall feel – they are essentially two related but separate dart systems.
Which system is best for you depends primarily on where you want to play, who you play with and what type of darts you prefer.
Steel-Tip vs. Soft-Tip Darts at a Glance
Steel-Tip Darts
Steel-Tip darts have a metal point and are played on traditional sisal or bristle dartboards. They are the classic standard for competitive darts and do not require electricity.
Soft-Tip Darts
Soft-Tip darts have plastic tips and are played on electronic dartboards. Automatic scoring and a wide range of game modes make them particularly convenient for recreational and social play.
Dartboards
Steel-Tip Darts
Traditional sisal or bristle dartboards are made from compressed sisal fibres. The fibres largely close up again after the darts are removed. High-quality models such as the Winmau Blade range are durable and suitable for demanding practice.
A traditional dartboard does not require electricity.
Soft-Tip Darts
Electronic dartboards have a plastic playing surface with many small holes. Sensors detect which segment has been hit and automatically calculate the score.
Electronic dartboards require mains power or batteries and often feature a display as well as a variety of game programmes.
Dart Points: Steel Point or Soft Tip?
Steel-Tip Dart Point
Steel-Tip darts have a metal point. Depending on the dart, the points can be permanently installed or interchangeable. They are designed for sisal dartboards and securely penetrate the board surface.
Soft-Tip Dart Tip
Soft-Tip darts use replaceable plastic tips. A widely used thread standard is 2BA. Soft Tips can break during frequent play or after awkward impacts, but they are easy and inexpensive to replace.
Important: Some dart sets can be used with different types of points. However, switching between Soft-Tip and Steel-Tip darts changes the weight, balance and therefore the overall throwing feel.
What Weight Are Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip Darts?
Steel-Tip Darts
Steel-Tip darts are commonly played in the range of around 21–26 g. Depending on the rules and dart, higher weights can also be used.
Heavier darts can provide a calmer and more stable flight feel. However, the best dart weight depends heavily on your individual throwing style.
Soft-Tip Darts
Soft-Tip darts are often in the range of around 16–20 g. The lower weight is partly due to the requirements of electronic dartboards and their mechanisms.
Depending on the dartboard and rules, different weight limits may apply.
Playing Style, Throwing Distance and Rules
-
Throwing distance: In traditional Steel-Tip darts, the throwing distance is 2.37 m. In Soft-Tip darts, 2.44 m is commonly used depending on the rules and game system.
-
Bullseye: In Steel-Tip darts, a distinction is often made between the Outer Bull and Inner Bull. Many Soft-Tip systems use a so-called Fat Bull, where the entire bull area scores 50 points.
-
Scoring: In traditional Steel-Tip darts, scores are usually calculated manually. Electronic Soft-Tip dartboards calculate the score automatically.
-
Game modes: Both systems offer classic games such as 501. Electronic dartboards often provide many additional game modes.
When setting up your dartboard: Exact dimensions and rules can vary depending on the organisation, game system and dartboard. For competitions, always follow the regulations of the relevant governing body or league.
Electronic or Traditional Dartboards?
Traditional sisal dartboards provide the classic dart experience and do not require electricity. High-quality boards are durable and particularly well suited to players who want to practise traditional Steel-Tip darts.
Electronic dartboards, on the other hand, offer convenience through automatic scoring and numerous game modes. They require electricity and are often louder than a traditional sisal dartboard due to impact sounds and electronic signals.
Typical Uses for Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip Darts
Steel-Tip Darts
-
Traditional darts at home
-
Darts clubs and league play
-
Tournaments and competitions
-
Ambitious practice and training
-
Players who prefer the traditional dart experience
Soft-Tip Darts
-
Families and social groups
-
Parties and recreational play
-
Electronic dart machines
-
Players who prefer automatic scoring
-
Situations where plastic tips are practical
Advantages and Disadvantages
Steel-Tip Darts
Advantages:
-
Traditional dart feel
-
Precise and direct throwing feel
-
No electricity required
-
High-quality sisal dartboards are durable
-
Standard for traditional Steel-Tip competitions
Disadvantages:
-
Sharp metal points
-
Manual scoring
-
Missed throws can damage walls or floors
-
Slightly more effort required for setup and practice
Soft-Tip Darts
Advantages:
-
Plastic tips
-
Automatic scoring
-
Many integrated game modes
-
Easy to use for recreational players
-
Practical for families and social groups
Disadvantages:
-
Soft Tips can break more frequently
-
Electronic dartboards require electricity
-
Electronic dartboards can be louder
-
Dart weight and dart type are limited by the dartboard
Which Dart System Is Right for You?
-
Soft-Tip darts: A good option for families, casual players and anyone who prefers automatic scoring and a wide range of integrated game modes.
-
Steel-Tip darts: A good option for players who want to play traditional darts, practise seriously or take part in club, league and tournament play.
-
Both: Many players use both systems and adapt their setup to the location and dartboard they are playing on.
Compatibility of Dart Barrels, Shafts and Flights
Dart barrels, shafts and flights are largely similar in design for Steel-Tip and Soft-Tip darts and can be combined depending on the thread and configuration. The key difference is the dart point.
Conversion points allow some darts to be switched between Soft-Tip and Steel-Tip use. However, this changes the weight, balance and throwing feel.
Warning: Never throw darts with steel points at an electronic Soft-Tip dartboard. The metal points can damage the playing surface and electronics. Soft-Tip tips, on the other hand, are not designed for traditional sisal dartboards because they cannot hold securely in the board.
Steel-Tip or Soft-Tip Darts – Which Is Right for You?
Steel-Tip darts represent traditional darts, a direct throwing feel and play on sisal dartboards. They are the right choice if you want to discover traditional darts, practise regularly or follow the classic competitive format.
Soft-Tip darts offer convenience through automatic scoring, numerous game modes and plastic tips. This can make them particularly appealing to families, casual players and recreational dart players.
The choice therefore depends primarily on where you play, who you play with and your personal preferences. Many players eventually use both systems.
Steel-Tip or Soft-Tip darts? The key is choosing the system that suits your game, your dartboard and the way you want to play.
Information
Customer Service
Extras
Account