What Size Dart Do I Need 7 Tips For Beginners
When you’re just starting out with darts, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right dart size and shape for your needs. With so many options available, it can be confusing to know where to begin.
When starting out with darts, choose shorter, lighter front-weighted darts around 50mm long and 12-18g to allow better control and consistency while you develop proper throwing technique.
In this comprehensive article we’ll explore everything about dart size, Helpful tips & technique to choose your perfect dart.
7 Tips For Beginners: To Choose The Ideal Dart Size And Type
Choosing the right dart size and type is crucial for an enjoyable and competitive experience. Explore these 7 tips to find your ideal darts.
1. Consider Your Hand Size
One of the biggest factors in dart size is the size and shape of your hand. Those with smaller hands generally find shorter darts around 2.2-2.4 inches long to be more comfortable.
If you have larger hands, you may prefer slightly longer darts in the 2.4-2.6 inch range.
Additionally, pay attention to the diameter or thickness of the darts. Thinner darts around 7-7.5mm work well for those with slim fingers, while those with wider fingers may need darts 8-8.5mm wide.
When just starting out, try a standard medium-sized dart to see what feels best before looking at more specialized options.
2. Choose the Right Grip Style First
Before selecting a dart, it’s important to determine your grip style first. The three main grip styles are:
- Front-Gripped Darts
Held like a pen or pencil using your thumb, index and middle fingers. Allows for precise aiming. Best with shorter, front-weighted darts.
- Center-Gripped Darts
Gripped in the center and balanced between index finger and thumb. Provides even weighting and flight. Medium length barrels work well.
- Rear-Gripped Darts
Gripped towards the rear using just the thumb and index/middle finger. Gives power and stability. Requires longer barrels for optimal leverage.
Most beginners start with a front or center grip. Choose a grip style that feels comfortable and natural before selecting darts tailored for that specific hold.
3. Start With Lighter Weights
Most beginners do well starting with 12-18 gram steel tip darts. For soft tip darts, good starter weights are 14-16 grams.
Lighter darts with thinner barrels also permit more hand rotation for angled shots. Don’t choose heavy darts too early trying to improve power – focus on control and consistency first.
4. Consider Your Skill Level
Your skill level is another factor affecting ideal dart size and shape. Here are some general guidelines:
- Beginner
Shorter, lighter darts around 50mm long and 12-18g. Allow for better grip and control.
- Intermediate
Slightly longer darts 50-55mm, front/center weighted. Provide balance and stability as skills improve.
- Advanced
Longer, recessed rear-grip barrels 55-60mm long. Give experienced players more leverage and throwing power.
As your throw becomes more controlled and accurate, you can gradually shift to longer, heavier barrel darts optimized for your grip.
5. Balance Front vs. Rear Weight
When starting out, choose a balanced dart with even front-to-rear weighting. As your skills progress, you can experiment with front and rear weighted models to see what works best for your throw.
6. Try Out Different Barrel Materials
Dart barrels come in a variety of materials like nickel, brass, silver, and tungsten. Tungsten is the most popular for its durability, feel, and weight distribution properties. Brass and nickel are more affordable options.
Beginners should test barrels made of different metals to experience the feel and grip.
Most find tungsten provides the best experience, but personal preference also plays a role so try brass, nickel, or other materials first.
7. Shop According to Budget
Some affordable, beginner-friendly dart options include:
- Viper Blitz 95% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
- Bottelsen Hammer Head 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
- Cuesoul 30Gram 80% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts
- WIN.MAX 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
Look for quality materials like tungsten alloy combined with shorter, thinner barrels for control. As you improve, you can invest in more advanced barrels customized for your needs.
The ideal dart size for a beginner is generally shorter and lighter to permit greater control and allow you to develop proper technique.
Consider your hand size, grip style, skill level, and budget when selecting the best dart size and type to start out. Experiment with different shapes and weights to find the right darts suited for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about choosing dart sizes for beginners:
What Barrel Length Is Best For Beginners?
Beginners do best starting with shorter barrel lengths around 50-55mm. Shorter barrels allow you to grip closer to the point for more control. Once your skills improve, you can move to longer barrels.
How Much Should A Beginner’s Dart Weigh?
Lighter dart weights between 12-18 grams are ideal for beginners. Lighter darts reduce fatigue so you can focus on developing proper throwing mechanics. Move up incrementally in weight as your skills progress.
What Diameter Dart Barrel Should I Get?
Look for dart barrel diameters between 7-8mm in size if you have slimmer fingers or hands. Those with wider fingers may need barrels 8-8.5mm wide. Standard medium diameter barrels usually suit most beginners.
Should I Get Front, Center, Or Rear Weighted Darts?
Beginners will have an easier time with front weighted darts as they promote stability and consistent release. You can try balanced center grip or rear weighted darts as your abilities improve over time.
Is Tungsten The Best Material For Beginner Darts?
Yes, tungsten alloy is recommended as the best barrel material for beginners. Tungsten allows for tighter tolerance and design consistency. Other affordable options include brass and nickel barrels.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dart size and design is key for beginners looking to develop solid darts skills. Focus on shorter, lighter, front-weighted darts to start out.
Consider your hand size, natural grip style, budget, and current skill level. Experiment with different shapes and weights until you find the darts that suit your needs and throwing style.
Invest in higher quality equipment like tungsten barrels as you progress on your darting journey. With the proper dart size and practice, you’ll be hitting the bullseye in no time!