How to choose the right dart for you.
A dart basically consists of a barrel, tip, shaft, and flights. Once you have chosen the darts that you like, you can continue to use the barrel and interchange the shafts and flights. Experiment with nylon or aluminium shafts of different lengths, and flights of different shapes- until you find a combination you like. It is loads of fun and is very affordable.
Entry Level
Most people when they start playing darts, use entry level dart sets.
Entry level darts have barrels made of brass or steel. They are great to use when you are just starting to play, because they are affordable. You will have hours and hours of fun with these darts.
Tungsten
If you want to be a little more serious with your darts, the next step is to buy darts with tungsten barrels.
Tungsten is denser than brass or traditional steel, which means that the makers need less of it to make the weight. This means the barrels are substantially slimmer and more aerodynamic than brass or steel, and that will help you when you are trying for that 180 score.
Darts are available from generally 70% Tungsten all the way up to 95% Tungsten. The higher the percentage, the more Tungsten there is in the barrel. There is a set for every budget.
Barrel
Barrels are available front weighted, neutral, and rear weighted. If you hold your darts at the front, perhaps a front weighted barrel would suit you best. If holding the barrel at the rear, then try a rear weighted barrel. Hold the barrel at midpoint, then a neutral barrel might work.
Grip
There are lots and lots of barrel variations to chose from. Some players like very little grip, others like lots of grip. You are best just to try different types until you settle on what is best for you.
Weight
The weight of darts generally ranges from 21 grams to 25 grams. Just like the barrel shape and amount of grip, the weight is your choice. You won’t really know what weight you like, until you try a few.
Soft tip or Steel Tip
Steel tip darts have been used in Australasia for decades and decades and it is still the most popular dart tip. When using steel tipped darts, you use a traditional bristle dartboard. Soft tip darts have a plastic tip and the board used is a special soft tip board. It is made of plastic and has hundreds of tiny holes. It also has an electronic counter, that automatically calculates the score.
For starting out, we recommend steel tipped darts because that is what is mostly used socially and in local competitions.
Summary.
If you are starting out playing darts, entry level sets are great. You can customise the shafts and flights to your playing style, with very little money.
If you become more serious, then consider Tungsten darts. You can still customise them to your style with very little money.
Regarding grip and weight, you will decide upon the perfect set after you have used a few. This may take you months and months, and you may collect a few sets along the way. However, it is generally a very affordable sport and you can have great fun without breaking the bank.
All the best with your darts.