Weighing Up Weight: The Best Darts

Weighing out your dart options

Darts on a dartboard

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If you are getting serious about the game of darts and looking to invest in a good set of darts, it is important to know that there are a wide range of weight options to consider. 

While you can get a few different sets of darts and mix it up in practice, that may not be possible. If you can only afford one set of darts right now, should they be light or heavy? 

Advantages of a Heavier Dart

Now, the maximum permitted dart by the laws of the game are 50g (grams). That doesn't sound a lot, but when you consider most people throw darts at a weight of around 22/23 grams, it sounds like a real heavy dart! Don't even consider throwing darts this heavy; you'll struggle to get some darts that are so heavy anyway in the modern game. In the past, players used wooden darts, but modern times saw the use of tungsten darts

All of the weight is measured from the barrel, which is the middle part of the dart. That's how the throw is affected in the most severe manner with a heavier dart. You might be stronger in your arm when you throw that dart, and that may mean a heavier dart is the one for you. You do tend to get more control with a slightly heavier dart, from experience. As well as this, if you have a heavier dart, then you can afford to throw it with less effort, as the dart will tend to do more of your work. All things to take into consideration!

Advantages of a Lighter Dart

Light darts are the enigma and annoyance of many dart players. Some people can't fathom a light dart in the 17- to 18-gram range because their throwing mechanism doesn't favor it. If that's the case, you may want to increase dart weight up a couple of grams; the lighter the dart, the more power will have to be put into your throw. There are some that prefer to throw with force and vigor and don't need a heavier dart; if so, try out a lighter dart!

Some Honest Advice

Every dart player has different preferences; for instance, you may instantly feel the dart is going higher than where you’re aiming. If that’s the case, you need to switch to a slightly heavier weight of dart, with the opposite applying if you can’t get the dart up to its desired location. There is no direct advice one can take; the only possible solution is to try a variety of darts in different weights, and see which works best for you

In general, begin testing which dart weight you like by throwing a 22- or 23-gram dart. It's not only the easiest to get hold of, it's one that gives you the potential to move up or down if you come into any of the problems discussed above. Don't forget, keep practicing!