How to Choose Your First Set of Darts: A Beginner's Guide

Picking your first set of darts can feel overwhelming. Walk into any darts shop or scroll through an online store, and you'll see dozens of options varying in weight, material, shape, and price. The good news is that once you understand a few basics, choosing the right set becomes a lot simpler.

Steel Tip or Soft Tip?

The first thing to know is which type of dart you need, and that depends on the board you'll be playing on.

Steel tip darts are used on traditional bristle dartboards, the kind you'll find in most pubs, clubs, and serious home setups across the UK. These darts have a sharp metal point, and this is what we specialise in at Emrys Darts.

Soft tip darts are designed for electronic dartboards, which register hits digitally and are more common in some commercial venues and casual home setups.

If you're playing on a traditional bristle board, whether in a pub, a club, or a proper home setup, steel tip is what you need, and it's what we stock and specialise in here at Emrys Darts.

Understanding Dart Weight

Dart weight is measured in grams, and most darts fall somewhere between 18g and 30g.

As a general rule:

• Lighter darts (18g-21g) tend to fly faster and can feel less stable for beginners
• Mid-range darts (22g-24g) are the most popular starting point, offering a good balance of control and feel
• Heavier darts (25g+) fly slower and can feel more deliberate, favoured by some players once they've developed their throw

If you're just starting out and unsure, 22g to 24g is a sensible place to begin. You can always adjust as you get a feel for your own throwing style.

Tungsten vs Brass

Darts are typically made from either brass or tungsten.

Brass darts are more affordable but need to be thicker to reach the same weight as tungsten, since brass is a lighter material. This means less room on the barrel for other darts to group closely together.

Tungsten darts are denser, meaning the same weight can be packed into a slimmer barrel. This allows for tighter grouping, which most players prefer once they're playing regularly. Tungsten darts are usually sold by percentage (80%, 90%, 95%), with higher percentages meaning a thinner barrel for the same weight.

If you're serious about progressing, tungsten is worth the investment early on, even as a beginner.

Grip Style: A Personal Choice

Barrels come in different grip styles, from smooth to heavily knurled or ringed. There's no universally "correct" choice here. It comes down to personal preference and how your fingers naturally sit on the barrel.

If possible, try before you buy. Grip is one of the most personal aspects of choosing darts, and it's very difficult to judge from a photo alone.

Flights and Shafts

Every dart set includes flights (the plastic or fabric fins at the back) and shafts (the stem connecting the flight to the barrel). These affect stability and flight path, but they're also the easiest and cheapest part of your setup to swap and experiment with later, so don't overthink this part when buying your first set.

Our Advice for First-Time Buyers

If you're buying your very first set, we'd generally suggest:

• 22g-24g tungsten darts (80%+ if budget allows)
• A grip style you can physically test if possible
• Standard flights and shafts to start, you can experiment later

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight darts should a beginner use?
Most beginners find 22g to 24g darts a good starting point, offering a balance of control and stability.

Should I buy tungsten or brass darts as a beginner?
Tungsten is generally worth the investment even for beginners, as it allows for a slimmer barrel and tighter grouping compared to brass.

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip darts are used on traditional bristle dartboards, while soft tip darts are designed for electronic dartboards. Steel tip is the standard choice for most UK pub and club darts.

Can I try darts before buying my first set?
Yes. At Emrys Darts, our shop includes a dedicated try-before-you-buy area with oches, so you can test different weights and grips in person.