Best Darts for Beginners (UK 2026 Review)

How to Choose Your First Set of Darts

Steel Tip or Soft Tip Darts?

The type of dart you need depends on the board you'll be playing on.

• Steel tip darts: Designed for traditional bristle dartboards, commonly found in pubs and home setups. They're a good starting point if you want to play traditional 501 darts.

• Soft tip darts: Have plastic points for compatible electronic dartboards. They're generally lighter, and damaged tips can be replaced.

Find a Comfortable Dart Weight

Dart weight affects how the dart feels in your hand and how much effort you need to throw it.

For steel tip darts, 22–24g is a sensible starting range for many adult beginners. Lighter or heavier darts can also work, depending on your throwing style. Soft tip darts are typically lighter, and electronic boards often have maximum weight limits. Check your board's specifications before buying.

Choose a Barrel That's Easy to Grip

The barrel is the metal section you hold when throwing. Its shape and texture influence how securely the dart sits between your fingers.

• Straight barrels: Offer several comfortable finger positions and are a versatile starting choice.

• Torpedo barrels: Thicker towards the front, which may suit players who prefer a forward grip.

• Ringed grips: Provide noticeable finger placement without being excessively aggressive.

• Knurled or heavily textured grips: Offer extra traction but can feel uncomfortable or catch your fingers during release.

Brass darts are usually cheaper but have thicker barrels for a given weight. Tungsten alloys allow slimmer barrels, which can make tighter groupings easier.

Don't Overcomplicate Flights and Shafts

Flights and shafts affect how darts travel through the air, but beginners don't need to experiment with dozens of combinations. Start with standard-shaped flights and medium-length shafts. This provides a useful baseline while you work on your throw. Keep spare flights, shafts and replacement points where appropriate, as these components can wear out or break.

Tips for Beginners: How to Throw Darts More Accurately

Improving at darts comes down to repeating a comfortable, controlled action rather than throwing harder.

• Stand consistently: Position your leading foot near the oche (throwing line) and keep a stable stance. Avoid stepping over the line.

• Use a relaxed grip: Hold the dart firmly enough to control it, but don't squeeze. Excessive tension can make your release less smooth.

• Keep your elbow steady: Aim with your forearm and let your elbow rise naturally during the follow-through rather than forcing your whole arm forwards.

• Focus on one target: Pick a specific segment and keep your eyes on it throughout the throw.

• Follow through: Extend your throwing hand towards the target after releasing the dart. Stopping your arm suddenly can affect consistency.

• Practise grouping: Try landing three darts close together before worrying about hitting treble 20 every time.

• Play simple scoring games: Start with Around the Clock, hitting numbers 1 to 20 in order, to practise aiming around the board.

Beginner's tip: Practise for 15–20 minutes regularly rather than throwing for hours occasionally. Short, focused sessions make it easier to identify what needs improving.

How Far Should Beginners Stand From a Dartboard?

For standard steel tip darts, the throwing distance is 2.37 metres (7 feet 9¼ inches), measured horizontally from the face of the board to the oche. The centre of the bullseye should be 1.73 metres (5 feet 8 inches) above the floor. Soft tip setups may use different distances, so check the rules for your electronic dartboard.