Darts is a precision sport that requires specialised equipment to play well. Selecting the right darts setup tailored to your needs and playing style is essential for success. This guide will explore the key components that make up a darts setup and provide tips on choosing equipment as a beginner or experienced player.

Darts Equipment Selection Quick Guide

Component	Beginner Recommendations	Advanced Recommendations
Darts	18-22g, straight barrel	22-24g, grooved grip barrel
Dartboard	Rotating bristle board	Tournament grade fixed wire board
Shafts	2-3″ nylon shafts	Aluminium or composite shafts
Flights	Standard shape sampler pack	Personalised shape and size

Darts

The darts themselves are the central equipment for the sport. There are several key factors to consider when selecting darts:

• Weight – Dart weight is measured in grams. Lighter darts around 12-16g are better for beginners as they allow more control and accuracy. Heavier 18-24g darts have more momentum and stability for experienced players.
• Barrel Design – Barrel shape influences grip and centre of gravity. Straight or tapered barrels allow for consistent gripping. Barrels with grooves or rings provide finger placement points.
• Material – Tungsten is the preferred material for its weight properties. Nickel and brass are cheaper alternatives.
• Flight/Fin – The flight stabilises the dart. Plastic and nylon flights vary in shape, size and flexibility. Try different shapes and sizes to find the optimal flight for your throw.

Testing different darts is recommended to find the right fit for your preferences and playing style. Beginners may want to start with lighter 18-22g darts with a straight barrel. More advanced players tend to move to heavier 22-24g barrels with grooved rings or other grip features. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and experimenting to find the ideal dart.

Consider ordering small packs of different weight darts or trying out teammates’ darts first before buying. This allows testing various weights and barrel designs without a big upfront investment. Going to a specialty dart shop and holding various models is also hugely valuable before purchasing.

Dartboard

The dartboard defines the playing area and scoring zones. Key factors include:

• Bristle/Sisal Fibre – Bristle boards have fine tightly packed bristles while sisal fibre boards use compressed sisal plant fibres. Both offer durability and ‘stickability’.
• Wiring – Dart Boards have spider wires separating scoring zones. Less wires allow more scoring surface but wires are needed for durability. Regulation boards have thin double bullseye and triple ring wires.
• Rotating vs. Fixed – Rotating boards distribute wear evenly across surfaces. Fixed boards last longer but wear shows in popular zones.
• Size – Standard 17.75 – 18.25inch diameter boards are used for Steel Tip darts. Large 20 inch boards are used for soft tip darts with plastic tips.
• Segment Colours – Dartboard colours help players distinguish scoring zones. Standard colour schemes include black/white, red/green and yellow/black.

Quality bristle boards like the Winmau Blade 5 dual core are highly recommended for consistent and long-lasting play. Go for a rotating board for practice and a fixed wire board for matches/tournaments. Pro level boards use spider-free bullseyes for less deflections.

Shafts/Stems

The shaft is the intermediary between the barrel and flight. Consider:

• Length – Shaft lengths range from 1.5 – 4 inches. Shorter shafts allow a fuller throw motion. Longer shafts provide more stability.
• Material – Nylon, plastic and aluminium shafts have pros and cons for durability, grip and vibration reduction.
• Design – Conical or cylindrical shafts have distinct grips. Slotted shafts allow micro adjustments to flight angles.
• Accessories – Shaft accessories like locks and rings improve stability and grip. Use sparingly as excess weight affects flight.

Try shaft lengths between 2 – 3 inches at first. Bulk packs of nylon shafts allow low cost experimentation. Have spares on hand as shafts take abuse.

Flights/Fins

Flights stabilise the dart in flight. Consider:

• Shape/Size – Standard, kite, pear and elliptical shapes in various sizes affect dart stability and drag.
• Spin – Razor edges induce more spin for stability. Rounded edges reduce deflections.
• Flexibility – Firm, flexible and folding flights offer tradeoffs in durability and deflection ability.
• Material – Plastic, nylon and foil flights have distinct durability and deflection properties.

Try an assortment pack of different sized standard flights to determine optimal wing size. Rotate flight types to find one that clicks. Stock up on replacement flights.

To conclude, choosing suitable darts equipment improves consistency and develops skill. Testing different setups dialled to personal preferences will lead to peak performance. Investing in quality boards and rotation of key parts preserves equipment for the long run. With the right gear that fits your throwing style, you’ll be hitting bullseyes and high scores in no time.