Table of Contents
The best dartboards
Darts bouncing out…again?
If your darts keep falling off instead of sticking on the playing surface, your dartboard could be the culprit. Old and cheap dart boards lose their quality over time, making it difficult to hold your darts in.
The easiest solution for this is to invest in a brand new dartboard. To help you out, we’ve scoured the web and compiled a list of the 10 best dart boards on the market.
Best overall
Viper Shot King Regulation Bristle Steel Dartboard
Viper Shot King Regulation Bristle Steel Dartboard
There’s a lot to love about the Viper Shot King dartboard, which is why it’s such a favorite for individuals who love to play darts. It comes with an all-inclusive mounting hardware set, offers a generous play area, and a rotatable number ring that helps to extend the life of the dartboard.
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Have you been searching for a dartboard that offers a nice selection of features? Well, the Viper Shot King dartboard is just what you need.
One of the biggest draws of this dartboard is its wiring system. The round spider wires are thick and strong, which minimizes risk of bending in case they’re hit directly by the dart.
If you’re keen, you’ll also notice the triangular wire around the bullseye. This is designed to deflect shots as well as decrease bounce outs within that section.
As implied in its title, the Viper Shot King dartboard comes in a standard regulation size. It’s 18 inches in diameter, providing a play area of about 15.5 inches. This means it’s good enough to be used in competitions and even tournaments.
The rotating number ring is another handy addition. It lets you spin the board around, allowing the sisal fibers ample time to heal.
We also like that it has an incredibly simple installation. The package includes everything you need to mount it; from the brackets to the throw line and a measuring tape.
Best for home
Winmau Diamond Plus Dynamic Wire Design Dartboard
Winmau Diamond Plus Dynamic Wire Design Dartboard
This is one of the most suited dartboards for your home. It comes in a reasonable size, making it ideal for practicing advanced level games. Its number ring is removable, making it easy to rotate. And the sisal fibers used in the board’s construction are self-healing.
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Are you looking for a dartboard that you can set up at home? Then you’ll be pleased with the Winmau Diamond Plus model.
The dartboard measures 17.75” by 17.75”, so it’s about the same size as the Viper Shot King. This then means that it comes in a size suitable for competitive play.
Apart from the size, another thing you’ll love about the Diamond Plus is that the bullseye does not have any staples on its wiring. This feature boosts your chances of getting higher scores whilst reducing bounce-outs.
The dartboard itself is constructed using self-healing sisal fibers. We particularly like that the fibers are bound so closely to the board, a feature that improves durability.
While the number ring on the Diamond Plus isn’t rotatable, it’s detachable. This gives you the freedom to remove it and spin it manually to allow some of the fibers to heal.
Best set
IgnatGames Professional DartBoard Set
IgnatGames Professional DartBoard Set
The greatest highlight of the IgnatGames dartboard set is that it includes everything you need to start playing darts. From the dartboard that’s constructed using Kenyan sisal to the brass steel dart tips and wallets for storing darts. You even get an ebook, detailing highlighting different ways of playing this game.
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Are you new to playing darts? If you are, you could benefit from a set that includes everything you need to play this game. Fortunately, the IgnatGames Set fits this description perfectly.
In addition to the dartboard, you also get 6 brass steel tip darts along with 2 wallets for their storage.
The manufacturer was also generous enough to include a dart measuring tape. This is meant to simplify the setup/installation process.
Another item included is a cardboard case ideal for storing all your accessories in one place; hence providing easy portability. And for newbies, the free ebook titled “35 ways to play darts” is sure to come in handy.
You will also be impressed with the construction of the IgnatGames dartboard. For one, it sports a staple-free wire system; hence, resulting in a wider striking platform. Plus, the wire is at least 65% thinner than conventional wireframes; thus significantly reducing the likelihood of bounce-outs.
For the dartboard, the manufacturer has employed high-quality Kenyan sisal. This material is not only durable but it also heals fast when the darts penetrate.
Best slim
Unicorn Eclipse Pro DartBoard
Unicorn Eclipse Pro DartBoard
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro has one of the slimmest surfaces. Thanks to this, you’ll never have to worry about bounce-outs. This dartboard also boasts a staple-free build all-round, and a self-healing playing surface that adds to its durability.
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Are you tired of experiencing bounce-outs every time you play darts? If so, there’s a chance that your dartboard could be the culprit.
If you want to minimize this, you should use a slimmer board like the Unicorn Eclipse Pro. According to the manufacturer, this dartboard is at least 30% thinner than ordinary models; hence, reducing bounce-outs and increasing your chances of scoring.
Another selling point of the Unicorn Eclipse Pro is that it has a completely staple-free build. This applies both to the board and the bullseye.
We also love that this dartboard has a self-healing surface. This ensures that once you throw the darts, there aren’t any holes left; thus, extending the life of the Unicorn Eclipse Pro.
That said, this dartboard was designed with light throwers in mind. If you’re a strong hitter, you may find that your dartboard doesn’t last very long.
Best under $100
Viper Vault Cabinet & Shot King Dartboard
Viper Vault Cabinet & Shot King Dartboard
The greatest draw of the Viper Shot King dartboard is its affordable pricing. It comes in at under $100, yet it offers an array of accessories. In addition to the dartboard, you also get 2 sets of darts, a scoring board, a dry erase marker, laser throw line marker, and a dartboard cabinet.
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Don’t want to spend more than $100 on a new dartboard? Then the Viper Shot King model is precisely what you need.
Given its price, you’d assume that the only thing you’ll get is a dartboard. But contrary to this, the set includes a dartboard cabinet, 2 sets of steel tip darts, a dry erase marker and a dry erase scoreboard. Also included in the package is the mounting hardware you’ll need to set it up.
Another area where the Viper Shot King dartboard shines is in durability. The bristle fibers used in its build are compressed together, resulting in exceptional durability. The movable ring is yet another feature that contributes to its longevity.
You’ll also be pleased to learn that the bullseye section does not contain any staples, minimizing bounce-outs.
The laser line is another excellent addition to this dartboard set. This makes it possible to play your favorite game in daylight. And, it facilitates a clutter-free space by eliminating the need for adhesive floor markers.
That said, the darts included in this set aren’t of the highest quality. If you’re looking to play intermediate or professional-level games, consider investing in better darts.
Best with cabinets
EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard Set
EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard Set
There’s a lot to love about the EastPoint Sports dartboard set. But its key highlight is the cabinet that it comes with. Not only does it have a sleek design, but it’s also roomy enough to accommodate all your gaming accessories. And since it has a hideaway door design, it doesn’t take up too much space on your wall.
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If you’ve played darts long enough, then you know the benefits that a dartboard cabinet offers. From protecting your board to holding your scoreboard, this item is indispensable.
On that note, one of the best dart boards that includes a cabinet is the EastPoint Sports set. The manufacturer has provided all the hardware you’ll need to mount the cabinet.
More importantly though, this cabinet has a stylish and ingenious design. At its core, it’s a hideaway door, equipped with several compartments to hold all your gaming gear in place.
When you invest in the EastPoint Sports dartboard, you’ll never have to worry about bounce-outs. This is because it has a completely staple-free bullseye. The well-built steel spider also helps to reduce bounce-outs, which makes for a precise and efficient gameplay.
The only complaint is that the cabinet is a little difficult to install. Even though all the mounting hardware you’ll need is provided, the process can be somewhat challenging.
Best for kids
Cuku Reversible Magnetic DartBoard
Cuku Reversible Magnetic DartBoard
If you’ve been hunting for a dartboard that’s user-friendly for kids, the CUKU Magnetic set fits this description aptly. The board is 13 inches, which is the perfect size for younger players. The dartboard set also includes kid-friendly darts. These come with magnetic tips, which is contrary to the needle-like tips of traditional models. And the dartboard offers a double-sided target area. Thus, it can be used to practice darts and archery.
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Is your child obsessed with playing darts? If so, one of the most kid-friendly dart boards that you can get is this Magnetic set from CUKU.
Ideal for kids ages 6 through 12, this dartboard is designed with younger players in mind. For instance, it comes in a much smaller size, that is, a 13-inch diameter.
It also contains 12 magnetic darts, which are deemed safer than the traditional pointed varieties. And the best part is, these magnetic darts are equally accurate; sticking on the surface right where they hit.
The icing on the cake is the set of instructions that the manufacturer has provided. The details provided help you determine just how high up the wall you should mount it.
Another feature that’s sure to impress you is the fact that the dartboard has a double-sided target area. Your kids can use the front part to play the good old fashioned game of darts. The rear can then be used for archery games.
This dartboard offers a nice way to keep your kids off electronics. In fact, the dartboard is sturdy enough to be used in an outdoor setting.
That said, the magnetism on this board could do with a bit of improvement. Since it’s not that good, the darts have a tendency of failing to stick and even falling off.
Best premium
Barrington Billiards Collection Bristle Dartboard
Barrington Billiards Collection Bristle Dartboard
If you’ve been searching for a dartboard that’s equipped with premium features, then the Barrington Bristle model is just what you need. For one, it has a classy look that’s sure to make your game room stand out. Two, it comes with everything you need to play darts. These include 6 steel tip darts, a dry erase marker for the two scoreboards and 6 flights.
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If you play darts at a professional level, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be looking for a premium dartboard. On that note, the Barrington Collection Bristle dartboard is your best bet.
This dartboard is available in numerous styles. But our favorite one is this Woodhaven that has LED lights. The lighting fixture adds an element of fun to your games whilst helping to illuminate the board during daytime.
Other than the LED lights, the set also includes a sisal bullseye, 6 flats, 6 darts and 2 scoreboards. You also get an ultra-sleek cabinet, which prevents your walls from getting damaged by darts.
More importantly, it comes in the official dartboard size that’s been determined by the Professional Darts Corporation. Thus, it’s 17.75” inches in size, and has a staple-free bullseye.
Also important to note is the exceptional quality of the materials used in this set’s construction. It’s made from a blend of MDF and wood veneer, which not only gives it a stylish look but also guarantees durability.
The only complaint from buyers entails the board pen. Turns out, the pen has a tendency to leave ink even when you wipe it off. But other than that, this is an excellent dartboard to invest in.
Best affordable
Viper Double Sided Double Play Dartboard
Viper Double Sided Double Play Dartboard
The biggest draw of the Viper Baseball Dartboard is its price. It comes at a very fair pricing, which is not too surprising as it’s made of coiled paper. You’ll also be impressed with the rounded wire spider that prevents bounce outs; and the detailed instructions on how to play common games like 301.
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If you’re buying a dartboard for casual playing, then you’re probably not planning to spend a ton of money. In that regard, the Viper Double Baseball Dartboard is a pretty good option.
Given how affordable this dartboard is, it’s not surprising to learn that it’s made of coiled paper. Thankfully, the kind of paper used here is high-density, making it a little more durable than other paper dartboards.
The rounded wire spider is another feature that makes this dartboard stand out. Specifically, it makes it easy for the darts to glide into the board; thus, minimizing the likelihood of bounce outs.
First time playing a game of darts? Don’t worry, Viper has got you covered. This dartboard set comes with instructions on how to play the most common games such as Cricket and 301. Also included in the package are hanging brackets for simple installation.
Best electronic
WIN.MAX Electronic DartBoard
WIN.MAX Electronic DartBoard
The fact that the Win.Max dartboard is electronic, is a selling point in itself. For one, it means you don’t have to worry about recording scores manually. And, you get to enjoy other perks such as an automated voice announcement, a wide catch ring and the freedom to play a ton of dartboard games.
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As you’ll come to learn, an electronic dartboard is easier to use as it automatically tracks your scores. If you’re looking to buy such a dartboard, consider this model by Win.Max.
Typical of electronic dart boards, the Win.Max model has a plastic housing, and an LCD display. More importantly though, it comprises a game selection feature that’s positioned at the bottom of the board.
With this, you’ll have the freedom to pick from a wide range of games such as shanghai, bowling, scram and more. You can switch it up between different players, or even play solo.
Another feature you’re sure to love is the wide catch ring. This ensures that no stray darts end up hitting your wall.
If your aim for playing is to practice for a competition, then you’ll be pleased with the automated voice announcement feature. This adds a level of organization to the game whilst giving it a competitive feel.
The only drawback is the plastic housing that makes it less durable than bristle dartboards. The Win.Max dartboard is also pricey.
What to look for in a good dartboard
There are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing a dartboard. These are:
Size
The size of the dartboard that you pick will depend on two aspects: the amount of wall space available and number of players. It goes without saying that if you have plenty of space, then you can get a much bigger dartboard.
On average, the diameter of a standard-sized board ranges between 16.5 and 18 inches. However, electronic dartboards have a smaller maximum diameter of about 15.5 inches.
The standard-size dartboard is suitable for 2 to 6 players. But if you often have large groups of up to 8 people or more, then it’s in your best interest to get a bigger dartboard.
Positioning
Once you’ve figured out the size of the dartboard to get, the next factor to account for is its placement.
Simply put; you’ll need to determine the amount of room space you’ll need so as to position it correctly. Experts recommend setting a throw line at least 7 feet and 9 inches away from the face of the dartboard.
With regards to height, the bullseye on the dartboard shouldn’t be anything less than 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. This height is recognized globally, and it applies to both steel tip and electronic dartboards.
Type of dartboard
Another factor that can really help to narrow down your options has to do with type. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of dart boards available:
Bristle dartboards:
Unquestionably, bristle dartboards are the most popular of them all.
The first ever bristle dartboard to be manufactured was back in the 1930s by Nodor Company. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the 1970s that this invention became famous after gaining recognition as a standard tournament dartboard.
The most distinct feature of a bristle dartboard is the fact that it’s constructed using compressed sisal fibers.
These fibers are usually attached to a backing board. The greatest benefit that stems from this construction is the fact that once a dart is removed, the hole behind it gets sealed. Thanks to this, bristle dartboards outshine others when it comes to durability.
If you want to get the most use out of it, be sure to invest in one that adheres to competition standards. Dartboards made of cheap materials have bristles that aren’t packed as tightly as they should be. As a result, they wear out much faster.
Electronic dartboards:
This is the newest addition in the dartboard construction space.
It’s a special kind of dartboard, usually about 15.5 inches in diameter. It constitutes a plastic housing and a partitioned area that contains plastic molded holes. These holes are then attached to a wired receiver that automatically records the score of every dart to an LCD panel.
As you might have guessed, this feature is what makes these dartboards a favorite for many. This ability to transmit and record scores saves players from having to keep track of scores manually.
Also important to note is that electronic dartboards are designed to be used with soft tip darts. These are different from the steel-tip darts used with traditional bristle dartboards.
Wooden dartboards:
Originally, dartboards used to be constructed using wood, primarily poplar or elm. Both of these are soft woods, which makes sense as they’re easy to slice through and form into different shapes.
Over time, wooden dart boards slowly grow out of popularity because of their tendency to dry out and crack.
Paper dartboards:
These are made of paper, which is why they’re mainly designed for casual playing.
Contrary to bristle dartboards, the marks left behind by darts don’t get sealed. And as such, they’re only good enough for a few games.
Cork dartboards:
If you’re shopping on a shoestring budget, this is the type of dartboard you should go for. Cork dartboards are incredibly cheap, but they also don’t last as long as their counterparts.
Thickness of the wire
The wiring is what separates the 20 partitioned sections of a dartboard.
One particular aspect you’ll want to pay attention to entails the thickness of the wire. If the wire is too thick or stapled, it may end up causing your darts to bounce off too easily; thus, compromise your game.
Instead, look for a dartboard that comes with staple-free wring. It’s thin enough; hence, provides a uniform scoring surface area.
FAQ
How can I care for my dartboard?
Now that you’ve purchased a brand new dartboard, you’ll want to take care of it so that it can last for a long time. Here are a couple of things you should do to improve its longevity:
Rotate it on a regular basis: Some sections of your dartboard are more susceptible to wear and tear than others. This is because they’re targeted more often. To prevent these sections from wearing out too quickly, be sure to rotate your board regularly.
Don’t clean with liquid-based products: Cleaning dartboards, especially the electronic models, entails wiping them down with a dry cloth to get rid of dust or dirt.
It’s not advisable to clean them using water or other liquids as the board can get ruined in the process.
Avoid using blunt darts: Another thing you should be mindful of, entails how sharp your darts are.
Here’s the thing, using dull or blunt tips can compromise the self-healing process of the board; thus, leaving holes on the playing surface. If you want your board to last, then sharpen the tips anytime they become blunt.
Why do my darts bounce out on the dartboard?
There are a few reasons why darts bounce out instead of sticking on the surface. These include:
Blunt darts: With time, the tips of your darts can become blunt. This can occur because of the repetitive action of the darts hitting the board. Thankfully, this problem is easy to fix as all you’ll need to do is sharpen your darts.
Inadequate force in your throw:Another reason why darts bounce out is because you’re not applying the right amount of force when throwing. If this is the case, put in more effort in your throws, and you should notice some improvement.
If there’s no improvement, then there’s a good chance that your darts are too light for your throw style. In this case, consider using heavier darts.
Final verdict
With so many options available, finding the right dartboard to practice your favorite game can be tricky. The secret is to focus on specific features that can make your selection easier.
For instance, how much space do you have for your dartboard’s placement? If you have limited space, then go for a small dartboard. Similarly, think about the nature of games and your skill level.
If you’ll use it for intense or competitive play, then ensure that it can withstand it. Ideally, it should be made of materials that enhance its longevity.
