When it comes to darts, one of the most popular and traditional options is darts with steel tips. Favored by both casual players and serious competitors, these darts offer a unique blend of precision, durability, and performance. This can not be matched by plastic tips or any other variation!
This guide will explore everything you need to know about steel tip darts, including their advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right ones, and tips for maintaining them.
1. What Are Darts with Steel Tips?
Steel tip darts feature a sharp metal point designed to penetrate traditional bristle dartboards. Made from materials such as tungsten or nickel-silver, these darts are designed for stability and accuracy, making them ideal for competitive play.
Steel tip darts are the standard for many dart leagues and tournaments, providing a classic experience that has stood the test of time. The steel tips on darts are sturdy – they usually do not break and you can have the same set for several years. With plastic tips you have to keep changing the tip once it breaks so it will add a variation factor into your throws.
2. Advantages of Steel Tip Darts
1. Precision and Control
Steel tip darts are typically heavier than their plastic tip counterparts, which can help players achieve greater accuracy and control in their throws. The added weight allows for more consistent trajectories and landing patterns, essential for honing your skills and improving your game.
The variation how much the darts can weight is also greater – the lightest ones start from 18 grams and can go up to 30 grams. Mostly though people tend to stick with 22-26 grams for the weight, that is true for most casual players and 99% of professional touring players.
2. Durability
Steel tip darts are designed to withstand frequent use. With a robust metal point and high-quality barrel materials, these darts are less prone to damage over time. While the tips may dull or bend with extensive use, they can often be replaced without needing to buy a whole new dart.
When you are storing your darts correctly and maintaining them, then you don’t have to worry about them bending. With regular play they might dull or get damaged a bit, so that is something you should check from time to time.
3. Professional Play
Steel tip darts are the preferred choice for most professional and competitive players. They are used in major leagues and tournaments, making them essential for those who aspire to compete at higher levels. So having yourself a set of darts that you can take anywhere and play just as you play at home makes competing in tournaments far easier!
This association with professional play also adds to the thrill and excitement of using steel tip darts.
4. Variety of Designs
Steel tip darts come in various designs, weights, and barrel styles. Players can choose from different materials such as tungsten, nickel-silver, or brass, allowing for personalized selection based on their preferences and playing styles.
The variety now-a-days truly is vast! You can make yourself exactly the dart you want with mixing all the different parts from different vendors. There are though some things to keep in mind when creating your dream darts set. To make sure you are creating a really good set of darts, make sure you read our article on different dart parts analyzsis and what to keep in mind!
3. Disadvantages of Steel Tip Darts
1. Safety Concerns
One of the main drawbacks of steel tip darts is safety. The sharp metal points can pose a risk of injury if darts miss the board or are thrown carelessly. Players must ensure a safe environment when using steel tip darts, especially around children or inexperienced players. So that means if your children are still young and might do something unexpected, it is not advised to give steel tip darts to them for throwing.
2. Cost
Steel tip darts, particularly those made from tungsten, can be more expensive than plastic tip darts. While the investment is often worthwhile for serious players, beginners may find it challenging to justify the cost when starting. Especially if you don’t know yet which size and shape you like so you probably have to go through buying several different sets.
3. Board Compatibility
Steel tip darts are designed for traditional bristle boards, meaning they cannot be used on electronic dartboards. This usually will not be a problem, but it is good idea to check your local darts bar setup – to make sure you can compete with your darts if you want to.
4. Choosing the Right Steel Tip Darts
When selecting steel tip darts, consider the following factors to find the perfect set for your playing style and to make sure the dart will feel as natural as possible in your hand:
1. Weight
Steel tip darts generally weigh between 20 to 30 grams. Beginners may prefer lighter darts (around 18-20 grams) for easier handling, while experienced players often favor heavier options (22-26grams) for added stability and control. Experimenting with different weights can help you find the most comfortable choice.
Here there is no right or wrong answer – it depends on your throw and if you are shooting darts direct or more of a lob trajectory. It is best advised to start somewhere in the middle – around 22/23grams and then move on from there.
2. Barrel Material
The material of the barrel greatly affects performance. Common materials include:
- Brass: The most affordable option, brass darts are good for beginners but wear out quickly. If you want different shapes to try out, it is most cost-efficent to buy from brass. Once you know what you like then you can move on.
- Nickel-Silver: Slightly more durable and better-performing than brass, making them suitable for intermediate players. They will get “beat-in” quicker so the barrel will lose its grip, but it is still a good option for finding what you might like the best. Once you know you can move on to tungsten.
- Tungsten: The gold standard for competitive play, tungsten darts are dense, allowing for slimmer barrels without sacrificing weight. Higher tungsten content generally means better performance. Also the wear-and-tear is minimal so the darts will feel the same day after day.
3. Barrel Design and Grip
The design of the barrel can significantly impact how the dart feels in your hand. Look for features like:
- Knurling: Textured patterns that provide better grip.
- Ribbing: Raised sections that enhance grip stability. If the ribbing is very extreme like Red Dragon Javelins, they might feel weird at the start but once you get used to them… you will never want to change back.
- Smooth surfaces: Suitable for players who prefer a sleek feel. This style is with minimal grip, but some people prefer it that way!
4. Shaft Length and Material
The length of the shaft (or stem) affects how the dart flies. Shorter shafts can provide a more direct throw, while longer shafts may offer better stability. Shafts are typically made from plastic or aluminum, with aluminum providing greater durability but potentially increasing the dart’s overall weight.
Here you have to take into consideration the length of your barrel as well – if the barrel is already long then the shaft can’t be as long. And while the barrel is short then shaft has to compensate with at least medium length.
5. Flight Shape and Size
The shape and size of the flight also play a role in how the dart behaves in the air. Common options include:
- Standard Flights: Larger for added stability.
- Slim Flights: Smaller for reduced drag and faster flight.
- Kite Flights: A hybrid option that balances speed and stability.
To find a good selection of steel tip darts, you can head over to Darts Corner and choose one for you!
5. Tips for Maintaining Steel Tip Darts
Proper care can prolong the life of your steel tip darts. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections: Frequently check the tips, shafts, and flights for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any bent or broken parts promptly to maintain performance. Flights get the most wear-and-tear so once your flights will get damaged it is good idea to replace them – luckily they are also the cheapest.
- Store Properly: Use a protective case when not in use to prevent accidental damage. This is especially important for flights, which can bend easily.
- Clean After Use: Wipe down the barrels and tips after each session to remove dirt and oil. This helps maintain their condition and performance. Also if the darts are oily you will not have as good of a grip – so your game might suffer because of that.
- Practice Good Throwing Technique: Consistent throwing will not only improve your skills but also reduce wear and tear on your darts. Focus on developing a steady, controlled throw.
6. Final Thoughts on darts with steel tips
Steel tip darts remain a favorite choice for many casual enthusiasts and to all professional competitors. Their precision, durability, and association with traditional play make them a fantastic option for those serious about the game.
By understanding their features, advantages, and maintenance requirements, you can select the perfect set of steel tip darts to elevate your game and enjoy the thrilling world of darts. And because they are sturdy you will have them for years!
Whether you’re practicing at home or competing in a league, investing in quality steel tip darts will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience.
