Above example of a dartease set (22g, spin stem, normal barrel with grip, wallet and 6 flights)

Darts are made up of 4 main components. Varying these contributes to the performance of the dart, and adjusts the handling and throwing skills of the player.

The point of the dart is a fixed part that is made from steel. The back end of the dart provides enough momentum for the dart to enter the dartboard. The heavier the barrel, the more momentum the dart will enter the board with.

Our barrels are made from tungsten. Tungsten is slightly denser than other metals, making the dart heavier whilst keeping it slim and compact. It is also a tough material, meaning it can withstand a great deal of use whilst wearing less over time. This makes them popular with more experienced and professional players. Our barrles have a minimum tungsten content of 80%.

The grip is an important component of the dart, with grooved grips providing the best push when throwing the dart. The job of the grip is to give the player a better hold on the shaft, which in turn gives them better control over the dart. Each player will have their own preference as to which grip they think works best for them, and this will influence how they hold and throw the dart.

The stem is the main body of the dart which attaches the flight to the barrel. It is usually made aluminium or platinum. Aluminium or platinum shafts can be bent back into shape if they are damaged, and are the most durable type of stem.

Spinning shafts are also available. These spin when the dart is thrown to prevent it from being damaged during tight grouping.

The flight is the term used to describe the fin-like attachments which are positioned at the back end of the shaft. The flight gives the dart's path drag so that it has better stability when moving towards the dartboard. The flight’s performance will depend on how the player throws the dart (lob or straight). Like the weight of the dart, you need to practice with different flights to see which one suits your throw. It is best to buy just one set at first and build up your collection as you become more experienced.

If you wish to play darts to a high standard then the weight of the dart you use is a big consideration. The best way to find the right one is to pick out a dart at random in a darts shop and play a few rounds with it. Most darts shops have a board especially set up for this. Throw it at any score which is approximately eye level, for example the bullseye, triple-11 or triple-6. If the dart is landing a few inches below where you are aiming on each throw then it is likely that the dart is too heavy for you. Likewise, if they are landing a few inches higher than you are aiming then the darts are probably too light. Play around with different weighted darts until you find the one that is most suitable.

If, when you throw the darts, they are hitting the board a couple of inches either to the left or right to where you are aiming then try a different shaped flight. The larger the flight the more drag there is on the dart, so adjust it according to how much you find the dart is flying at an angle. Most beginners will start with a standard shaped flight, but as players progress they will usually change to slim or speed flights as they provide greater speed and take up less room.

Once you have an idea of what weight, shape, grip and stem suits your style then you can use our online custom darts builder to create the perfect dart for you.