A darts mat protects your floor and darts from damage due to bounce-outs. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best dart mat?
No matter your skill level, it’s likely that some darts will end up on the floor. Each time your darts hit a hard flooring, you run the risk that it’s going to cause damage to both your darts and the floor.
By using a darts mat, you can protect your darts from damage.
Yet, not every mat offers the same features, so its worth considering your options before making a decision. So, we reviewed a list of the best dart mats to help you make a choice.
Let’s get into it.
Best Dart Mats: Our Top Picks
- Viper Padded Dart Mat
- Winmau Xtreme Darts Mat
- Shot Darts Pro Mat
- Winmau OutShot Dart Mat
- Target Darts World Champion Darts Mat
1. Viper Padded Dart Mat
The Viper Padded dart mat is a heavy-duty, soft vinyl material that protects your floors from stray darts and bounce-outs.
This mat has a non-slip construction and measures 117×24 inches. It rolls up for storage and is portable enough to carry with you while you travel.
This dart mat also has a toe line marked into the mat at the regulation distance.
- Cushioned vinyl
- Heavy-duty construction
- Non-slip
- Rolls away for easy storage
- Not very wide
- 4 hour break-in period
2. Winmau Xtreme Darts Mat
The Winmau Xtreme dart mat is a heavy-duty option that will fit perfectly in your home or pub. It offers official oche measurements and a stylish yellow and black design.
This dart mat lays flat on the floor and won’t curl up during your game. It easily rolls away for hassle-free storage.
The rubber material won’t slip or slide around on hardwood and holds up well under severe wear and tear.
- Heavy-duty rubber
- Suited for home or club use
- Official tournament oche measurements
- Stylish appearance
- Narrow shape
3. Shot Darts Pro Darts Mat
The Shot Darts Pro mat is industrial-grade rubber, making it an excellent product to consider. Its 3″ thick rubber material effectively protects your floors from stray darts.
This mat is used and endorsed by the pro player and US national champion, Chris White. It measures 9x2ft making this a reasonably sized mat.
The Shot Darts dart mat has a marked throw line for steel and soft darts games. Additionally, it doesn’t curl up while in use, and it’s easy to roll up while not in use.
- Industrial grade rubber
- Official throw lines
- Endorsed by US national champion Chris White
- Non-curling
- Strong rubber smell
4. Winmau OutShot Darts Mat
Winmau’s Outshot is the first full-length fiber mat. Its anti-slip PVC design keeps it in place throughout your game. This mat is lightweight and easy to roll up, so you can pack it away while not in use.
This dart mat also offers a helpful checkout chart.
- Anti-slip
- Official tournament measurements
- Rolls away for easy storage
- Won’t protect flooring unless you include additional backing
5. Target Darts World Champion Darts Mat
The Target Dart World Mat offers a 3mm thick rubber design.
This mat is thick, so it won’t move out of place while you play. It’s perfect for use with hardwood floors and protects your flooring from damage.
This mat is 8 feet long and includes a marked throw line for accurate play.
- 3mm rubber construction
- 8-feet long
- Anti-slip
- Regulation measurements
- Strong rubber smell
Why you Should Buy a Darts Mat
Even the most experienced players suffer the occasional bounce-out. Bounce-outs result in your darts hitting the floor, damaging your darts and the floor.
Using a dart mat helps protect your floor and your darts from damage.
Most dart mats also have a marked regulation throw line to help you know where to stand before throwing. Dart mats also help to keep your feet stabilized while you throw.
How to Pick the Best Mat for Darts
Before choosing a darts mat, there are first a few things you need to consider.
Materials
The material of your dart mat makes a big difference in its performance.
What Materials are Available?
Foam
Foam mats are a good choice and are usually cheaper than other options. The bad thing about foam is that it flattens out quickly after standing on it.
Vinyl
Vinyl is another popular fabric that is effective when used correctly. A vinyl mat has good support to protect your flooring.
The downside to vinyl is that it shows signs of wear, meaning your mat will show many holes after a few short games.
Rubber
Rubber mats are a great all-around solution. They are tough enough to withstand constant wear and won’t show too many holes. Rubber is also a non-slip material, plus it won’t roll up while you play.
Features
There are different features to look for in your dart mat that makes it a worthwhile investment.
Firstly, you want a mat that includes official regulation measurements. These will help keep things fair and consistent when taking your stance.
Roll-up mats are also a good option for easy storage.
Value for Money
Most dart mats are also similarly priced. But, you want to be sure that the item you choose gives you the most value for your money.
These materials will last longer and perform better than thin, cheaply constructed fabrics. Rubber is a durable choice that holds well on most floor surfaces.
Using a larger one protects more floor space which lessens the chance of damages to your darts
Brand
Some darts brands stand out from the rest. Some of the top brands to look for are Viper, Winmau, and Arachnid.
Size
Dart mats come in various lengths and will have pre-marked toe-lines. The distance of the protector may vary and is typically between 8 to 10 feet long.
Ideally, your mat should cover a larger surface, providing more protection for the area between yourself and the board.
Most options are quite narrow, limiting the floor area it covers.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best dart mats have helped you choose your own.
