Darts are composed of four parts, the tip, barrel, shaft, and flight. Each component performs a specific function. Therefore, if one of these parts isn’t functioning correctly, it’ll have a telling effect on performance.
It’s important to understand each part of a dart to help improve your game by finding the right set to suit your playing style.
So, we’ve discussed the function of each part below.
Dart Tip
The point or tip of a dart part is available in either plastic or steel. It is possible to use either tip on bristle dartboards. However, you should not use steel tip darts on soft tip dartboards.
Some darts allow for their points to be removed, while others do not. In addition, you can also use moveable point darts, which retract into the barrel after hitting the board.
This type of retraction movement makes it possible for the dart to continue its forward motion even after hitting the surface of the board, reducing the chance of a bounce-out.
Dart Barrel
There’s a wide range of dart barrels to choose from, depending on the type of material, grips, or size. The barrel determines a darts’ weight and the flight path.
The weight of a dart barrel ranges from 16 to 30 grams. However, there are lighter or heavier darts available.
The most common barrel materials include plastic, wood, brass, tungsten, and nickel-silver. However, most players do not prefer to use wood or plastic barrels with nickel silver, tungsten, and brass, deemed the most popular materials.
Listed below are some of the most commonly used barrels and their properties:
Brass Barrels
Usually, brass barrels are more affordable and lighter than their counterparts, making them the preferred choice of barrel.
Due to their extra thickness, brass barrels offer a better grip. In which case, brass barrels are a great option for beginners.
Moreover, these darts are also durable. However, to preserve their lifespan, you’ll have to protect them from corrosion.
Nickel-Silver Barrels
The Nickel-Silver barrels are also one of the most popular types of barrel. These barrels are much more resistant to corrosion.
Furthermore, they are more robust and lighter than brass barrels. The only drawback is their price, which is slightly more expensive than brass.
Tungsten Barrels
Tungsten barrels are the most popular choice of barrel. Since tungsten is a dense material, it gives the barrel a sleek and thinner structure without losing weight.
Dart Shaft (Stem)
The shaft is another important part of a dart, which affects the stability of the dart. For instance, the longer the shaft, the more stable the flight your dart will be.
Below are the three basic types of a shaft:
- Short and extra-short shafts
- Medium shafts
- Long shafts
Short Length Shafts
Short length shafts are relatively thick and have a hole in the center, which keeps them lighter. One thing to keep in mind; if you’re thinking of attaching a shorter shaft, make sure to use a smaller flight.
Medium Length Shafts
With medium shafts being slightly longer than short ones, medium shafts are the most common type, especially among beginners.
Longer Shafts
Longer shafts minimize the impact of crowding. However, these shafts tend to cause a dart to ‘fish-tail’ while still in the air, negatively impacting the accuracy of your throw.
Dart Flights
The dart flight is another essential part of a dart. It helps the dart fly through the air while keeping its trajectory on a smooth path.
When you are using a large flight, it will offer additional air resistance, helping to improve their accuracy when throwing.
Flights are available in different textures and shapes. However, the most common shape is standard and slim. On the other hand, some less popular shapes include Pear, Vector, Kite, and Vortex.
The different textures of the dart flights include Nylon, Smooth, and Dimplex, to name a few.
Below are a few types of flights that you can use with your darts.
Smaller Flight
Generally, the smaller flights work perfectly well with shorter shafts and lighter darts. These types of flights are the best option when you have a faster throw.
Larger Flight
This type of flight is ideal for heavier darts and longer shafts. Apart from this, more textured and larger flights will allow the darts to fly slowly. It can stay in the air for longer.
Conclusion
Each part of a dart serves a purpose, all of which can affect your throw. So it’s important to know the function of each component and the different options available.
What do you feel is the perfect dart for you? Is it that with a longer shaft and smaller Dimplex flight? Or do you feel more comfortable with a medium-length shaft and a more forgiving, larger flight?
