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All you need to
know about Dart Equipment
Whether you plan on keeping it as a
hobby or pursuing a professional career at it, having the right dart
equipment, which you can call your own, adds to the fun you’re
already enjoying with the game.
For starters, getting your own set of darts speeds up turnovers
during a game. That can mean more games for you and hopefully, more
fun in the process.
Besides, a player’s hand and throwing style is unique so getting
your own set can develop a consistent throw and technique thereby
increasing your chances of a better game.
How do you get started in buying your own set of darts?
For one thing, buying your own dart set is like buying clothes. To
get the best fit, you need to be able to try it on. So if you’re
shopping for your first set of darts, consider taking the time and
effort to go visit a store.
Most dart specialty stores and even sporting good shops have a
dartboard set up where you can take throws at for you to be able to
get a feel of the dart.
Materials Used
If you’re a beginner, you may want to start off with a set of brass
darts. Not only are they cheaper (averaging $5-$10) they’re also
easier to handle since they’re light. The idea is for you to get
used to the motion of throwing a dart properly. Once you’ve set your
own groove, issues like weighting can be addressed later on.
For more experienced players, darts made out of nickel-silver or
tungsten may be more their speed. This is because these metals are
denser adding weight to the dart without too much increase in size.
Weight becomes an issue for advanced players since it contributes to
the level of control.
Grip
When trying out the darts, get a feel for the grip. Even if there is
a prescribed way in holding a dart, the way each person performs to
a grip is unique therefore influencing the way one holds and throws
a dart.
Experts recommend getting grooved or patterned grips or knurls. It
increases your chances of an accurate hit, a consistent throw, and
steady control.
Tips
When it comes to the tip of the darts, there are two main varieties,
the steel tip and the soft tip.
Steel tip dart type are the traditional darts having pointed
tips. You may want to think twice about getting a set of these for
younger players and consider getting soft tip darts.
Soft tip darts are made of flexible materials like polyester
and plastic. They will not do the same damage to a board (or
wherever the dart lands) the same way a steel tip dart would. Most
electronic dartboards only accommodate soft tip darts. (more on this
later)
Flight
Flights are the wings of the dart and they provide the stability to
a dart’s path. Depending on how a person throws the dart (straight
or lob), the flight will differ in performance. Like the rest of the
dart, flights are now made of synthetic materials like plastic
replacing the traditional turkey feathers of old.
Most recreational players will get a set of two or three darts
although some avid hobbyists have been known to own as much as ten.
For someone starting out, try out a set for size. After seeing how
it fits you, decide whether you’d like to get the same set or try
another variety.
Dart boards
Next to darts, the dart board is your # 2 item on your list. There
are basically just two kinds of dartboards in the market: the
bristle board and the electronic board. Anything other than that is
more likely a variation of either the two.
Bristle board
A bristle dartboard is the more traditional of the two varieties.
However, do not be misled into thinking a bristle board is made out
of animal bristles. Bristle boards in the market today are made of a
material called sisal - a natural fiber also used in making rope.
Sisal is an ideal material for dartboards because it shows little
indication of damage from dart throwing. This is because the fibers
of the material give way to the tip of a dart (both steel tip and
soft) allowing the tip to insert between the fibers. This is where
it is superior to cork because cork shows pockmarks on the board
face after so many hits.
Electronic boards
The convenience of not needing to keep track of your score is
afforded to you by electronic dartboards. Underneath the surface of
the board are sets of sensors that are triggered when a dart (usually
soft tip) lands on an area. Sensors around the board indicate your
score and an onboard computer tallies you and your opponents’ scores
during a game.
Most electronic dartboards are powered by an AC adaptor although
there are some which run on batteries. These dartboards usually have
easy to read LED displays, which many prefer over LCD panels that
can be difficult to view at different distances and angles.
Cabinets and Backboards
To protect the wall, which the board is mounted on, a backboard is
recommended, but not necessary. Cabinets, which house the dartboard
itself and may have a compartment for dart sets are available as
well.
Ask your dart buddies or visit the local sporting goods store or
dart shop for more options and auxiliary dart equipment available to
you.
But even with then, all you need to get started with darts is just a
good set of darts and a reliable dartboard. Add in a little
sportsmanship and some good company and you’re on your way to
enjoying your first of many dart games.
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