What Are Teardrop Darts? Discover Why Frontloaded Barrels Create a Smooth, Effortless Throw

Teardrop darts, also known as tear drop barrels, are a popular choice among players who value control, stability and a natural throwing motion. Thanks to the frontloaded balance and compact shape, these darts follow a smooth and effortless flight path, allowing you to throw with less force and more rhythm. In this blog you will learn what makes teardrop darts unique and which popular models you can find at Dartshopper.

What Are Teardrop Darts?

Teardrop barrels have a characteristic drop-shaped design where most of the weight is positioned towards the front. The front is wider and rounder, while the back tapers off. This design offers several clear advantages.

Teardrop darts are known for:

• a forward balance that naturally guides the dart point in the right direction
• a smooth and consistent flight that requires little power
• a compact barrel that offers strong control in your fingers
• a relaxed, fluid release, ideal for both soft and rhythmic throws

Thanks to these features, teardrop darts are perfect for players who like to let the dart do part of the work.

Top 10 Teardrop Darts

At Dartshopper you’ll find a wide range of teardrop models. Below is a selection of ten popular choices that offer a stable, controlled and effortless throw.

1. Target Nathan Aspinall G1+G2
   A modern teardrop-inspired barrel with a clear frontloaded balance. Great for players who prefer controlled, compact throws.

2. Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6
   A favourite design of Gary Anderson, featuring a compact and recognizable teardrop shape. The smooth release and frontloaded balance make this an outstanding top choice.

3. Red Dragon Luke Humphries TX1 90%
   A modern teardrop with a clear front focus. Flies straight and clean, ideal for players who want to combine rhythm and control.

4. Shot Michael Smith Believe
   A short barrel with a rounded front and stable flight. Known for its consistency and natural throwing feel.

5. Harrows Ryan Searle 90%
   A powerful blend of torpedo and teardrop design. Robust, stable and perfect for players who throw with a lot of control.

6. Koto Kingbomb
   Lightly frontloaded, very affordable and excellent for players who want to explore the teardrop shape. Surprisingly stable for its price point.

7. Harrows Supergrip 90%
   A premium dart at a friendly price. The compact barrel and smooth release make these darts fun and easy to play with.

8. Shot Celt Series
   Short barrels with well-balanced weight and a direct flight path. These darts are known for their pleasant release and predictable trajectory.

9. Winmau Dennis Priestley

   A classic torpedo, teardrop-inspired design with a light frontload. Known for its comfortable grip and smooth release, ideal for players who want a stable, controlled throw.

10. Mission Venom 90%
    A clean teardrop shape with a calm, stable flight. Ideal for players with a relaxed release.

Why Do Players Choose Teardrop Barrels?

Teardrop darts combine control with ease. They are especially popular among players who:

• grip the dart at the front
• throw compact and rhythmic
• want a dart that naturally follows the correct line
• prefer a direct, straight flight
• need stability and comfort when throwing with a soft or relaxed release

Because of the frontloaded weight, the dart takes over part of the work, providing confidence and consistency.

How to Choose the Right Teardrop Darts

Pay particular attention to:

• dart weight
• barrel length
• grip structure
• your grip position (front or mid grip)
• your throwing style, especially if you throw with minimal force

Want to compare teardrops with other barrel shapes? Also read our other blogs: Which Dart Barrel Is Right for Me? and Popular Torpedo Barrel Darts for Perfect Control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teardrop Darts

Are teardrop darts suitable for beginners?
Yes. The front-loaded balance helps beginners aim more easily and develop a natural throwing motion more quickly.
However, it’s still important for any beginner to figure out what works best for them personally. Everyone has their own throwing style and therefore their own preferred setup. Testing different types of darts is essential to discover which ones feel most comfortable.

What is the biggest advantage of teardrop barrels?
They fly straight and stable, quickly settle into their line, and require little effort to throw consistently. The thicker front combined with a slightly recessed grip section provides a comfortable, controlled hold that enhances overall stability and confidence during the throw.

Which throwing style is best suited for teardrop darts?
Players with a relaxed, pushing or rhythmic throw benefit the most. Especially players who throw compactly will notice the difference.

Are teardrop darts the same as torpedo darts?
They are similar, but teardrops usually have a rounder front and a more pronounced frontloaded feeling. Many torpedo barrels do fall within the same family.

Why do professionals sometimes choose teardrop darts?
Because the darts react predictably, the forward balance supports rhythm, confidence, and consistent scoring. Many top-level players—such as Gary Anderson, Nathan Aspinall, and Dennis Priestley use teardrop-style darts, showing how effective this barrel shape can be at the highest level.

Conclusion

Teardrop darts are an excellent choice for players who want to combine control, rhythm and a natural flight path. Thanks to the frontloaded balance and compact shape, the dart does much of the work, allowing you to throw accurately and consistently with minimal effort. Discover the full range of teardrop barrels at Dartshopper and experience how this unique shape can enhance your game.