The Perfect Dart Setup for Beginners – 5 Practical Tips to Improve Your Throw

Just getting started with darts and not sure if you're using the right gear? Or maybe you’ve already got a dartboard at home, but your darts don’t feel quite right? In this blog, we’ll walk you through five essential tips to help you improve your dart setup.

This article is based on the YouTube video “Top 5 Tips for your Dart Setup”, which clearly explains how to gain more control over your throw by making the right choices. Whether you're looking for the right dart points, barrels, shafts, or flights – we’ll show you exactly what to look out for.

1. Start with the tip: which type of dart are you using?

Many beginner players focus on how a dart looks, but the tip is actually one of the most important components.

If you're playing on a traditional bristle dartboard, you'll need steel tip darts. If you're playing on an electronic dartboard, you'll need soft tip darts. This difference is crucial – using the wrong type of tip can damage the board and affect your throw.

You can also choose between shorter and longer points. There are even grip points, which can be useful if you place your finger on the tip while aiming.

Looking for replacement dart points? Check out our steel tip dart points or soft tip points.

2. Choose a barrel that fits your grip

The barrel is the part of the dart you hold, and it plays a major role in how the dart feels during your throw. Barrels come in all shapes and sizes – long, short, slim, wide – and with various grip types.

For beginners, darts weighing between 20 and 24 grams are a great starting point. This weight range allows you to get a feel for what suits your throwing style. The grip on the barrel – such as ring grip or knurled grip – gives you extra control without the dart slipping from your fingers.

Explore our range of darts with different barrel designs and find one that fits your grip.

3. Shafts: more important than you think

The shaft connects the barrel to the flight and plays a big role in how the dart behaves in the air. Many beginners don’t realise it, but the length of the shaft can make a real difference.

• Short shafts shift the weight of the dart slightly forward.

• Long shafts shift the weight further back.

What feels right depends on how you throw. The only way to find out what suits you is to try different lengths and see what feels most comfortable.

Material matters too: plastic shafts are lightweight and affordable, while aluminium and carbon shafts are more durable and long-lasting.

Want to learn more? Take a look at our range of dart shafts in different lengths and materials.

4. Flights: shape, durability and protection

Flights might look like a purely visual part of the dart, but they actually help determine how the dart flies through the air. There are several flight shapes available, such as standard, kite, and slim, each affecting flight characteristics differently.

If your darts land oddly or wobble mid-air, it might be time to try a different flight shape. For beginners, standard flights are often the best place to start.

There are also helpful accessories like flight protectors and shaft rings that help your flights last longer and stay in place.

Check out our full selection of dart flights and flight accessories for more options and advice.

5. Make sure your darts are assembled properly

Your dart setup will only work well if all the parts are correctly assembled. Check regularly that your shafts, barrels and flights are firmly attached. Parts can come loose during play, and that can throw off your game.

Tighten your shafts firmly but don’t overtighten them. You can also use accessories like shaft rings or a flight punch to ensure your flights stay secure.

You’ll find all the tools you need in our dart accessories section.

Finding your perfect dart setup: it’s all about trial and experience

There’s no such thing as the “one perfect dart” – it’s about what works for you. By experimenting with different combinations of barrels, shafts and flights, you’ll find the setup that feels just right. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in how confident you feel when throwing.

Ready to get started? Explore our full selection:

• Steel Tip Dart Barrels

• Shafts

• Flights

• Accessories

Still have questions or need help choosing the right setup? Feel free to contact our customer service or check out more of our dart blogs and instructional videos.