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As a beginner dart player, choosing your first dartboard can be a challenge. There are different types of dartboards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of dartboards, the key differences between them, and help you decide which dartboard is the best fit for you based on your experience and playing style.
There are three main types of dartboards: bristle dartboards (the classic), soft tip dartboards (electronic dartboards), and magnetic dartboards. Each type has its own features and is suited to different players.
Bristle dartboards are the most popular choice, suitable for both beginners and advanced players. They are made from sisal fibres, which heal quickly after being hit by a dart. This type of board is also used in professional dart tournaments, such as the Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core
Bristle dartboards tend to have thinner wires, which creates more space in sections like the treble 20, making it easier to hit high scores. There are clear differences in wire thickness between models. For example, the Winmau Triple Core has a noticeably thinner wiring system than boards like the Winmau Pro SFB, giving players even more scoring surface and reducing bounce outs.
Electronic dartboards automatically keep track of your score and often include a wide variety of fun game modes. They use normally lighter darts with plastic (soft) tips, which gives a slightly different feel compared to traditional bristle dartboards. Soft tip dartboards are made of plastic and have pre-made holes, making them easy to use and low-maintenance.
While electronic dartboards are often recommended for beginners and casual players, they are also a great option for more experienced players who want to practice conveniently and safely at home. One of the main benefits is the use of soft tip darts, which are much safer than steel tip darts, especially for children. These soft tip darts are less likely to cause injuries, and they also reduce the risk of damage to your walls and floors, making them an excellent choice for home environments.
Although the playing experience may feel slightly less ‘authentic’ compared to a bristle dartboard, the convenience, safety, and variety of built-in games make electronic dartboards a popular and practical option for players of all levels.
These soft tip boards also come with extra games and often are larger in treble and double size making them a great practice tool. They do also come in smaller sizes with reduced trebles and doubles which are sometimes played in some European leagues but typically the larger sizes are more used. The bullseye also usually counts as 50 points but includes the green outer bullseye as 50 also which adds a fun dynamic to soft tip darts as well as the ability to finish the leg using trebles also. The rules can often be changed to suit your style of play.
Magnetic dartboards are perfect for kids. The darts have magnetic tips, so they don’t have sharp points and can’t damage the wall. This makes them super safe, but the challenge is much smaller. They’re fun for children to play with, but if you want to practice seriously, another type of board would be a better choice.
Bristle dartboards are the most commonly used, from casual play to professional tournaments. As a beginner, you can start with a slightly lower-quality board. These are perfect for players who don’t play often and want to learn the ropes, even if sometimes you’ll experience a few bounce outs (when the dart bounces off or out the board). However, if you want to improve and refine your technique, it’s worth choosing a board with higher-quality sisal and a sharper and thinner wire, which will reduce the number of bounce outs and give you a longer-lasting board.
An important part of any dartboard is the wire system. The structure of the wire, including its thickness and shape, has a direct impact on how often your darts bounce out. Dartboards with round wires and staples tend to cause more bounce-outs, while sharp, angled wires help guide darts into the scoring area and significantly reduce deflections.
In addition, thinner wires create more open space in critical scoring zones like the treble and double sections, making it easier to hit those areas. This is especially important for advanced players who want to maximize their accuracy and performance.
In professional competitions, dartboards are required to meet specific standards and that includes having ultra-thin, staple-free wiring. These regulations ensure a fair and consistent playing experience. So, if you want to replicate the feel of tournament play, it's best to practice on a board with thin wiring. This will help you adjust to the precision and setup used in official matches, giving you a competitive edge.
As a beginner, you don’t need to worry about choosing the most expensive or professional board right away. A decent, affordable bristle dartboard with round wire is perfect to start with. If you find yourself playing more often and wanting to improve, you can upgrade to a board with better sisal and a sharper wire for fewer bounce outs and a longer-lasting experience.
For Kids: Magnetic dartboards and soft tip electronic dartboards are ideal for children. They’re safe and easy to use, with no risk of injury or damage to walls and ground.
For Beginners: A standard bristle dartboard with round wire is perfect for beginner players who want to practice occasionally. You get the real dart feeling without spending too much upfront. There is also good choices with thinner wires & also cheap options. So for beginners it’s also how much you want to spend on a dartboard.
For Advanced Players: If you want to take your game more seriously, choose a bristle dartboard with high-quality sisal and a sharp, thin wire system. These boards not only last longer and reduce bounce-outs, but they also offer more space in all scoring sections, especially the doubles and trebles. This makes it easier to hit key targets with precision.
High-end bristle boards are also built to meet official tournament requirements, so practicing on one gives you a more professional and realistic playing experience. Ideal if you're preparing for competitive play.
If you’re just starting out, it can be very convenient to purchase a complete dart set. This way, you don’t have to buy everything separately. We offer sets that include a dartboard, darts, a surround (to protect your walls), and even lighting. This makes it easy for you to get everything you need in one go, so you can start practicing right away. A complete set is a smart choice for beginners who want to get everything sorted in one purchase. You can use our filters to find your perfect options.
Having trouble choosing the right dartboard? Use our filters to quickly find the board that suits you. You can filter by board type, level, quality, and price, so you’ll find the perfect board in no time.
