Frequently Asked Questions about Darts & Dartboards
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Question - What are the components of a Dart?
Answer
A Dart is basically made up of four components: The Tip (Steel or Soft), The Barrel, The Shaft & The Flight
TIP
The two types of Tips most commonly used are Steel Tip or Soft Tip Darts. Steel Tip Darts are used with traditional Bristle Dartboards, while Soft Tip Darts are used mainly with Electronic and plastic Dartboards.
BARREL
Barrels are mostly made out of Brass or Tungsten Alloy. Barrels vary widely in shape, length, diameter and grip. You must choose which Barrel best suits your style of grip and throw. This is very personal, and only you can determine the best dart for you. Tungsten Darts are usually much slimmer allowing closer groupings.
SHAFT
The Shaft allows the proper spacing between the Barrel and the Flight. The rule of thumb is to choose the shortest shaft that is comfortable for you, so as to minimize “wobble” or “cork-screwing”. Also ensure that the shaft allows a comfortable feel for a smooth, flat trajectory. Shafts are made from varying materials including Nylon, Aluminum and Polycarbonate.
FLIGHT
Flights act as a counterbalance to the Barrel. Flights come in a wide variety of shapes and material. A players speed and style of throw will determine what flights should be used. Again, this is a very individual choice and you should experiment to find what works for you. There are standard flights you should consider when using Steel Tip or Soft Tip Darts.
Answer
Mounting or Hanging the Dartboard. (Click here for full diagram in PDF Format)
The center of the bull should be exactly 1.73m or 5'8" from the floor. Most good Bristle Dartboards are hung from the center, which makes this task easy. If you have a Dartboard that hangs from the top, you will need to measure the distance from the center of the Bull (bulls-eye in the middle of the dartboard) to the hanger and add that distance to the height. If you are mounting a Dartboard Cabinet or Dartboard Backboard you will also need to have these centered around the Dartboard. The Oche (Throw Line) should be measured at 2.37m or 7' 9 1/4" from the FACE OF THE BOARD (not from the wall). If you have a raised Oche (eg a block of wood), the face or where the toe will meet must be at 2.37m or 7' 9 1/4" from the FACE OF THE BOARD.
Electronic darts: The center of the bull should also be 5"8" from the floor. The Oche (Throw Line) should be measured at 2.44m or 8' from the FACE OF THE BOARD (not from the wall).
Question – Where is the best place to locate my Dartboard?
Answer
Dart Board Location and Safety
Your dartboard should be located in a safe place away from anything that may break or be devalued if hit by a stray Dart. A safe place means an area where no one can accidentally walk into the playing area during a game.
The path to the board will become worn. If you have hardwood or carpeted floors, it would be advisable to purchase a Mat for protection. Many Mats double to give you the correct distance from the Dartboard to the Oche /Throw Line (Click here for a good example of a protective mat). If desired the Mat can be stowed away when not in use.
There should be adequate lighting on the Dartboard. It would be ideal to light the Dartboard so that a shadow is not cast over it. You can get the best ideas about lighting at venues where Darts is played and need not be expensive. However, you can be as elaborate as you wish to achieve the desired result.
Question - How Can I get a long life out of my Dartboard?
Answer
Care for the Dart Board
Bristle (Traditional or Steel Tip) Dartboards will eventually wear unevenly due to the nature of the game with the 20 section being used the most. Most Bristle Dartboards have a wire ring (spider) that can be rotated (repositioned) so the Dartboard will wear more evenly giving a very long life to the Dartboard.
Electronic and Soft Tip Dartboard Darts (Soft Tip or Soft Darts) - Dart tips from Soft Tip Darts will sometimes break off and remain in the board. These should be periodically removed with either tweezers or a point "pusher" available here.
How do I mark the line from where I throw the Darts?
Answer
Marking the Oche (Throw Line)
The throw line (also known as the Oche) should be about 0.6m to 0.9m (2' to 3') wide. It may be made of tape, a store bought throw-line sticker, a piece of wood or metal. It can even be drawn with a marker (not recommended), but it should be placed exactly 2.37m or 7' 9 1/4" from the FACE OF THE BOARD (not from the wall). Click here for full measurement diagram
